job SOURCING

Thought I would refresh my memory on job sourcing this summer, whether exclusively for the holidays, a sandwich job, or your first step on the career ladder (ie. you're doing a Criminology degree and decide to do admin for the Police Department).

As far as I know both Child and Adolescent Studies, and Criminology have lectures/seminars themed around job hunting, interview skills etc, in their 2nd year. An assignment where your CV, cover letter, Personal Development Plan (look below at my sample of a PDP) and job research is graded. I'm not rubbish at CVs, but it was a good way to know I was on the right track, giving me confidence in my interview skills, and analysis of a job is something I'd never done professionally before.

The UoB has a great page for CV and cover letter writing (click right here) but not only that they offer a free drop in session at Career Services on the ground floor of I block. I found this terrifically useful in the assignment, with proof reading my CV and PDP, and one of the advisors even gave me a good hour and a half for some career guidance. They also do a similar certification called the EDGE. 

Having said all that, I'd like to put it out there that the formal "job hut" and CV saturation of your entire town/city, isn't always going to be YOUR route to the job you're after - in fact we may often find ourselves somewhere better than our dream job. For example, when I first signed up to university and was looking for work, I signed up as a Nursery Nurse with a local recruitment agency, staffing nurseries and creches when needed. This led to me staffing schools when Teaching Assistants were absent, which then ended up with my being employed in one (I went through the external interview process but from knowing the school I was much more confident). Now I am seeking what avenues I can pursue to benefit my experience and career, whether it's after-school-clubs, interventions, parent workshops - might end up doing a PGCE yet.

I will be honest and say I don't know where I'm headed, but if you keep asking questions, keep throwing yourself out there, you are bound to end up somewhere very interesting and possibly the best thing that could happen to you. Now to keep my eyes peeled and myself at the ready this summer holidays ….

I'm about to get down and dirty with year three...reading lists, literature review of my dissertation, and getting in touch with lecturers over the learning outcomes from the units I have to choose from.

I understand that there are optional units in this my final year, and I already know which ones I am interested in, but after a brief conversation with a fellow students, I thought about how I want my CV to look in a years' time...what field I am looking at? I confess I am terrified of doing a sociology only unit, because I have found the assignments mind-boggling, but if I wanted to embark on a global scale, say the United Nations, then they would probably be looking for something like that. I think it would be helpful to know what I will get out of it (learning outcomes) as opposed to just what I'm vaguely interested in.

Those finishing their third years this year, thank you - as I am well and truly terrified!  So much work, so little time. So much to be done, so much panic! However in speaking to a few lecturers they have encouraged me that for the well organised, and those who think ahead, in can in fact be easier than second year! I have yet to prove that but it has inspired me to work harder now rather than the new academic year hits.

And if all else fails...at least I will live longer due to having a purpose to strive for in my life. See new study's find at this link...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-27393057

2015 here we come!

In thinking over the last academic year, I find my mind going WWW (what went well) and EBI (even better if). Looking at the opportunities I've had and the ones that I've missed and would like to utilise in this new year. I'm also looking over my contacts built and who I may want to stay in contact with or need to "impress" in my last year before graduation.

Right from the beginning of my degree my lecturer's poignant words rang in my ear "Your career starts from today". And you've probably noticed the urgency in all my blog posts. :) Life is so short and we only get one chance to experience it to the full.

Particularly in our CAS Conference Day a couple of weeks ago (see previous article) , I've noted the opportunities relevent to Health and Social Science students. The Access Partnership Associates, the Children's Centre Volunteer Programme and now it's sister Family Engagement Officer Volunteers. We have the Blog Internships. The Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) teams!

It's PAL that I am particularly interested in being a part of this year. It looks like a great way to develop skills in working with individuals and small groups, and give confidence in related work. I'll try to keep you posted on what happens there!

CAS Conference 2014

This week saw the First Ever Child and Adolescent Studies Degree Conference - and I had the pleasure if being a part of it this last Wednesday.

Over two months in the making, and with the wonderful StEPs team joining us late last month to help make it a reality, we invited students and organisation representatives to talk about the power of volunteering, and how to apply what we have learned on our degree to our work field.

