KICK
START
YOUR
CAREER
FROM FIRST YEAR
griffith.edu.au/kickstart
NOW IS A PERFECT
TIME TO BUILD YOUR
CAREER.
Kick Start Your Career is jam-packed with tips, ideas and
resources to help you manage your career and build your
employability while you study. Steps taken now will pay
off for you in a clearer career direction and improved
graduate employment opportunities.
STEPS TO GET STARTED:
1: BE SELF-AWARE
2: EXPLORE CAREER DIRECTION
3: GAIN EXPERIENCE AND INSIGHT
4: DEVELOP (AND RECORD) SKILLS
5: DEVELOP NETWORKS
6: GET INVOLVED
SOME TERMS YOU NEED TO KNOW:
A CAREER IS…
The sum total of learning, paid and unpaid work and life roles
a person undertakes throughout their life.
EMPLOYABILITY MEANS...
possessing a set of skills, achievements, knowledge and
personal attributes that make you more likely to gain
employment and be successful in your chosen career.
STEP
2:
EXPLORE CAREER DIRECTION
STEP
1:
BE SELF-AWARE
YOU HAVE STARTED
UNIVERSITY, SETTLED INTO
YOUR STUDIES AND ARE
GETTING THE HANG OF
CAMPUS LIFE.
SAMPLE LETTER – SEEKING A
WORKPLACE INTERVIEW
:
3
SIGHT
P
N
I
E
D
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N
A
S
E
C
IEN
GAIN EXPER
AVE,
6/151 KEYS
4069
NATHAN QLD
11 April 2013
Start by doing some self-evaluation. What are your
interests, values, strengths, skills and personality?
Understanding your work preferences and what you have
to offer employers and will help you make well-informed
career decisions. Here are some things to consider:
WORK VALUES
What gives you a sense of purpose or meaning
Making career choices can be confusing. Your degree
program can lead to a number of career options which all
could be suitable for you. Whether you are looking at your
first career or changing direction, using the following
strategies will assist you to make positive choices.
STARTING YOUR CAREER EXPLORATION
What career direction will suit me?
WORK ENVIRONMENT & CULTURE PREFERENCES
Mostly influenced by your personality and life experience
EXPLORING CAREER OPTIONS
ABILITIES, SKILLS, STRENGTHS
What are your favourite strengths?
INTERESTS
What holds your attention?
TRY THIS QUICK WORK VALUES ACTIVITY
TO DISCOVER WHAT YOU WANT IN YOUR
CAREER:
income
advancement
on the job training
location close to home
job security
environmentally friendly
integrity
flexible working hours
making a difference
long holidays
creativity
the organisation’s reputation
contact with people
responsibility
independence
teamwork
management
expertise
variety
challenge
helping others
To find out more about yourself and your preferences,
visit the Careers & Employment Service website:
griffith.edu.au/kickstart (Go to ‘Find career direction’)
What are the career options in my preferred field?
What career options follow from my degree?
TEST DRIVING OPTIONS
What does it really mean to work in these careers?
How do I establish my career in this field?
ONLINE:
Career options with my degree (see ‘Find career
direction’ on griffith.edu.au/kickstart) – Examples
of jobs from degrees, industry sectors for employment,
professional associations and links to relevant vacancy and
employer websites.
Job Outlook (www.jobsearch.gov.au/joboutlook) Information on occupations Australia-wide, including required
skills, duties involved, average weekly earnings, workforce size
and future growth prospects.
My Future - The Facts (www.myfuture.edu.au) - Find
occupation profiles, industry information, courses, job seeking
tips, articles, videos and more.
‘My Guide’ (www.myfuture.edu.au) – A personalised
career exploration tool to assist you with career decision
making and building a career profile and exploring career ideas.
Gradsonline (www.gradsonline.com.au) - Information on
employment rates, types of employers and median starting
salaries for Australian graduates four months after graduation.
