In many ways, it is sad that summer is nearly over here in the UK. Last weekend, I felt a chill in the air as I took my dog for a long early morning walk. Autumn is around the corner. The harvest is nearly in (and it has been a bumper crop this year) and colleagues are returning to work after their break – I hasten to add that many of them have been working hard over the summer in a range of activities from our international summer schools through to individual research.
So, a new academic year beckons us. I always find this an exciting time of the year. My colleagues and I always look forward to the arrival of new students as well as the return of continuing students. It is a time of openings and new opportunities. For new students, it is a time to make new friends, settle down into their courses and to get to grips with living in London (for those who have travelled here from other parts of the UK or overseas). Many continuing students return with stories about their summer internships, year abroad and other activities that they engage with to enhance their CVs and help themselves move into their desired career. Graduates from last year have returned or sent me e-mails with news about their adventures since leaving the Business School. It is reassuring to hear that many of them have gained graduate employment while others have set up their own businesses.
In these days of newspaper headlines about graduate unemployment or underemployment then how can our current students help themselves to gain professional employment when they graduate? There is no magic prescription but here are my suggestions:
· Obtain the best quality degree possible. Aim for high marks at all times.
· Capitalise on being in London! Network widely and get involved in the many opportunities available here.
· Develop your confidence and inter-personal skills – there are lots of ways of doing this e.g. join a student society, create a student society, join in the many activities and events organised by the business school and university.
· Take up opportunities to Study Abroad (for a week, fortnight, month or semester).
· Take up opportunities to gain professional experience through a professional placement, work-based project, internship or voluntary work.
· Enjoy what you do and follow your interests.
· Be open to new opportunities and change.
I wish everyone an excellent 2013/14.
