Graduate jobs?

ceewash

Any advice? I am helping my son look for his first job after graduating. Not an easy task with little work experience or idea of direction. Does anyone know if graduates can apply for internships or do you have to be at uni? Also are apprenticeships only for 16-18 year olds?
I trawl through endless pages of jobs in sales and marketing, commision only, call centres etc. He needs to earn some money as he doesn't live with me so has bills to pay. All feels bit hopeless but I'm trying to help him stay positive as I know it can take time.

agrinnall

He would need to read the advertisements for internships to see who can apply, but I would expect that at least some would be open to graduates.

For apprenticeships, lots of information available here,

https://www.gov.uk/topic/further-education-skills/apprenticeships

and in particular have a look at this which covers the different levels available.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/471383/Apprenticeships_Learner_Brochure__updated_October__15_.pdf

GothicStirling

Why are you trawling for jobs for him? He's got a degree, he should be able to do his own research.


To be truthful, he should have been looking and applying for graduate schemes this time last year (when he was still at university). Any graduate schemes now won't start until next September (my sister graduates in June, she's already lining up interviews). He needs to research what schemes are still open for this year, if he needs money he may have to consider shop or catering work until he can get something better. He needs to move faster, Graduate Schemes normally only have a window of 2 years after graduation. He certainly needs more work experience behind him, as other applicants will have top class degrees, plus summer internships, plus part time jobs while at university.


Tell him to acquaint himself with http://www.prospects.ac.uk/graduate_job_search.htm. But really, he should have been doing this while at university (which is where I was shown Prospects).

theoretica

Most universities have a careers service who are ideally placed to provide relevant guidance, handouts and probably even job lists. Has he been in touch with his?

ceewash

GothicStirling wrote: »

Why are you trawling for jobs for him? He's got a degree, he should be able to do his own research.


To be truthful, he should have been looking and applying for graduate schemes this time last year (when he was still at university). Any graduate schemes now won't start until next September (my sister graduates in June, she's already lining up interviews). He needs to research what schemes are still open for this year, if he needs money he may have to consider shop or catering work until he can get something better. He needs to move faster, Graduate Schemes normally only have a window of 2 years after graduation. He certainly needs more work experience behind him, as other applicants will have top class degrees, plus summer internships, plus part time jobs while at university.


Tell him to acquaint himself with http://www.prospects.ac.uk/graduate_job_search.htm. But really, he should have been doing this while at university (which is where I was shown Prospects).

I am just trying to help him look. He is working very hard and spending most of his days applying for things. I know he should have probably started earlier. He did work his way through uni which is to his credit but his course did not have a work element to it. I will direct him back to his uni, that's a good idea. It's the "getting more experience behind him" which is the difficult bit, especially relevant experience.

missbiggles1

ceewash wrote: »

I am just trying to help him look. He is working very hard and spending most of his days applying for things. I know he should have probably started earlier. He did work his way through uni which is to his credit but his course did not have a work element to it. I will direct him back to his uni, that's a good idea. It's the "getting more experience behind him" which is the difficult bit, especially relevant experience.

Sorry, I read your first post as he was unemployed. Are there any chances of progression from his current job - what sort of skills, experience and contacts has he gained from it?

[Deleted User]

missbiggles1 wrote: »

Sorry, I read your first post as he was unemployed. Are there any chances of progression from his current job - what sort of skills, experience and contacts has he gained from it?

I read that as he's unemployed but trying very hard 'looking for jobs' - which I can imagine, as looking for work can be a full time job in itself.

I'd second looking at prospects.ac.uk - i found my second 'graduate' job through that.

I hope he's attending all sorts of jobs fairs.

missbiggles1

ringo_24601 wrote: »

I read that as he's unemployed but trying very hard 'looking for jobs' - which I can imagine, as looking for work can be a full time job in itself.

I'd second looking at prospects.ac.uk - i found my second 'graduate' job through that.

I hope he's attending all sorts of jobs fairs.

"Trying very hard " and "working very hard " aren't really the same thing, particularly as the OP says that s/he's the one "trawling through endless pages of jobs ".

ceewash

He is unemployed now. Long story. He had to give up student job. Long hours. Going nowhere. Needed time to focus on job hunting.
Have used prospects website but I'll remind him again. Many graduate schemes seem to be asking for work experience.

ceewash

missbiggles1 wrote: »

"Trying very hard " and "working very hard " aren't really the same thing, particularly as the OP says that s/he's the one "trawling through endless pages of jobs ".

Be kind. Don't assume he's not. He is trying hard. I'm just trying to help.

ceewash

He doesn't know in terms of a career but he's willing to consider most things with career structure.