Graduate Careers Australia (www.graduatecareers.com.au)
– Go to ‘Career Profiles’ to browse information of careers, career
paths, people profiles, industries and employment sectors.
Going Global (see ‘Global careers’ on griffith.edu.au/
kickstart) - Has job vacancies and culturally-specific job
search information for countries world-wide.
FACE-TO-FACE:
Griffith Recruitment and Careers Fairs (see ‘Find job
vacancies and work experience’ on griffith.edu.au/
kickstart) - Download profiles of exhibitors and disciplines
they are recruiting.
Industry Mentoring Program (see ‘Develop your career’
on griffith.edu.au/kickstart) - Students (from second
year and beyond) are matched with experienced industry
professionals who provide opportunities for students to gain
first hand insights into their chosen profession.
Attend a short career consultation (Book online at
griffith.edu.au/kickstart).
CONDUCT A WORKPLACE
INTERVIEW:
Talk to people in your industry and discover valuable information
about your future career
STEPS:
1) Investigate (organisations you are interested in)
2) Write to potential contact (request a meeting and
follow-up by phone)
3) Phone contact (to arrange meeting)
4) Meet (workplace interview)
5) Ask about referral (another contact & possibility of
further contact)
6) Follow-up (thank you letter)
Download the handout on organising a workplace interview
at ‘Develop your career’ on griffith.edu.au/kickstart, or
visit the Careers and Employment Service on your campus.
yth
Ms Carol Sm
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Employers value experience as well as qualifications.
You can greatly enhance your graduate employment
prospects, while you study, through a range of work
experience opportunities. Many students who have
engaged in work experience or similar are offered
employment upon completion of their studies.
yth,
Dear Ms Sm
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Yours sincere
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For ideas and tips see ‘Find job vacancies and work
experience’ on griffith.edu.au/kickstart
SAMPLE LETTER THANK YOU
COMMON OPTIONS:
Unpaid – offered by not-for-profit
organisations (Check websites)
> Volunteer and Community work
6/151 KEYS AV
E,
NATHAN QLD
4069
11 April 2013
Ms Carol Smyt
h
Human Resour
ce Officer
Job Placemen
t
GPO Box 4321
, Brisbane Qld
4000
Dear Ms Smyt
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This is to than
k you for agre
eing to meet w
questions I ha
ith me recently
d about career
regarding
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discussion wa
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and I now have
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eful to be refe
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Placement Of
Young, Indust
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meeting for ne
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Thank you again
for your assista
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nce in helping
me to obtain a
of this field.
better
Yours sincerely,
David Freshm
an
M 0400 000
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d.freshman@ho
tmail.com
Unpaid – as part of your degree program
(Check your study program outline)
> Work Integrated Learning (WIL)
* Hear students talk about their experiences:
griffith.edu.au/careers-employment/
work-integrated-learning
> Internship
>Service Learning (See Community Internship
Program on Griffith University website)
Paid – offered by employers, applied for by
students (Check company websites)
> Vacation work
> Part-time work in your field
> Cadetships
> Internships
HINT: You need to apply for these opportunities
a few months in advance.
WHERE TO LOOK:
CareerBoard lists part-time and casual
vacancies, degree-related work experience,
final-year recruitment and graduate vacancies.
griffith.edu.au/careerboard
‘Part-time and casual recruitment links’
check ‘Find job vacancies and work
experience’ on griffith.edu.au/kickstart
Vacancy websites such as SEEK and
CareerOne. Also try the Yellow Pages and
company websites
Volunteer Experience Fairs – Held annually in Semester
Two on Nathan and Gold Coast campuses. Not-for-profit
organisations offer a wide variety of volunteer positions. View
organisation profiles under Voluntary Work Opportunities in
‘Develop your career’ on griffith.edu.au/kickstart
Seek Volunteer volunteer.com.au
Volunteering Queensland www.volunteeringqld.org.au
SAMPLE LETTER
PO BOX 27
STRAWBERRY HILLS QLD
401
2
30 September 2013
Ms Jan Smith
Human Resources Manage
r
The XYZ Anon Company Pty
Ltd
PO Box 8888, Brisbane Qld
4000
Dear Ms Smith
State the reason for you
r letter and your present
circumstances:
This is to explore the possibil
ity of obtaining a work plac
ement with XYZ Anon
Company in the summer vaca
tion (November 2013 to Feb
ruary 2014). I am
a first year student studying
a Bachelor of Business with
a major in Marketing
at Griffith University.