From crèche nannying to College lecturers, the university's Children Centre partnership with the local council, to The National Citizenship Service - I was amazed to see how diverse the experience and opportunities are to those coming from our degree. Students volunteered to speak for fifteen minutes about their experiences, hold poster presentations on their roles, and host promotional tables for the charities they were involved in. By the end of the day I was truly proud not just to be a part it, but to be a park of a community of professional learners to whom the sky is the limit.

Well done CAS students 2014, 2015 and 2016! X

Descriptive > Analytical > Critical analysis.

These were the three degrees of university learning that my lecturer told of me yesterday. I had asked to meet him due to getting a grade (not a very bad one I might add), but wanting to go further and keep progressing, I needed to find out where I was going wrong and could improve - I'm going to need to if I want a decent degree to talk about like a first or an upper second.

You're on a trajectory path, he said. Something I had never heard of before. In your first years you 'die' for an A, but you don't always get it, perhaps due to the challenge of the assignment or your personal ability. But one doesn't simply arrive on site at university and within days become a raging, A+ academic. And I realised that in order to be happy professionally, efficient and achieve my goals, I needed to stay on this 'trajectory path'. (1) Descriptive = our first year academically, describing what we read and see. (2) Analytical = dissecting, looking carefully at, reasoning within ourselves the theories and current policies. (3) Critical Analysis = making our contributing, taking all we have learnt and arguing what holds true and what does not.

A friend of mine started out her first year as a C student, which might have discouraged or hit me hard, but then in her second year she was a B, and her third she is now an A student (getting regular A-, A and A+). And when we talked about it, that was a success story. In today's climate where it's more than the paper that says you've got a degree, it's the 3D learning, it's the character you build and display from your learning years. Perhaps this is a good thing, employers (while they look at your qualifications) are looking even more at YOU. What has our degree made us, how do we present ourselves, how have we spent our time. I could be wrong but I believe this is the way of future employment and success stories.

Which brings me to what my lovely unit co-ordinator told us in an informal meeting one day: I don't care if you get A's, B's or C's, as long as you work to the best of your ability.

We are each on a different journey, with different abilities and talents (some aren't even academic), but to know you had been through university and not reached your full capabilities, THAT'S painful.

And it comforts me to know that even if I don't get the first or even the upper second class degree, if I challenged myself, and aspire to the next level at all time, then I will reach my full potential and be happy no matter what my grades are.

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On another topic, if you would like to see the StEP project I have been working on, here's is a sneak peak poster advertisement made for the event….

Surrounded

My postcard to you this well-deserved Friday:

I remember reading someplace that to stay inspired and committed to excellence, you must surround yourself with people of the same mind, and that is what I have experienced this last month.

As the final four assignments this past month were all being hammered out on our laptops and created from the academic pages we mulled over, I started to feel a sense of camaraderie I hadn't experienced or even been particularly grateful for before. Being a bit of a lone wolf (perhaps from too many disappointments) I've spent the last two years keeping much to myself, getting my work done, and yes, making friends in the process, but this month I've realised how much I have needed others, and some moments where I couldn't have made it without that support. To keep you in the right path, to support and be supported by, and learn from - particularly since this is a human services degree it could not be more vital to each one of us - as we work together. And this is something you just can't maintain surrounded by people without the same aspirations and hopes and dreams and standards. 

That's why I went into higher education, because I didn't just want a job, I wanted something that would make a difference in others lives and change my life too. I also wanted to be surrounded by those type of people too, because no human being can carry the case load in human services alone. It's a niche choice of professionalism, and not everybody leads their careers this way, but believe me it is worth it going to sleep at night and knowing you've endeavoured to live to your full potential.

So here is a massive thank you to those friends who have shared their knowledge, learning and support with me this last year, from first, second and third years!

Congratulations to those of you who are beginning a new chapter of your lives as you graduate and a promise to those of us who are still getting there. To class 2015!

Applying, Step 3: Which University?

Feeling I'm in a bit of a time paradox as I observe my frantic 3rd-year counter-parts as they complete and hand in their dissertations and final assignments, and at the same time find myself relating to next year's "wannabe students" as they try to decide if the UoB (University of Bedfordshire) is right for them. 

