At the age of nineteen, I packed my suitcase and moved to Florida to work with big cats. Which sounds spontaneous, exciting and just a tiny bit crazy. In actual fact, it had taken months of planning, saving money and intensive research. The world is brimming with pseudo wildlife projects that harm conservation work under the guise of helping. I chose Big Cat Rescue because they are accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries – meaning they do not buy, breed or sell animals, and there is a strict no-contact policy. The six months I spent there transformed my life. Being an intern at the sanctuary was by no means easy – we often worked 11 hour days, 6 days a week, outdoors in all weather conditions – but it was the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. Our work ranged from landscaping enclosures, feeding the cats, operant conditioning and enrichment to educating groups of 20+ people on the issue of private ownership of big cats in the USA. Working with such magnificent animals inspired me everyday and I kept a blog during my time there, which lead to a communications role with WWF’s tiger programme in Asia.

The first Biological Anthropology seminar this term will be next Tuesday 11 October (16:15) by Dr Louise Humphrey of the Natural History Museum, London.
Louise will give a talk entitled Continuity and change in the Iberomaurusian: New excavations at Taforalt discussing her new excavations in North West Africa that show nearly 2 million years of human occupation. More information on her talk is given below. All are welcome!
For those of you who wish to chat with Louise further, we will have dinner at The Parrot from 19:00 after the talk. If you want to attend, please let me know by Friday this week so I can book a large enough table.
For more information on Louise and her research, see: http://www.nhm.ac.uk/our-science/departments-and-staff/staff-directory/louise-humphrey.html

Sites North West Africa reveal evidence for intermittent human occupation covering nearly 2 million years. Grotte des Pigeons at Taforalt in Morocco is a key site for understanding changes in human economic and ritual activities during Middle and Later Stone Age. Archaeological deposits document an intensification of human activity after 15,000 cal BP, involving rapid formation of an ashy midden, systematic exploitation of wild plant resources and the use of a spatially demarcated area towards the back of the cave for human burials.

Dr Howard Leicester [51] will be at the University on Wednesday 12 October to deliver a talk about academia and accessibility. He is a very funny and engaging speaker and has done lots of work with the NHS’s Accessible Information Standard so has lots of really interesting things to say about academic life, undertaking research and advocacy in the public sector.
What is particularly extraordinary about Howard is that he has progressive deafblindness and has a very powerful story to tell about potential barriers to access.
It would be great if as many people as possible can attend. He will speak in the Templeman Lecture theatre between 15.00-16.00 on Wednesday 12 October.
No need to book or RSVP.
https://www.kent.ac.uk/campusonline/?view=7699

Our latest Newsletter is online at http://www.kent.ac.uk/ces/files/newsletters.html It contains information on events such as on campus events, off campus: national events, bursary and scholarship programmes, awards schemes, competitions, surveys and other items of note.

Bruce Woodcock
Careers and Employability Service,
University of Kent, Canterbury,
Kent CT2 7ND
Email: B.E.Woodcock@kent.ac.uk
www.kent.ac.uk/careers
LinkedIn uk.linkedin.com/pub/bruce-woodcock/1a/724/b06
Facebook and Twitter
Canterbury: www.facebook.com/ukces and @unikentemploy
Medway: www.facebook.com/ukmemployability and @ukmemploy

Any advice or information contained in this email is supplied in good faith and is accurate to the best of our knowledge and belief. However, the Careers and Employability Service (CES) has no responsibility or liability with respect to any loss or damage that may arise from the advice or information or the use of it. This email may contain links to websites that are not under the control of the CES or the University of Kent. The CES has no control over and will accept no responsibility or liability for the material on other websites.

Our vacancy database has now moved from Prospects to Target Connect https://careers.kent.ac.uk/service/home.html

To use the database, click on https://careers.kent.ac.uk, select the student login and use your Kent login login@kent.ac.uk, if this doesn’t work, then register as an Alumni in the box on the top right.

The database has hundreds of vacancies, work experience placements and summer jobs many from EMPLOYERS PARTICULARLY LOOKING FOR KENT STUDENTS AND GRADUATES.

Vacancies received in the last week

Placements and internships

To use the database, click on https://careers.kent.ac.uk, select the student login and use your Kent login login@kent.ac.uk, if this doesn’t work, then register as an Alumni in the box on the top right.