Highlight what you can off
er: As indicated in my atta
ched resume, I have
held a number of part-time
and casual positions in hospita
lity and retail. This
has assisted me to develop
strong skills in customer serv
ice, communication
and time management. I hav
e also studied courses relevan
t to the marketing
industry such as Market Res
earch and Consumer Psycho
logy. I have an
average grade of a credit/d
istinction and this has confirm
ed my enthusiasm
for a long–term career in Mar
keting.
Indicate your interest in ‘thi
s’ organisation and ‘suppor
t’ your interest:
I am keen to find relevant exp
erience which will allow me
to apply my
current skills and knowledge
acquired through my degree,
while also developing
an understanding of the indu
stry and contributing to you
r organisation. I
have reviewed your website
and was attracted by XYZ Ano
n’s comprehensive
marketing focus and the ong
oing support you provide you
r clients.
Closing remarks: If there
is a possibility of a work plac
eme
nt over the
vacation, I would be very plea
sed to be considered. I inte
nd to contact your
office next week to follow
up my letter.
Thank you for considering
this request
Yours sincerely, Sarah Brown
M 0400 000 000
s.brown@gmail.com
YOUR NAME
S
T
E
P
4:
DEVELOP (AND R
fit
tional)
a local not-for-pro
rketing role with
king a
CAREER GOAL (op
ployment in a ma
wledge, while ma
em
kno
e
im
and
t-t
lls
ski
par
n
my
op
vel
e.g. To gai
de
r
the
fur
I can use and
organisation where
.
on to the business
positive contributi
ECORD)
SKILLS
It is important to develop a range of graduate skills to
increase your employability. Knowing your skills and
being able to articulate these assists with your resume
writing, applications and future interview performance.
prepare Griffith graduates to successfully engage in the
routine work or professional practice of their discipline. (For
more details, see griffith.edu.au/gihe/resources-support/
graduate-attributes)
As a university student you are developing two different sets
of skills and attributes:
RECORD YOUR SKILLS,
BUILD YOUR RESUME:
1) Discipline Specific Skills – These skills are particular
to your degree e.g. laboratory techniques; classroom
behavioural management; industry regulation knowledge.
(see your course outlines for more details)
2) Generic (or transferable) Skills – These are skills
developed in one setting (e.g. writing university assignments)
which can be successfully ‘transferred’ to another setting
e.g. writing policy for government. (See ‘Recognising and
presenting your skills’ on the ‘Assistance with your job search’
page of griffith.edu.au/kickstart)
Griffith University has identified Graduate attributes which
you develop throughout your study program. These attributes
To view resume templates, discipline-specific examples,
booklets and videos on writing a resume, visit ‘Resumes’ on
griffith.edu.au/kickstart
WHAT DO EMPLOYERS WANT?
Degrees? Distinctions? Determination? Employers look for a range of skills and attributes. Fill in your examples and assess your
skill levels.
Example
1. Oral communication
e.g. Coursework presentations
2. Written communication
3. Team work
4. Interpersonal Skills
5. Analytical and problem-solving skills
6. Planning and organising
Skill Level
1
2
3
4
5
Check your email regularly and
either use your student email
or a professional email address
using your own name rather
than - surferchick@hotmail.com!
Your statement should be clear, concise
and show enthusiasm for the work for
which you are applying. Start with a
general career objective and tailor it as
you apply for different positions and
organisations.
