Careers with a Sociology, Communications and Media degree. Kate Croucher Deputy Director Careers Placement and Careers Centre

Transcription

1 Careers with a Sociology, Communications and Media degree Kate Croucher Deputy Director Careers Placement and Careers Centre

2 What we ll cover What can you do with your degree? How can you make the most of the time you ve got at Brunel? Postgraduate study what, why, how? Help from the Placement and Careers Centre

3 Myth busting Teaching or social work are my only options 2010 Brunel Sociology/Comms graduates working as: - Sales and Marketing Executive - HR Graduate Trainee - Research and Development Assistant - PR Account Executive - Recruitment Consultant - Production Assistant - Assistant Editor - Marketing Personal Assistant

4 What can you do with your degree? Comms/Media grads are often drawn to careers such as: Media Production TV, film, radio Press, PR and Journalism Marketing, advertising Sociology grads are often drawn to careers such as: Research, public sector policy, advice, welfare, housing, youth work and social work Teaching primary, secondary, special needs, FE and HE Your options are much broader -60% of graduate employers have no preference for subject studied

5 Myth busting Media careers are only possible if you have connections Brunel graduates are currently working for: o Endemol Big Brother Production Manager o Sky TV -Head of Graduate Talent o Avalon Television TV Producer o Channel 4 PA to Head of 4 Talent o BBC Radio Producer o Aegis Media Digital Planning Director But they didn t get there without networking, persistence, talent and a perfect CV

6 Myth busting The job market is still difficult best option is to do a Masters/go travelling/keep my parttime job and wait for things to get better Be sure of your reasons for postgraduate study More time to decide what to do may be a risky strategy It can be very costly Independent travel is a fantastic opportunity but you ll still have to face the music when you return (and you might miss out on some opportunities while you re away) Be careful not to get stuck in the retail rut

7 Beware the following assumptions Teaching s an easy/safe option I ll start volunteering in the new year I ll start job applications in the summer I ll start thinking what I want to do after my degree Best to focus my energy on getting the best possible degree grade Hobbies and interests aren t very important Employers won t be interested in retail/customer service experience best to leave it off my CV

8 Reasons for postgraduate study Improve my job prospects Wait for the economic climate to improve May be an essential qualification for chosen career Allows for a change in direction Specialisation in a particular aspect of undergrad study Personal challenge A lecturer has suggested it If I don t do it now I ll lose the ability/motivation to study I don t know what else to do more time to decide

9 Make sure you consider Why do you want to do it? What advantages might the qualification give you in the job market? Course content -what will it add to your academic profile? What challenges might you face during it? How does it relate to your longer term career plans? Are you certain that this is the best time to do it? Can you afford to do it? No central application system or deadline

10 What s on offer? Masters (MA/MSc/MRes) 12 month academic study allowing specialisation or a new direction MA Sociology & Media Studies, MRes Professional/Postgrad diplomas 12 months 2 years. More vocational and geared towards professions PGCE, Dip Social Work, LPC Research PhD Develop expert knowledge of your chosen field Subjects available often determined by the current research activities of the university First steps to an academic career

11 Some suggestions

12 How can you make the most of the time you have at Brunel? Research your sector graduate schemes v foot in the door Know your job titles Eg what are the key roles in a media production team? Entry points for a new graduate? How do people get jobs in your chosen sector? Explore your networks create some new ones Make your CV more interesting Where are your gaps? Have you got enough/any experience? Create your social media profile Are you really suited to this line of work?

13 Media Research the job roles - Work experience -Guardian Media Guide, PACT, Kemps Directory, watch the credits! Research the sector Extracurricular activities: Create an on-line profile blog, website, twitter Write focused and persuasive applications

14 Social care professions Research the roles - Volunteer work-subject/

15 Know yourself Are you suited to these roles? Personal considerations Is there a better/different match? What if you don t know what you want to do? ject.htm#s ding-on-your-career

16 How can the Placement and Careers Centre help? Careers Consultants help you think about your skills & explore your options Advertise graduate training schemes, immediate graduate level jobs and internships Employer events on campus: Help with job applications CVs, application forms, postgraduate study applications, interviews Quick Query Mon-Fri 11.30am-3.30pm for a longer appointment

17 Questions? Kate Croucher Become a fan of our page

18 Copies of the slides from this workshop will be available by the end of the week at: