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Graduates need work experience
9 July 2007
FOR MANY tertiary students in their final year, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining their final results and their postgraduate work prospects.
Although preparing for the workforce is important, the pressure of exams means searching for a job is not often the first priority for graduating students.
CEO of First Place Resumes, Carolyn Broomfield said the number of graduates seeking help with applications for the major banks, law and accountancy firms increased earlier in the year, however it has dropped off in the last month.
“Graduates must know how important it is to have at least some practical work experience under their belts, as well as their degree; it just makes them more employable,” Mrs Broomfield said.
“It doesn’t necessarily have to be paid work, even university projects, community service or freelance work for friends and family helps create a better resume.”
Mrs Broomfield said employers are interested in applicants who can demonstrate team values, an ability to work unsupervised, communication skills, industry knowledge and results-orientated determination.
All students possess these attributes if they have attained a university degree.
“The only things employers use to differentiate between graduates are the hundreds of resumes they receive, so the more you can show, the better,” Mrs Broomfield said.
"But that doesn’t mean you don’t have a chance if you don’t have any experience. Start sounding out your contacts; your friends, family, lecturers and tutors are all excellent sources.”
Mrs Broomfield said she recommends students do their homework, find out which company they want to work for, what that company likes and provide them with it.
A combination functional-chronological resume may be best for students, because they can showcase a variety of skills on the front page, without drawing attention to a lack of professional experience.