It's been a great experience reaching out to the 3rd years, this happened via our society across the 3 years and really a good way to step outside of our year group. They have all been incredibly supportive and helpful, and making us think twice as we've made certain decisions. "I made that mistake in 2nd year" and "I wish I had done things differently because I am paying for it now". We all know how regret is a hard thing to live with - and the best sight is hindsight - coupled together it has encouraged a lot of us to buckle down and hope to end the degree with as little regret as possible - which basically equates to a lot of hard work and lack of sleep.

Makes me grateful to have chosen the university I am in now, as I decided to take the route that would allow me to stay with my fiancé and family network close by, and allowed me to get a job I knew I could hold on to at the end of the day. A lot of convenience factors were taken into account, but then I'm a "mature student" and had to make the choices accordingly.

If I had been unattached, then I would have broadened my horizons and used university to accomplish some of those '7 Things Before You're 25' (seriously a great starting point if you want to be independent and grow up). But in all honestly, my Bucket List has a LOT of ticks on it, and I have it in my confidence to get what I want out of life, and that's why choosing a university close to my present location worked for me. UoB may not be a top or well known university, and there are numerous things I would like to see changed (cleaner toilets for one - ahem! ladies!), but then that's why I'm a Student Representative, attend Portfolio Executive Committee meetings and get involved with making it what I want it to be. That is one thing I feel UoB is great in, giving the students a voice and allowing them to dictate.

Considering the degree I was interested in was also a big factor. For me, the UoB is the only university doing the Child and Adolescent Studies' degree. It's a brilliant, broad strokes degree that I can use to learn about the human services, and in my 3rd year I can choose the units that best suit the direction I am choosing to take. If I were doing another degree, a more specific degree, I might have felt differently.

I will leave you on a few pointers to consider...

Pick a University with…

• good student participation - education should be a two-way street
• genuine teaching staff - you can't learn from someone you don't respect
• travel connections that suit you - considering your family/relationships and how easy you may want to get to them
• the course that you want! and if there is the option to choose a firm choice and an insurance choice then shoot high! 

TopRead of the Term!

goes to … (a drum role pulease!)

Gangs as Alternative Transitional Structures, a journal article in primary research by Jewelle Gibbs

Gibbs, J. T. (2000) 'Gangs as alternative transitional structures: Adaptations to racial and social marginality in Los Angeles and London' Journal of Multicultural Social Work, 8 (1-2), p. 71-99

I used this in my latest Research Approaches module assignment, and in my own mind it's the most interesting journal I've read so far. Not perfect (but as I am learning, no research every is) I still found it to explore fascinating themes as to why youth and individuals become enticed into gang membership, and what it really means to them. Not just dodgy gangs of unruly and disorganised youth, to some it represented a place to go and people that would accept you, not to mention the emotional and social needs of those maturing into adulthood and have no where else to find it without being labelled and excluded. A great read, but I realise I can only understand it now that I have some comprehension to academic jargon. Ah well, here's to writing some of my own interesting academic findings in plain English.

The Research Approaches Module of year 2 has not been to everyone's liking, I however have found it quite fun to play researcher for the last few months, especially with the approaching dissertation of my final year coming up. The module sees introductions into computer research programs like SSPS and NVivo, and how to analyse both qualitative and quantitative data. Assignment 2 (where I used this article extensively) had me writing a critics review of the article, analysing how one would do their own research - which incidentally the proposal of which is coming up in the final assignment of this module. Oh joy!

Child and Adolescent Studies, Year 1 Units

This afternoon I found myself clearing out and filing the contents of a drawer with all my year one material. I ended up looking at some of my notes, unit contents, my old schedule, and mostly my assignments and their grades. Not horrendous grades, but in looking at the notes, I realised how the things that were picked up on by lecturers aren't a problem any more, and how much better my grading has become now in my second year. Sure, I'm not your A+ student, but it's nice to realise how far I've come and actually improved academically from one year to the next, and I know I will develop more in my final year. Having said that, in realising where I was a year ago, during the beginning stages of university and working at the same time, I realise I've developed in my professional capacity as well, with much more confidence in practice, understanding why we do certain things in the human services.

Some of the units in my first year were:

• Introduction to Working with Children, Young People and Families

The foundational principles behind working with individuals and families, respecting their choices and working with a person centred approach, as well as abiding by professional ethics.

• Academic Skills for Higher Education

A great way to get your head around academic referencing, note-taking, and (the biggie) plagiarism. 

• Introduction to the Human Services

Mostly a historical background and the reasons why we have the human services in this country, as well as some of the roles that are out there.