If you have a question, send it to careerhelp@kent.ac.uk and we will do our best to answer within three working days.
Answers to the following questions can be found in the online version of this email athttp://www.kent.ac.uk/ces/files/newsletters.html – open the latest vacancy email and scroll down to questions.

> Do you have any advice for getting teaching work experience in Canterbury?

Canterbury has a huge student population, so there’s a lot of competition for teaching experience here. Consider schools near where you live (your old school is often easiest) or slightly outside Canterbury: Herne Bay, Whitstable, Faversham, Ashford. Ring or visit schools rather than emailing them as they don’t always reply to emails and make a case for yourself – what would be the benefit to the school to give you experience.
See http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/siteach.htm#exp

> I have to give a 15 minute presentation on “Why I am the right person for an IT company’s graduate programme”

Don’t have too many PowerPoint slides: for a 15 minute session 10 would be  the absolute maximum and probably less, don’t have too much text on each  slide – no more than about 40 words. Pictures – especially diagrams and charts are good but don’t get carried  away with flashy transition effects – this may distract attention form the  content. Something like this might work
1 minute introduction – what you are going to tell them
2 minutes on the challenges facing the company in the current market – economic  downturn, competitors, growth areas
4 minutes on “What skills the organisation requires in graduate recruits” – see http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/computersci.htm – skills tab
6 minutes on evidence showing that you have these skills
1 minute conclusion – summary
1 minute asking for and answering any questions
See our Presentation Skills page for further tips http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/presentationskills.htm

> Do you have any advice on getting into the publishing industry? I have roughly two years office experience in addition to my degree and I am eager to relocate. Any tips?

First see our publishing page
http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/publishing.htmhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/publishing.htm
London is the main centre for publishing, but Cambridge, Oxford and Basingstoke are other centres.
Firstly you would need to do lots of research on publishing. Editorial is the most competitive job in publishing so I’d suggest you also look at marketing, production, sales etc.
Then learn Quark, In Design and Photoshop as they are the publishing industry programs you need to master. You can download trial versions for free – see hhttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sk/computing-skills.htm
Work in a bookshop or library is a typical starting point and then you need to get some work experience with a publisher. Seehttp://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sk/CJ.htm
For publishing, you would need a media style CV
http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv/mediacv.htm
For lots more tips see our how to get into the media section at http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitesmedia.htm

> Could you please let me know if it is possible to register with more than one recruitment consultancy?

You can apply to as many recruitment agencies as you wish. They are not allowed to charge you and in fact I would strongly recommend you register with quite a few as some will be helpful and others not so.See http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/recruit.htm

> I am applying for environmental jobs and would like to be informed about the various specialist vacancy sources. 

You’ll find details of all the main environmental job sources at http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/environment.htm

>I am very keen to pursue a career in PR, I would like some tips on how to get in.

For advertising, events management and PR see our pages at http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/PR.htm
http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/eventsman.htm and www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitesadv.htm

>I will shortly have a competency based interview. Please could you point me to some examples of competency based interview questions

You’ll find lots of tips on competency-based interview at http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/compet/skillquest.htm and how to answercompetency questions on application forms.
You’ll also find a mini-database of real answers there.

Kent IBM Mentoring Scheme – for students of ANY degree subject now open for applications

In 2016-7, IBM will be working with students at the University of Kent, mentoring first-year students looking to do a placement as part of their degree and second year students who will be applying for employment in their final year.

What is it?
The aim of this scheme is to increase awareness of employability, the recruitment process, key competencies employers are looking for and advice/tips for securing a placement or graduate scheme position. The mentors will either be currently on the IBM placement scheme or will have joined as a graduate and will be encouraged to share their own experiences with their mentees.The scheme is not about encouraging you to join IBM but will give you valuable skills to apply successfully to any organisation.
Who is it for?
First-year students looking to do a placement as part of their degree or second year students considering life after University. You can be studying for any degree subject and don’t need advanced computing skills.
Why?
IBM is keen to encourage undergraduates to begin considering their careers sooner. We want to make students aware of how competitive today’s job market is and give them guidance on how best to promote themselves. This will give them the best chance of applying not just to our schemes but other employers’ too. The scheme also provides students with a fantastic chance to improve and enhance their skillsets before they begin applying. It’s also the perfect opportunity for our existing graduates from the University to give something back to the community. With mentors from a variety of backgrounds and degrees volunteering as part of this project, there are plenty of stories to share.
How will it work?
It is a virtual mentoring scheme whereby the majority of contact with students is either via email, telephone or by Skype. Mentoring is a relationship, and communication between mentors and mentees is key. Students who are selected will be encouraged to manage their relationship with their mentor, and use the time available to get the most they can from the scheme.
For further details and information on how to apply, see http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/IBM.htm

