Finding the right job in a recession - Top Tip # 2

2. Get involved with extra curricular activities - clubs, societies, teams and extra curricular activities offer opportunities for developing skills

Last week’s article was all about the importance of developing skills that employers will value. When you graduate employers will want to know what you have done outside of your degree subject.

Getting involved in extra curricular activities such as clubs, societies, committees, sports teams, part- time paid or voluntary work will not only help you develop new skills such as negotiation or presentation but can also be good fun!

It may help you to identify what type of work you enjoy, build your confidence or be a way of meeting new people. USSU has a number of opportunities to volunteer, including becoming a student representative to represent the views of other students. Or you could set up a student project and apply for funding from CDEC as part of the eXperience Factor- student enterprise fund. Write for the Badger or volunteer in the community. For volunteering opportunities contact Project V or look at the CDEC's volunteering opportunities.

You also need to be able to articulate the skills you have gained through these activities. We’ve got some ideas about identifying and selling your skills gained from volunteering over to an employer. But these principles can be applied to other activities too.

If you’re unsure about what sort of experience would be most relevant, or how to present it on your CV, come along and talk to a careers adviser. Call in or phone after 10 am on 01273 678429 to book for our daily drop-in sessions between 12-4pm (and 5-7pm on Wednesdays).