As an English student, there is a vast range of jobs you can apply for when you graduate – but how do you make yourself look more attractive than the army of applicants you’re up against?
Why take part?
Personally, I thought the EP Scheme was a pretty good place to start – not only is there the obvious draw (REWARDS!) but it encourages you to attend events, workshops and open lectures you might not have bothered with. As a student, there is always a reason not to go. First year – I’m getting used to my workload, second year – things are getting serious, third year – I need to focus on my dissertation. The EP Scheme pulled me out of that rut a little bit. Anyone enrolled on the Global Skills Award will know there is a minimum attendance requirement, and it’s tempting to just scrape that and pat yourself on the back – but being on EP meant I wanted those points! With 5 points per lecture and 10 points per workshop, GSA took me over that 100 points threshold in no time. And, more importantly, I was reflecting on how these events were improving my employability!
Getting Rewarded!
There are a whole host of rewards on offer with EP, and more than one really piqued my interest:
The internship with KRN Media focused on journalism, with the opportunity to write for their leisure section (in print and online). This would really have put that Journalism Module I did in first year to good use!
The work experience placement with Pearson also looked great. It involved gaining insight into digital publishing with the world’s leading learning company, possibly planning the launch of a new campaign!
But the bookworm in me won out, and I ranked my first choice as work experience with Waterstones in Canterbury. This was an amazing experience! I helped plan the events leaflet which involved calling up publishing companies, trying to get authors to do talks at the store. I assisted with the evening events, which included Sir Lister-Kaye, wildlife author extraordinaire and Cressida Cowell, author of the incredible How to Train Your Dragon. I was able to meet authors and chat to publicists, gain experience in event planning, customer services and the retail side of publishing. Two weeks well spent and definitely something I bring up in interviews!
My involvement with EP caused me to reflect on how my co-curricular activities improved my employability, which made it easier to articulate their relevance during job interviews. And, in a more immediate sense, I was offered a Christmas Temp job at Waterstones following my wonderful two weeks there!
2018 Rewards
Companies are still signing up to the scheme but there are already awesome rewards on offer (and yes, you’ll be pleased to hear, the wonderful Waterstones is one of them).
Canterbury Cathedral are offering one lucky student the opportunity to gain work experience in their archives and library. You can apply for this with 150 points!
For those of you interested in content writing, HRP Equestrian are offering an internship involving writing web content, social media posts, creating videos and more. You can apply for this with 200 points!
MCM Net offer a great opportunity for anyone with an interest in journalism. The role will involve writing and researching blog posts, articles and on site copy for a whole range of different clients.
None of these appeal to you? Don’t worry, you can find loads more opportunities here
Get involved! Get Rewarded!
And don’t forget, the deadline to log your points is 5pm on 19th March 2018!