Questions & Casting Researcher, University Challenge 2016/17. Closing Date TODAY (Mon. 3rd October)!

UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE is looking to recruit a Questions & Casting Researcher to start as soon as possible until 2 May 2017. Experience of contestant research, question writing and studio work is desirable, but candidates without such experience will still be considered if they can demonstrate they have potential and the required attributes outlined below. All candidates should be regular viewers of UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE, be familiar with the programme format and have a keen interest in the programme. You will be self-motivated and an ideas person who can think laterally with particular reference to question writing.

Your starter for ten – the successful candidates will have:
·  Proven, excellent research and organisation skills
·  Demonstrable general knowledge plus cultural and topical knowledge (this will be tested at interview stage)
·  An ability to write with flair and creativity
·  An ability to write strong and accurate questions prolifically and to frequent deadlines – experience is desirable
·  A strong interest in literature, fine art, current affairs and classical music
·  Experience of the studio recording process is desirable
·  An ability to understand and undertake efficiently the copyright clearing process.
·  A proven ability to communicate effectively at all levels with members of the public, students and high profile figures.
·  A demonstrable ability to cast great student teams
There is a potential opportunity for the successful candidate to have block periods away from base with some travel around the UK. If you are confident you could take on this challenging role, and have the ability and commitment to be an asset to the team, please apply online now.   Closing date for applications is midnight on 3 October 2016 with interviews taking place on 10 October. https://itv.taleo.net/careersection/2/moresearch.ftl?lang=en

Student recruitment for University of Kent telephone campaign autumn 2016

Every year the Development Office runs a telephone campaign and recruits student fundraisers to engage alumni in conversation to update them on University news, establish a good rapport and ask for donations. Our autumn 2015 Telephone Campaign was the most successful to date. A dedicated team of 23 student callers spoke to over 1,300 alumni across the UK and raised over £71,000 for the Kent Opportunity Fund. Donations and pledges received will enable ground-breaking research to be undertaken by exceptional scholars, help financially-vulnerable students to complete their degrees, and support activities and projects that equip students with the skills and experience to become the leaders of tomorrow.
We are now recruiting 38 student fundraisers to take part in the 2016 autumn telephone campaign. We are particularly looking for students who are truly dedicated to charitable giving, genuinely enthusiastic about the University and able to demonstrate this to our alumni. Students who have a good phone manner, excellent verbal communication skills and a willingness to ask for donations would be desired.
Job advert: https://www.kentunion.co.uk/employability/jobshop/vacancy/1791/. Apply: here Please note that application is open till Sunday 9 October

Attend USA Grad School Day and learn about the 2017-18 Fulbright Awards!

USA Grad School Day

When? Thursday, 6 October2016 from 6 – 9 pm
Where? This event is kindly hosted by the American School in London
Speakers: Fulbright alumni and representatives from the University of South Florida, Kaplan Test Prep and the US-UK Fulbright Commission will be present.
Cost: £10*

This 3-hour long workshop will cover:
Overview and benefits of postgraduate study in the US
Choosing a degree programme
Completing a successful application
Admissions exams
Funding your studies
Fulbright resources, including the Fulbright Postgraduate Awards

Book your place today, before spaces sell out! 

Fulbright Scholarships for 2017-18 – for UK citizens to study in the USA

Deadline: 6 November 2016

The Fulbright Commission is the only organisation that offers scholarships for academic work in any subject, at any accredited US university. Each year, we give Awards to approximately 20-25 UK postgraduates.

