Guest post by Mary Jane Tait

As a student at University it is best to persevere and try to get some working experience in the company or field you wish to build a career in. Part-time jobs in bars and as waitresses are all very well if you are looking for a position in Hotel Management and Catering, but, even if you are targeting a position in this field you should try and aim a bit higher. For anyone who is not looking for a career in this field this will only be considered as a job to raise funds or spends. This can in fact be detrimental to your career prospects. Low status positions are generally associated with low achievers – the higher you aim the more likely you are to be considered a high achiever. Be confident of your own abilities. You are at University you are learning – if you can show enthusiasm and a willingness to achieve specialist knowledge and keep up to date in your particular field then you will go far. Remember too the higher you aim the higher you are likely to achieve – even if you do fall a bit short of your goals, you are more likely to be closer to them.

The difference between having a job and having a career!

A job can in fact be the actual work that you do in your particular field but more often than not students choose positions which do not lead into their career objectives and targets. Have a think about it – will clearing tables every night build up your communication and interpersonal skills – it’s unlikely you will have the time; late night bar work can have a bad effect on your study time too – leaving you tired and unable to concentrate on a full day’s study.

It is however easy to build a solid working reputation and career if you think it through before you start.

Regardless of their size companies may offer a range of opportunities. Working for a larger firm in your chosen field you may find that you gain more experience as a team member and that there is more scope to learn technical and people skills – whilst working for a smaller firm you may be expected to use more initiative and gain a deeper insight into business management. Every company is different however you may find that some of them offer information packs for new recruits either on their website or via the receptionist and these tools can indeed help you make the right choice about how you want to develope your particular skillset.

Many companies do have rigid rules and regulations; often as not they are put in place for Health and Safety reasons – it does not necessary mean this will restrict your growth. Rules and regulations are often put in place by government and council and after writing their own risk assessments many companies may also add a few rules and regulations of their own. To ensure the safety of clients, yourself and your fellow workers it is necessary to comply.

Sometimes, but not always, people feel honoured to be asked to be a mentor. If you are a good relationship builder and you know someone who works in your specific field perhaps you could ask them for advice. Please remember though that sometimes people are just too busy – don’t burn your bridges – they may be able to help in another way some day soon. Perhaps they will even be able to get you a foot in the door be it with the same company or another in the same area.

Keep your eyes and ears open. Network and stay friendly and amiable. Everybody wants to work with people who are enthusiastic and self motivated; their positive attributes are a good influence on the rest of the workforce. People with this kind of approach to work are seen as problem solvers.

For help and tips on how to begin your career on the right foot check out
http://www.cvspecialist.org.uk and submit your CV or
Call us on 020 3286 7482 or Mobile: 07968 1212 69.