Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise➞Students

Postgraduate Taught Programmes: What Next?

If you are studying full time then it is likely that your Postgraduate Taught Programme lasts a year. In order to successfully move on to the next stage you should start to think about your next steps as soon as you start your course. Many graduate schemes close during the autumn term so if you want a role lined up for when you finish your course then the time to act is now.

Student using the Careers & Employability Ask the Adviser Service — Book an Ask the Adviser appointment for career and application advice

Graduate schemes: These open from around the end of August and generally close between October and December. These are hugely competitive so make sure you gain some work experience.

Graduate entry into SME companies: Often overlooked, these make up the majority of the private sector. Opportunities will be open year round and you can apply at any time. As a minimum you should start looking 5 months before you wish to start a job.

Further study: Most commonly in the form of a PhD. You can apply at any time of the year and should make a start on your application as soon as possible. PhD Studentships begin around September/October time with competition increasing as these months approach.

Search graduate opportunities on MyCareer

I used the Drop-in Service [now Ask the Adviser appointments], attended lectures through my MBA course and took advantage of the longer guidance appointments. The Careers Service helped me to see myself clearly, to recognise my qualities and what I want, helping me to make some big decisions.

Where can I find opportunities?

How do I market my Masters?

Search the MyCareer Jobs Board for a range of opportunities including internships and graduates roles, and full and part time positions.

You can use targetjobs for national graduate opportunities and internships.

For PhDs, try FindaPhD.com, PhD portal and Jobs.ac.uk to find advertised opportunities. Additionally, we have books and e-books available for loan which may be helpful for preparing a PhD application. Please see our careers resources and e-books webpages for more information.

You may also find it useful to send a speculative CV and covering letter to academics working in a field of interest to you.

Whatever your reason for choosing to study a Postgraduate Taught programme, your degree has given you the opportunity to increase skills that are key to what employers look for in their recruits, and are amongst the leading factors you should be identifying and marketing when applying for jobs.

Additionally, your Postgraduate Programme has helped you to become a specialist within your area of study and quite likely equipped you with a more mature outlook on the world.

Follow these steps to success to help you reach your goal:

Step 1: Conduct a skills audit

Consider the skills you have developed from

• your present studies
• key projects (dissertation/thesis)
• other qualifications both academic and vocational
• past and present work experience
• responsibilities and achievements in wider life outside of academia

Also think about the skills you have gained such as teamwork, giving presentations, multitasking and meeting deadlines. You may also consider specialist software such as analytical tools you may have used during your study.

Step 2: Work out what they are looking for

Read the job description carefully and pick out the key skills required for the position. Then evidence your skills that match.

Step 3: Market your skills

You will need to do this at every stage of the recruitment process, from the job application, CV and covering letter to assessment centres and the final interview. Check out the UoS Career Hub for help with completing your applications.