More than funding, our Awards offer scholars the opportunity to have a transformative cultural and academic experience and provide unparalleled support both during and after their Fulbright year.
See here

SEO London City Solicitors Horizons (CSH)

Each year, 50 first year university students either studying law or committed to pursuing a career in law will be selected to participate in an outstanding three-year support programme alongside their undergraduate degrees featuring:
· Classroom and one-to-one training sessions
· Personal mentoring by lawyers at participating leading law firms
· Annual work experience placements with leading employers, including City law firms For more information and details of how to apply please visit http://csh.seolondon-careers.com/

“Win a year of Netflix, give us your feedback”

Take the trendence survey because we’re giving away…
£100 of Netflix Gift Cards (given away every week!)
Two x £500 Amazon vouchers
Click here to enter the competition! We want to know which employers you like, and how you’re feeling about your future career. We use the results to put together research reports to help universities and employers across the UK, so that they know what kind of job you want. It only takes 15 minutes and you can even complete it on your mobile! It’s quick, it’s convenient, and you can win great prizes! Why wait? Take the survey now: www.trendence-gradbarometer.co.uk

ANCIENT & MODERN PRIZE 2016

An award of £1,000 for original research open to candidates under 26 or over 60. Applications close October 31, 2016. Sponsored by HALI (carpets and textiles) and CORNUCOPIA (Turkey for connoisseurs) and by Bonhams, Christies and Sotheby’s
HOW TO APPLY The project should relate to any of the subject areas covered by the sponsoring journals: http://www.hali.com/http://www.cornucopia.net/ Applications should outline the project in up to 500 words, accompanied by your age, anticipated results, and contact address. The award can be used for travel, material expenses and sustenance whilst the research is underway. Priority will be given to projects which would not easily find funding and which display originality. Entries are judged on the following criteria: – Presentation of the application – Worthiness of the subject – Likeliness to produce results – Appeal to Halı or Cornucopia readers of the resulting print article – How the prize money would contribute to the project Applications by email to:secretary@ancientandmodern.co.uk By post to: The Secretary, Ancient & Modern, PO Box 13311 Hawick, TD9 7YF, United Kingdom Applications close October 31, 2016 Further details: http://www.ancientandmodern.co.uk

Are you a BAME grad looking for a #creative career?

Check out some of @_CreativeAccess paid opportunities: http://ow.ly/H03De

GradLink UK websites for International Students

These careers websites are designed specifically for students/graduates from China, India, Africa, Bangladesh and Malaysia at HE institutions right across the UK. They include:
UK www.gradlinkuk.com online careers service for international students and graduates studying across the UK.
China www.gradlinkchina.com
India www.gradlinkindia.com
Malaysia www.gradlinkmalaysia.com
Africa www.gradlinkafrica.com
Bangladesh www.gradlinkBANGLADESH.com

Gradcracker has graduate training schemes open for engineering and science students

http://www.gradcracker.com/science-1-jobs/?
Fuel and Landing Gear Test Graduate AIRBUS
Graduate Quality Engineer – Nuclear – Sellafield
Graduate Aviation Scheme 2017 MOTT NACDONALD
Graduate Trainee – Graduate Space Systems Thermal Engineer (IRC233410)
Physics BABCOCK
Graduate Environmental Planner
Trainee Health Physicist
Graduate Cyber Security Analyst
Systems Engineer – Industrial Placement – Luton – 1476
IT Industrial Placement GSK
Software Development Year-long Placement FUJITSU

The award is completed entirely online via Moodle and so can be completed from home.  You learn all the skills needed to get a job or internship and thereby greatly increase your chances of getting a graduate job. It is completed by quizzes and short assignments and can be finished in a few hours: some students will do an hour a day over a week and others will complete the whole award in a weekend.
The review of the CV by a professional enabled me to drastically improve my CV.
As an international student, I am used to writing CVs in a quite different manner, so to get feedback though Moodle was very helpful.
It has helped me tremendously in applying for jobs, and I am especially thankful for the thorough feedback.
Halve your chances of unemployment: the unemployment rate for students completing the award is 2% compared to 5% for those not doing the award.
Enrol on Moodle by searching for DP2650 DP2650: Careers Employability Award (2016/17). If you have any problems enrolling email  bw@kent.ac.uk and I’ll enrol you
To get your CV professionally reviewed, go to section 11 of the module and simply upload your CV in MS Word or PDF format.
To find out more see www.kent.ac.uk/careers/moodle.htm