Add subjects relevant to the
position you’re applying for.
FE , Qld
Resumes are a life-long tool to help you express who you
are and provide evidence of your potential. Use a ‘portfolio
approach’ by collecting examples of your work and
achievements e.g. certificates, awards, customer thank you
letters, web pages, reports, samples of assignments and
reference letters.
Skill/attribute
Marketing)
EDUCATION
ess (majoring in
2014)
achelor of Busin
B
ation November
du
gra
d
cte
2012-current
pe
(Ex
hest)
Griffith University
hig
the
ing
be
7
5.2 (Scale 1 – 7,
e Point of Average
rad
G
Results:
• E-Business
Key subjects:
net Marketing
• Interactive/Inter
on Economy
ati
orm
Inf
l
ita
Dig
•
• Market Research
ic Achievement
Award for Academ
Griffith University
Achievements:
Senior Certificate
Coast, Qld
2010
h School, Sunshine
st)
Sunshine State Hig
, 1 being the highe
25
1ale
(Sc
9
:
Overall position
ING
nk TA
ION AND TRAIN
months) SouthBa
OTHER EDUCAT
& Marketing, (12
Diploma in Sales
11
20
Start working on your resume early!
MY ACTION PLAN
SAMPLE RESUME
000
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email@address.co
ple Town, 2000
am
Ex
t,
ee
Str
ple
99 Exam
Only include if completed in the
last few years.
rt-time)
EMPLOYMENT
Department (pa
leader – Produce
ift
Sh
Qld
e,
nt
vill
rre
2010-cu
rmarket, Grace
Woolworths Supe
le
, fresh and availab
s well-presented
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ff
sta
junior
• Supervised two
h customers
nt relationships wit
• Achieved excelle
ff
s
• Trained new sta
d Safety standard
rkplace Health an
• Adhered to Wo
KEY SKILLS
AND ATTRIB
UTES
Marketing Sk
ills
• Strategic m
arket research
and planning
• Consumer be
haviour analy
sis and strate
• E-Marketin
gy developm
g and web de
ent
sign
Computing
Skills
• Microsoft W
ord – Highly
competent
• Microsoft Ac
cess – Compe
NS
IO
e
SIT
ntr
tent
PO
•
Ce
R
g
Pa
HE
pin
ge
OT
op
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rde
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Ga
gh
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ly competent
Big W,
nt – 20-25 hrs p/w
2009 – 2010 ista
ass
p
sho
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Professiona
(part-tim
l Skills
• Effective wr
itten commun
ME
ication skills th
• Strong oral co
Your Name RESU
rough writing
mmunication sk
university assig
ills developed
customer serv
nments and re
through group
ice in retail
ports
presentations
• Excellent team
and 3 years of
work abilities ga
ined in sportin
• Highly deve
g teams and te
loped analy tic
rtiary group wo
al and resear
assignments
ch skills deve
rk
loped throug
h projec t wo
rk and
Always keep examples
COMMUNIT
Y AC
2012-2013 TIVITIES / VOLUNTEERING
relevant to the role you
Office Assis
tant , Volunt
are applying for.
eering Quee
Brisbane, Qld
nsland,
M
(4 weeks – De
y
ro
le
involved assis
If you have held a
c / Jan)
tin
g the Marketin
promotional m
g Manager wi
aterial, designin
number of positions, you
th data entry
g event adve
, collating
rtisement po
can place further jobs
2011
sters
Depot Volunt
eer - Sorter
under ‘Other positions’
, Save The Ch
West End, Ql
ildren Austra
d (3 months
My role entaile
keeping the details
lia,
part-time)
d working in
a team which
minimal.
organised, so
rted and price
MEMBERSHI
d donations
PS
2012-current
Student mem
2013
ber – Australia
n Marketing Ins
Student mem
titute
ber – Global
E-marketing
magazine
AWARDS/ACH
IEVEMENTS
2012
Gr
Choose past/present employers / lecturers
2009-2010 iffith University Award fo
r Ac
Basketball Ca
who know your work and will speak highly
ptain – South- ademic Achievement
East Queenslan
Sunshine Stat
d Regional co
e High School
of you. Always seek referees agreement
REFEREES
mpetition,
before including them in the resume.
