An English graduate from Plymouth University will effectively be running a brand and business development agency after it took on a fresh batch of ex-students.
The bluestone360 academy offered her a permanent position as an account executive at the academy, which was initially set up to offer creative sector graduates three months work alongside its regular team.
This is good news for Plymouth graduates, who are being given an opportunity to gain skills necessary in the workplace, but other graduates can also take something away from this: that you can work in jobs that are not necessarily related to your degree.
Accountancy – To become a high flying accountant, graduates need at least a 2:1 degree in any discipline and a good academic track record. Graduates need to be: analytical and logical, able to work in a team, have some business and commercial awareness, driven and motivated, and have good numeracy and problem-solving skills.
Administration – If you fancy going into Government and public administration, the Civil Service runs a graduate programme called the Civil Service Fast Stream, which consists of multiple 12-18 month placements. In order to land a place, you need a 2:2 degree in any discipline, as well as communication, teamwork and organisation skills. It is also helpful to show that you can work under pressure and make evidence-based decisions.
Charity sector – Although some specialist skills may be needed, such as fundraising skills and experience, campaigning experience and languages, generally jobs in this field require communication and organisational skills, flexibility and leadership – as well as the ability to work in a team.
There are many other examples, including marketing, PR, advertising and sales, to name just a few. Are you confident you’ve got a good enough degree but worried you lack some of the skills required in the workplace? Fortunately, you’ll probably find you’ve ticked the majority off already simply by being at university:
- Numeracy skills – counting the number of tiles on the ceiling during lectures;
- Commercial awareness – knowing how much every combination of drinks costs;
- Dedication – will go out in skimpy outfit even if it is -3 degrees Celsius;
- Interpersonal skills – going out almost every night with flat mates;
- Organisation – planning to leave projects until the next day in order to fulfil the above;
- Teamwork – working with your flatmates to construct the highest beer can tower in the block;
- Meeting deadlines and working under pressure – getting an essay in at one minute to midnight, having started it that morning