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Latest from the blogs

Four careers that you can make a difference in

Mon 19 August 2019 - 11:30

By Ella Hendrix in UCAS advice

When thinking about a career, some people just want to be able to earn as much money as possible. However, most of us would rather do something that we love, and hope to be able to earn enough for the life that we want to live.

For some people, it is also important to be doing a job in which they feel that they are making a difference. There is more to life than just earning money, and making a difference to someone else’s life is equally, if not more satisfying than a big paycheque at the end of each month.

That doesn’t mean to say, however, that you can’t earn a living and make a career out of making a difference. Below are just some of the careers that make a positive difference to the world and people’s lives.

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is something of a buzzword at the moment, and for good reason. As the world hurtles towards an environmental crisis, sourcing good and usable energy is becoming increasingly important....

How to go from Graduate to Entrepreneur

Fri 16 August 2019 - 09:07

By Ella Hendrix in UCAS advice

It takes a special kind of person to be an entrepreneur:  they’re typically creative, with a different way of thinking or seeing the world, a passion for what they do, and maybe even a serial risk-taker.

In today’s world, where over 1.7 million people are graduating from university each year, competition is rife for graduate jobs. But it has also never been easier to hone your entrepreneurial skills and set up on your own.

Entrepreneurship

It is generally accepted that entrepreneurship is a trait that people have. It is difficult to learn how to be an entrepreneur. It tends to be something that you are born with, or develop over time. Most people who are entrepreneurs have a drive to succeed, and a need to break out of traditional employment.

However, setting up your own...

What’s it like to work in Central London after you graduate?

Wed 14 August 2019 - 09:22

By Ella Hendrix in UCAS advice

One of the best things about London is that there is something for everyone. Whether you are looking to work in a creative industry, technology, finance, or hospitality, London has so much to offer – and that’s just work. Despite the uncertainty which smothers the country over Brexit, the truth is that London is probably one of the British cities which is most equipped to deal with it.

London has great job prospects for graduates across various sectors, and with a range of preferences, a diverse and active nightlife, it has something for everyone. And perhaps most excitingly, it’s continuously evolving.

It is no surprise then, that the prospect of working in central London is a tempting one – especially for graduates, and even more so for young people. People come from all over the world to live and work in London, trying to live the dream – but what is it really like?

Industry hubs
Regardless of which industry you work in, you’ll find...

Finding the right course for you in Clearing

Mon 12 August 2019 - 17:20

By UCAS in UCAS advice

When it comes to contacting universities and colleges about courses in Clearing, it’s important to act quickly but that doesn't mean making a hasty decision. While you need to be proactive you also need to be sure that the course you accept is right for you. We asked admissions staff from universities and colleges to share their advice on researching courses effectively in Clearing – read on to find out what they told us...
 

Stewart Harper – Head of Student Admissions, Leeds Metropolitan University
  

...

Six habits that encourage good mental health at uni

Mon 12 August 2019 - 10:59

By Student Minds in Support

1. Exercise
30 minutes of daily exercise is recommended. As exercising releases endorphins, it’s great for your mood and your overall wellbeing, plus it's a welcome break from sitting in lectures and seminars.

2. Drink water
Water is essential for good mental health. It can be easy to forget to drink water when you’re wrapped up in essay stress, but regularly drinking glasses of water improves concentration and decreases your stress levels by thoroughly hydrating you. Each time you sit down at your desk, make sure you have a glass of water to hand.

3. Sufficient sleep
Late night library sessions and TV series binging take their toll. When you’re overly tired, your concentration levels crash. It is important to regulate your sleep pattern – try to get at least seven hours of sleep a night, and to sleep and wake at the same time each day.

4. Break down your work
Do you have a difficult essay to write, a heavy text to...

How to decorate your room on a student budget

Mon 12 August 2019 - 10:56

By Campus Society in First year

Summer is well and truly upon us. For some of you, the preparation for moving into your new house for second or third year might be underway. For others, you might be looking at your bedrooms at home, wondering what’s going to make the cut and come with you to your halls of residence in September.

Either way, both privately rented accommodation and university halls are not exactly stylish. Yes, this can mean when you open your bedroom door, you will find a dull, empty room. It also means you have a blank canvas to make your own (well, you know, within the guidelines of the contract).

You might think decorating a bedroom on a student budget is impossible, but it’s not. Here are some tips, advice, and suggestions to help you make the most of your new space while saving as much money as possible.

1. Fairy lights
Fairy lights are your go-to. They’re homely, cosy, and great for evenings when you want to snuggle up and watch a movie. They’re also cheap...

What's it like to work during your gap year?

Wed 7 August 2019 - 09:35

By IBM in UCAS advice

It’s certainly a surreal feeling. Being only 17 and watching all your friends apply for university but, instead, you’re submitting a job application to one of the biggest technology consultancy firms in the world. What makes it even more bizarre is the fact that it’s only for the year. It feels as though you are about to start climbing the stairs to your career but, as you go to place your foot on the first step, you hesitate – unsure whether you really want to commit to the ascent, or recoil to the safety of traditional higher education. At this point, however, it doesn’t feel real. You’ve merely submitted words on a page, the first step in a long selection process – one you feel you don’t have a hope in hell of surviving. Yet you complete all the tests and jump all the hurdles thrown your way. And you make it.

When you arrive on your first day, the apprehension you feel is immeasurable and, as you’ll be reminded time after time throughout the next 12 months, you’re a baby...

'I have no regrets about my decision'

Tue 6 August 2019 - 13:24

By PwC in UCAS advice

School leaver programmes give you a direct route into the world of work. They allow you to learn new skills, meet new people, and earn a wage while you’re learning. Not sure if it’s the right path for you? Adam, from PwC, shares his story. 

‘I joined PwC in September 2015, having completed my A levels that year. The School Leaver Programme allows you to have a full-time job, while also studying towards your professional qualifications – in my case, the ACA (Association of Chartered Accountants). So far, I have completed six exams out of the 15 required to qualify, which means I’ll become a Chartered Accountant at the age of 22, this September.

‘I currently work in Transaction...

Why I chose law

Tue 6 August 2019 - 13:14

By Sam Silsby in UCAS advice

My name is Sam Silsby, and I am a trainee solicitor at BPE Solicitors LLP in Cheltenham. I chose law later in life, having had a successful 20-year career in the public and private sectors as a project manager and a commissioning manager. I always had an interest in law, particularly employment and HR related topics, as I had managed large teams and understood the challenges facing employers. When I realised that I had over half of my career remaining, I decided it was now or never and took the plunge! I had to complete a conversion course called a GDL to allow me to have the equivalent to a law degree before taking my Legal Practice Course (LPC).

I love the blend of having to understand and work out statute and case law, then having to package up advice in a commercial way with no ‘legalese’ to assist our clients to reach their goals. It is hard work, and excellent attention to detail is required, but the satisfaction...

I used to be in awe of the teachers at my school – Ben Caven

Mon 5 August 2019 - 13:05

By Ben Caven in Teacher Training

I had a crisis around my 25th birthday. I was working in sales and wasn’t getting any job satisfaction. I wanted to do something worthwhile and working with young people seemed like a natural choice.
 
I’ve been working at Ark Putney Academy as a Teaching Assistant for a year. When I decided I wanted to work with young people, I approached Putney because it was my old school! I still knew some of the teachers and it was a setting I could relate to, it helped that I could picture myself in that school environment.
 
Being a TA at Putney has been great. I’ve been offered so much support and was always made to feel part of the team. When I first started, I was in awe of the teachers, but then as the year progressed I started to see the value I could add and began to think “I could do this.”
 
As soon as I started thinking about...

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