• Foundations in the Social Sciences

Not everybody's cup of tea, but personally a favourite of mine. I never really understood politics or how governments work, but this unit really help me to understand current events and things that are happening in the UK and other countries, and how they effect us. 

I think if I had taken the time to understand the units before I took them, I might have had a better approach to them at the beginning, as it were I was quite blank and naive initially, but hopefully this will help you get the better grades in your first year as opposed to your second.

Go Professional!

This week the university also held our 'Go Professional Event' - an opportunity to gain some knowledge and make some connections for your career future.

I'm unsure how this played out across other degrees, but for yours' truly we were honoured with a question panel on the morning of the 5th February. We had guests from the probational service, women's aid, and a few other human services, all sitting there for an hour just to answer any questions that we could think of to send some light on their jobs and how they got into them.

During our workshops there were speakers on some of the Postgraduate Degrees available in the university. I attended the Social Worker MSc and found her to be a fabulous speaker, not just letting us know that the course had to offer, but on some of the routes and specialities of social work. Very valuable information if you're like me and beginning to think about what you want to do rather than just a vague title.

Sadly I was too busy to take photos that day, but the main floor was packed with charities and organisations ready to talk to about their work and ways that you could get involved and gain some experience volunteering. Some of which were:

• Keyring
• Humanitas Charity
• Tokko
• Families United Network
• Access2books
• Luton Culture
• Khayaal Theatre Company
• Stagenhoe – Sue Ryder
• Bedfordshire FA
• Noah Enterprise
• SOS Bus
• Voluntary Works
• Alive N Kicking
• Save the children
• Enactus Bedfordshire
• Carers in Bedfordshire
• MS Society
• Community Resettlement Project (CRSP)
• HealthWatch Luton
• FOBE - Friends of Bright Eyes
• GreenHouse Mentoring
• Volunteer general stall
• Girl Guiding Luton
• Changing Lives
• Guide Dogs for the Blind
• Cancer Research UK
• UpRising
• Luton Borough Council
• Leonard Cheshire Disability
• Keech Hospice Care

So you can see how diverse the opportunities were! And all localised branches which makes it very convenient for students. If you're someone like me that feels they already have their plate full, then consider the summer when there are no lectures or workshops; I know that will give me two extra days a week for over 6 weeks when I won't be working, definitely an opportunity not to be missed. Or maybe that's the time you can use to look for an foundational job within the organisation you are dreaming about working for. Who knows what that time can offer you.

The Working Student

When I first thought about going to uni I remember thinking to myself, It will be so great not to have a job! To be paid to study! What a luxury! Oh how life has taught me otherwise.

To be fair at least I do acknowledge that it was more serendipity than intentional for me to work my way through university. In working at a school before the summer holidays, I was given the opportunity to take on the job and part time to suit my studies. It hadn't been drilled into me yet how having a job role or work experience in a similar field to my course was beneficial.

Now - in 2nd year - it's all I hear! Work experience. Add to your CV. Experiment in job roles. Learn first hand about job roles. I hear this every day as well as through my emails, how valuable it is to have something to show for your years in university. They say that 2nd year is the best year because you've had a chance to get into your studies and have some ideas of what you're interested in.

And I agree completely. In working in a school I have seen firsthand what roles others play in schools, the social workers, teachers, SEN Coordinators, Language Support, to Counsellors to name just a few. All people I am working alongside and talking to and getting information from, some of them have even helped me in my assignments related to their job roles or just with advice. Great stuff. I have also mentally added ticks and question marks to the roles that I have found myself connecting with. Of course this is not the same as work experience or having those roles, but I feel competent should someone in an interview ask me what I know to expect of a role, PLUS (and a big plus) I know a little more about what I am interested in and would like to pursue.

Another advantage to working while studying, even if a minor role like mine, I feel that because my employers know I am studying in relation to my work, that I am serious about my career, and I believe that is the main reason why they gave me the job. After 9 months I have already been given new responsibilities that stretch my learning and capabilities (in a good way), I also have the prospect of a decent promotion in my role - something I am preparing for.

And yes, as they say, it is all something to go on my CV. The learning curves, the people-skills, and personal time management (who cannot respect someone who learns on the job and in a university in the same week?). Not to mention the fact that I actually manage to put something in my purse at the end of the month and am not one of those poor, penniless students - poor things.

