How can I secure an exciting career post Sixth Form?
Our Head of Careers, Kate Mead explores some top tips to make yourself more employable and stand out from the crowd.
1. Get involved in school life
Take advantage of the wealth of extra-curricular activities on offer at St Mary’s Sixth Form. Whether you enjoy sport, drama, music, politics… there are lots of opportunities to get involved in. Besides meeting new students, it gives you the opportunity to develop new skills, work in a team and develop your collaborative and leadership skills, which are all top requirements from employers.
2. Ask the Careers Department for professional advice
Many people leave visiting our careers service until they have nearly finished their sixth form studies, however it is better if we can work with you from the start of Year 12. On joining the Sixth Form we ask you to complete a careers questionnaire so we can offer bespoke careers advice targeted to your interests and aspirations. Our dedicated Careers Department based in the Sixth Form Centre are available to you throughout the year; we offer individual support with regards to career options and work experience possibilities. This advice can help you choose a suitable career and understand what employers are looking for in a new recruit. We also offer CV and interview skill sessions; first impressions are important and a simple spelling mistake or poor presentation can mean that your CV ends up in the reject pile.
3. Keep a record
When you finish your studies you will have a record of your grades, but you also need to be able to tell employers the skills you have developed and how you use them. Employers like practical examples so it is useful to keep a record of your personal development throughout the year. Record the activities that you have been involved in and write down what you have gained from them. At St Mary’s you will set up an individual WordPress site where you can record and reflect on your experiences to help you prepare for life after Sixth Form. The kind of activities you choose to blog about may include: books read, volunteering, sport, lectures, leadership positions, work experience, music activities, drama productions and participation in essay competitions.
4. Work hard and get good grades
While high grades are not everything, many employers and Universities still specify minimum entry requirements. At St Mary’s you have access to our Career’s programme Kudos. This allows you to search for University courses and apprenticeships, and provides detailed entry criteria including specific UCAS points.
5. Volunteering
Companies like employing people who have given up their time for free; it demonstrates that you are prepared to help others and want to make a difference. You can volunteer through St Mary’s or contact local organisations. If you don’t have time to volunteer every week, you may be able to help out on a special project such as renovating a community centre or running a fundraising event.
6. Work experience
Although students may work part-time, gaining work experience as part of your Sixth Form really improves your employment opportunities and strengthens your UCAS application. St Mary’s offers bespoke work experience placements in Year 12. After a consultation with you, we take into account your ambitions and future career interests to make the work experience as fulfilling as possible
7. Networking
You may have heard about “the hidden job market” – this describes employers who may want your talents but don’t know it yet. To improve your chances of tapping into this market, make yourself visible, and network as much as possible. Social media can be a really useful tool; use platforms like LinkedIn to build a professional profile and make connections with professionals working in your chosen area. Don’t forget to make the most of your existing network. You are often only two or three steps away from knowing someone in your chosen profession, so speak to friends, family, tutors etc. and find out who they know. At St Mary’s we offer opportunities for you to network at events, such as Learning Lunches and the Careers Fair.
8. Be confident
If you get through to the later stages of interviews and assessment centres remember that you have earned the right to be there. The employer or University has seen potential in you and wants to find out more. If you don’t get offered the job or course, ask for feedback on your performance, learn from it and move on. There is a career out there for everyone, you just need to be persistent to find the right one for you.