Stage 2 Social Sciences Study Abroad Talk, Wednesday 5 October, 4pm – 5pm, Keynes Lecture Theatre 1
Note: you must have achieved a minimum of 60% or your school requirement overall in Stage 1 in order to be eligible to go abroad. All Social Sciences students who meet the above academic requirement are invited to attend. The talk will be delivered by members of staff in International Partnerships and will outline the destinations available to you, the application process, support available and any other important information including finances. If you are required to undertake a period of study abroad as part of your degree, or if you are interested in exploring your options, please come along and find out more about the opportunities available to you.

Stage 2 Humanities Study Abroad Talk, Wednesday 5 October, 3pm – 4pm, Keynes Lecture Theatre 1
Note: you must have achieved a minimum of 60% overall in Stage 1 in order to be eligible to go abroad. All Humanities students who meet the above academic requirement are invited to attend. The talk will be delivered by members of staff in International Partnerships and will outline the destinations available to you, the application process, support available and any other important information including finances. If you are required to undertake a period of study abroad as part of your degree, or if you are interested in exploring your options, please come along and find out more about the opportunities available to you.

Stage 2 Sciences Study Abroad Talk, Wednesday 5 October, 1.30pm – 2.30pm, Darwin Lecture Theatre 1
Note: you must have achieved a minimum of 60% or your school requirement overall in Stage 1 in order to be eligible to go abroad. All Physical Sciences and Biosciences students who meet the above academic requirement are invited to attend. The talk will be delivered by members of staff in International Partnerships and will outline the destinations available to you, the application process, support available and any other important information including finances. If you are required to undertake a period of study abroad as part of your degree, or if you are interested in exploring your options, please come along and find out more about the opportunities available to you.

For further details & to book visit www.kent.ac.uk/ces/events

Tuesday 4 October, KLT5 1 to 2 pm. Make your application stand out and acing the assessment centre for your dream job 
Sky Graduates and Sky Recruitment Team are running an interactive session on the best way to sell yourself in applications and at assessment centres

Wednesday 5 October KLT6 1-1:30pm Bitesize talk: Finding a part-time job 
Learn everything you need to know about how to maximise your success rate in finding a part-time job

Wednesday 5 October, KLT6, 3-5pm FDM Assessment Centre Workshop
Whichever career path you decide to embark on after university you are likely to be asked to attend an Assessment Centre as a part of the recruitment process. FDM Group’s Assessment Centre Workshop is your chance to discover what to expect, how to prepare and how to excel on the day! Limited numbers please book at www.kent.ac.uk/ces/events

Thursday 6 October KLT5 1-1:30pm Bitesize talk: What’s in a name? 
We will break down some common stereotypes based on the products companies offer and instead explore the vast array of jobs instead. Prepare to be amazed!

Tuesday 11 October, Keynes Atrium, 9am-5pm Willis Towers Watson
Find out more about graduate recruitment opportunities with Willis Towers Watson

Tuesday 11 October KLT5 1-1:30pm Bitesize talk: Interviews 
Learn the difference between competency and strength based interviews and get tips on how to ace them in just 30 minutes

Wednesday 12 October KLT6 1-2pm JET Programme – Teaching English in Japan
Dr Anthony Manning, Dean for Internationalisation at the University of Kent, talks about his experience on the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) programme.
JET is an official Japanese Government scheme aimed at improving foreign language teaching in schools and promoting international understanding. www.jet-uk.org

Wednesday 19 October, KLT6 Mandarin Consulting Job Application Workshop 
This event encompasses coaching, work experience and the skills gained can be taken forward into your future career.

Thursday 20 October KLT5 12:30-1pm Bitesize talk: Identify your skills 
Learn how to identify the skills you have that an employer will want, plus any gaps in your skills you may need to fill.

Thursday 20 October, KLT5, 1-2pm Applying for Teacher Training 
The Director of Postgraduate Admissions at Canterbury Christ Church University will talk about applications for PGCE courses and what teacher training institutions look for when selecting students.
DON’T MISS THIS IF YOU ARE AT ALL INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN TEACHING

For further details & to book visit www.kent.ac.uk/ces/events