However, having a decent job and studying at the same time usually results in an extra pile of this by the weekend …

PS:

I have also taken up the paperwork towards the EDGE Award (something I wish they did down at the Job Centre!), and it is teaching me about reflective working, applications and job research, plus interview skills when applying to the job you're dreaming of. I will have to keep you posted on this as I am right now working on it, as I know it is the same work I will need to submit for one of my unit's assignments. But pop over to the Careers and Employment Centre if you're interested.

Applying, Step 2: Applications

Although I usually post on a Friday I thought my wee words of wisdom might be useful to anyone out there who is at this moment struggling with sending in their applications for university next academic term - and who may just be sending it off for a social science's degree. The deadline is Wednesday, 15th January at 6pm - London time! Go to this link for any last minute decision makers or breakers!

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Writing my application was a lot harder than I thought it would be, a lot of question answering, online forms, and general digging for evidence. I originally considered it to be my grades that would be my downfall, however with encouragement from the lecturers and staff I had met at the Open Days, I applied first, rather than wait to get a chance through clearing. While time-consuming, most of it is straightforward clicking and personal details, but as I said, I just had to dig out all my old school days certificates, GCSE's, NVQ's, even things like ICT, or Child Safeguarding. I searched high and low for all the evidence I could find to show that I had worked hard academically and made as much use of my time as possible through experience and worthwhile projects. I also contacted my former NVQ Assessor, a wonderful, relaxed and experienced woman, who straight away agreed to be a reference for my application, as she knew my work ethic as well as the studious side of me in my written work. Someone like that is probably your best bet because you want the university to know you're a worthwhile person as well as can hold a pen and formulate some ideas on paper.

Finally, I needed to write my statement. Never ever written anything like it before! I decided to go for the straightforward approach, and just tell my life story from beginning to end, trying to join the dots to show that this degree was perfect for me. Perfect because I had done volunteering for a community centre who supported young people; perfect because I had worked in nurseries for two years and knew the foundations to childhood that could be built upon within the degree; perfect because although I've tried out different career paths, I have always been drawn to supporting others, especially children and families. Perfect because I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life! - but this degree could open up so many ideas and pathways to my future.

Your life story may not be as long as mine was, you may have nothing in the way of experience, but somewhere, inside, you have something that wants to give to and help others, whether behind the scenes or on the frontline. And it's that something that you need to put in your statement.

Good luck!

Applying, Step 1: Open Days/which Degree?

Thinking back to this time of year before I began uni: I didn't really have a clue to go about it. I knew I wanted to learn a new skill and have something more to contribute to my career, so I decided to take the time to find out about uni and if it would be what I needed (I had done an advanced National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) and enjoyed it thoroughly, but uni is quite a different ball game).

First I found out about Open Days. I can't emphasis enough how important this is, if you are applying to universities away from home then it's equally important. Giving you a chance to walk about, meet students (ask them the questions you may be too embarrassed to ask the lecturers, you'll be surprised with their frank and insightful responses), and find out more about the courses you may be interested in. Keep your mind open to the other degrees under the umbrella of the area you are interested in, even if you think you already know what you want. Tell student ambassadors and lecturers that you are to meet what you enjoy and want to learn, maybe your idea of what you want to become once you graduate, and they will be able to direct you to some good choices.

I remember at the time I applied I was convinced I wanted to teach, so I asked for a degree that might prepare me for a PGCE but still explore other avenues within the care an education world - due to the fact three years is a long time, anything can happen and you can change as a person in your desired and decisions.

During the open day, in saying I wasn't sure on what degree to take, I was recommended a few, however I was also recommended to meet with the head lecturer of the degree. I remember being mortified! Meeting someone I didn't know with no idea of what to talk or what questions to ask, but I tried to come up with a few and I found the lecturers I spoke to very helpful and giving me confidence in the degree that I eventually chose (this also helped with my applying statement which I will cover in a following post).

Personally speaking I chose the University of Bedfordshire (UoB) because it was close and convenient to home and friends, but that's not to say I would have gone if I was not impressed with the staff and environment of learning. Someone else might find that in going to a few universities that they find one that fits them like a glove, and kudos to you, but two years on and I am still happy with the UoB as I find it gives me what I need.