Career opportunities
The Queen Mary Careers Service can help you whatever you are interested in and whatever stage you are at. Whether you are looking for a part-time job or don’t have a clue what to do when you graduate, we can assist! Contrary to some expectations, we don’t just cater for those wanting to go into the City but have resources and advice covering a whole spectrum of jobs and interests.
We run regular workshops on interview skills, job applications, psychometric tests and assessment centres, as well as daily CV clinics and 15 minutes Quick Queries, where you can chat to a Careers Adviser about anything related to work. Here is a small selection of the Careers events which may be of interest to you over the Autumn term. For rooms and details of all workshops and events please see our calendar: www.careers.qmul.ac.uk/events/
What jobs could I do?
To look at what other QM Geographers have gone on to do take a look at http://www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/careers/index.html
Useful websites
Royal Geographical Society
Prospects
http://www.mrs.org.uk/careers/sources.htm
http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2010/jun/19/human-geography-graduate-careers
http://earthstudents.co.uk
Geographers’ Challenge, 25th Nov
Top international market research agency GfK NOP came onto campus at the end of November to run a workshop especially for QM Geographers: Geographers’ Challenge.
After an overview of the role of a market researcher at the start, participants launched into their challenge for the afternoon, stepping into the shoes of a researcher at GfK as well as getting practice for job interviews. In groups, they had an hour to gather research about student tuition fees for the purpose of presenting information and recommendations to their specified client. That done, in a fast-paced 30 minutes they had to consolidate their findings, decide on what they wanted to present and put together a group presentation with a powerpoint. Watched by myself and the Head of Graduate Training and Development, groups presented their findings and advice, dealing well the challenge to be neutral on an emotive topic!
Not only did the afternoon give all there a feel for market research, but for those facing assessment centres or interviews in the future in any area of work, having to come up with a presentation quickly and work in a group under pressure was invaluable experience.
‘Jobs for Geographers: Speed Meet’
Geography alumni introduce themselves
Careers and Geography Department event, February 2010
62 Students. 7 Professionals. 2 Masters students. A table carousel and lots of noise.
What am I talking about?
This was ‘Jobs for Geographers: Speed Meet’, the flagship careers events for Geography students of all years for 2010. Former Geography students now working the diverse areas of accountancy, surveying, marketing, energy, infrastructure, teaching & QMSU, joined two QM post-graduates to talk to our current students about life in the working world. Students got the chance to talk personally to speakers, as the alumni rotated around the tables of students – to the beep of a timer! – explaining their job roles, answering questions and giving top tips and advice. The range of jobs and variety of skills used in each role showed everyone there what a plethora of opportunities are open to Geographers after graduation and bearing out the statistic that 60% of people work in jobs outside their degree discipline.
Chatting with students in small groups
Here’s what Michael Jones, Geography Society President 2009–2010, said: “From the feedback I've had even with the few people I'vetalked to since 'Jobs for Geographers' they all found it a hugely positive experience and very beneficial for their future plans.”
If you are still unsure of what you might like to do then take a look at www.careers.qmul.ac.uk or come and visit us in WG3 to find out your options!
If you are interested in applying to a graduate scheme most schemes open in August/September and application deadlines range from October to December. Don’t miss the deadlines! Pick up the Finalist Directory for a list of the major graduate schemes and their deadlines.
For our opening hours and lots of online resources see our website www.careers.qmul.ac.uk
Contacts:
Abi Sharma, Careers Advisor, QM Careers, WG3 Queens' Building, Email: a.sharma@qmul.ac.uk, Tel.: 020 7882 8533.
Jason Lim, Careers Officer, Department of Geography, Email: j.lim@qmul.ac.uk, Tel.: 020 7882 8200.