Dr David Hoga
s, Senior Lect
ur
er
School of Mar
Phone: 07) 37
keting
35 8888
Griffith Unive
Email: d.hogas
rsity, Qld 4111
@griffith.edu.a
Phone: 07) 30
Place your name - resume
u
02 7600
(in footer).
Your Name RE
SUME
2 of2
:
5
P
E
T
S
DEVELOP
WHAT
NETWORKS
Did you know that 75% of jobs are not advertised,
but filled through networking?
Ask your friends how they got their job or work
experience. There’s a good chance they either knew
someone in the company, or someone who knew someone,
or they had started building relationships with people
around them to gain opportunities and get noticed.
What do you want to achieve
e.g. Vacation work
:
6
P
E
T
S
LVED!
O
V
N
I
T
E
G
NETWORKING IS THE ART OF
ESTABLISHING AND MAINTAINING
RELATIONSHIPS WITH PEOPLE IN
YOUR FIELD
(For tips and strategies, visit ‘Assistance with your job
search’ on griffith.edu.au/kickstart)
HOW DO YOU GET STARTED?
1. Visit ‘LinkedIn.com’, a professional networking site.
Create your profile and join groups, follow companies
and access job opportunities related to your field.
2. Join a professional association related to your field.
Talk to academic staff, and visit CareerBoard.
3. Attend the ‘Professional Networking’ seminar
on campus. Learn practical strategies to engage
successfully and professionally in both on-line media
and face-to-face situations. (To register, visit ‘Oncampus Job Search seminars’ on griffith.edu.au/
kickstart)
4. Access useful networking tips and strategies online on
the ‘Develop your Career’ page of griffith.edu.au/
kickstart
Develop expertise. Expand your networks.
AT GRIFFITH:
1. Join a Mentoring program as a mentor or mentee (Go to
‘Mentoring Programs’ on griffith.edu.au/mentoring)
2. Attend on-campus employer and industry presentations
(Check your School noticeboard, School emails or
course outline for details)
3. Join a Student Association or Club (Check ‘Student
Associations’ on the Griffith University website and
go to griffith.edu.au/clubs)
4. Attend Careers and Employment Service workshops
(Visit ‘On campus job search seminars’ on
griffith.edu.au/kickstart)
5. Attend the Recruitment and Careers Fair and Volunteering
Fair held annually (See ‘Find job vacancies and
experience’ on griffith.edu.au/kickstart)
OUTSIDE OF GRIFFITH:
1. Try some volunteering or vacation employment (See CareerBoard or the Careers website for opportunities.)
2. Attend Professional Association conferences, meetings, professional development (See your Professional Association’s
website or speak with academic staff.)
3. Study, volunteer or work overseas (Visit ‘Study abroad and exchange’: griffith.edu.au/international/study-atgriffith/study-abroad-and-exchange.)
4. Consider additional training which complements your degree (e.g. industry specific, technical)
5. Consider complimentary electives in other programs, check out professional association programs, ask academic staff about
other useful courses.
WHEN
HOW
When are you going to do it?
How will you do it? Who can help?
Start looking now, in preparation for
mid-semester break or summer vacation
Look for vacation work on CareerBoard
Ask my lecturers for possible contacts
Write 5 letters to organisations of
interest (see Step 3)
1: BE SELF-AWARE
2: EXPLORE CAREER DIRECTION
3: GAIN EXPERIENCE AND INSIGHT
4: DEVELOP (AND RECORD) SKILLS
5: DEVELOP NETWORKS
6: GET INVOLVED
BE MORE
THAN A
DEGREE!!