Careers chat with Nan Sherrard
Graduate Prospects advisor Nan Sherrard answered your questions on applying for work experience, A-level results and changing jobs.
**Helen**: Hi Nan, welcome to the chat. Our first question is about humanities.
Acrobat: What advice would you give to someone who knows they want a career and not just a job, has got a 2:1 in a humanities subject (history) but has no idea what they want to do? Everyone I speak to suggests teaching but I dislike children so it's not really an option.
Nan: Hi there. Try and focus on your skills and abilities, rather than what you studied. You can use your degree as a level of entry, and proof that you have acquired a range of skills, e.g. communication, problem solving etc. You don't have to do anything subject related (many graduates don't) unless you want to. You could also try doing Prospects Planner, a careers software programme that tries to match your skills and interests to jobs. Also, keep an eye on the job market to try and get a sense of what is out there. Good luck with your job search.
Sofie: What's the quickest route to getting a children's nursing degree?
Nan: The quickest way to train in nursing is to do a diploma, but I think that's still three years. The degree probably takes longer. Try www.nmas.ac.uk for more information.
**Helen**: Ok, thanks Nan. Is there anything more to add on that topic?
Nan: Just that there's not likely to be any shorter route, unless you want to train as a nursery nurse.
**Helen**: How long does it take to train to be a nursery nurse?
Nan: Two years, usually at a further education college rather than a university. You need GCSEs to get on the course.
**Helen**: Great. We'll move on to a question about internships now.
Mark: How can young people pluck up the courage or contacts to ask for an internship?
Nan: It might be easier to start by looking at advertised internships or work experience placements. Try on the Prospects website and www.work-experience.org. That way you don't start off 'cold calling' and you should build up a bit of confidence working through the process. In terms of contacts, ask friends, family and their friends and family. Extend the range as far as you can. I hope that helps.
**Helen**: Thanks. The next question relates to work experience too.
bunglenutter: I have a degree in music technology and I want to work in film but I have no experience. I searched for some local production companies and one in particular looks quite promising as they operate an open-door policy for new people to send in a CV via email. I want to send my CV to them for some voluntary work experience. What should I put in the email to make a convincing case for myself? I have a full time job at the moment (not related to what I studied) and I'm guessing that it wouldn't be a good idea to say "I can only come evening" or "I can only come on certain days". I'm 25 now and I'm starting to get worried that my spark is going out.
Nan: Firstly, I think you should investigate the company in as much depth as possible. Search the website, look for articles in the press and find out what sort of programmes/films they make. Then use all of that to do some 'matching' in your CV - reflect the language they use and give evidence to show that you have the skills they seek, even if gained in different circumstances. Don't specify how and when you could do the experience - hopefully you'll get to the next step and can negotiate. Finally, you could also try and get the name of someone and then ring up and ask who deals with recruitment/work experience so that you can approach them directly.
"Keep an eye on the job market. You don't want to spend ages deciding on something only to discover it doesn't exist or there are never any vacancies."
bunglenutter: I have no work experience related to music technology with the skills I have, so will this lessen my chances if I send my CV to the production companies? Will companies think it strange that a 25 year-old is looking for work experience?
Nan: You need to give evidence of the skills you've got - e.g. describe a situation where you solved a problem and tell them what it was, what you did and what the outcome was. You can't just say 'I have excellent communication skills' unless you can give examples to prove it.
They might wonder why you haven't tried earlier, but you could just say it has taken you some time to be sure about what you want to do. Otherwise I don't think your age will be a problem. Also, when you approach them, you just need to say you are looking for experience - you don't at this stage need to specify unpaid. You need to try other companies too, in case this doesn't work out. Is that OK?
bunglenutter: Thanks for the help Nan, I'll give it my best shot.
Nan: Good luck, and look at some web sites like Prospects for advice on putting your CV and covering letter/email together.
**Helen**: Have you got any advice for people who were not too happy with their recent A-level results?
Nan: Yes - don't panic! There are still lots of opportunities out there, so have a think about alternatives and do some research. Don't just grab the first thing that comes along. Resits are also an option, but not the only one and not always the best. Talk to your school or college about how much you might improve, and remember you might need higher grades second time round.
See if you can get some objective advice from a local Connexions Advisor. Universities will always, understandably, tell you their course is best! But as I said, don't panic.
kaff: I quite like my job, but feel like I applied for it because I knew I could do it, rather than because I wanted to. The trouble is I don't know what it is I do want to do! Where can I look for inspiration?
Nan: Well, you could try doing Prospects Planner. It's a programme that tries to match your interests to careers. You could also try listing the pros and cons of your present job. There are lots of people out there who couldn't say they even like what they do. You could look at the pros, and see if they start to suggest anything, maybe moving on and up from what you are currently doing.
If you graduated recently, you might still be able to get help from your careers Service, and there's free careers advice at www.prospects.ac.uk. And, Kaff, you need to keep an eye on the job market. You don't want to spend ages deciding on something only to discover it doesn't exist or there are never any vacancies.
kaff: I'll give it a go. Thanks.
**Helen**: Thanks Nan. We're coming to the end so let's have a final question about success at A-levels. Any tips on making the best of really good results?
Nan: Make the best of your next step! If you've done better than you expected, don't assume you need to change courses. Hopefully you did a lot of research to find the right one. If you're surprised and do want to change plans it might be an idea to take a year out, get some work experience, and re-apply to the full range of courses rather than what is available in clearing. And celebrate - no matter how you did!
**Helen**: Brill, thanks for that. That about wraps things up.
Nan: Goodbye and good luck to all! Remember, if you graduated in the last five years and are an EU citizen, you can get free careers advice at www.prospects.ac.uk by email.
Careers chat with Nan Sherrard
Graduate Prospects advisor Nan Sherrard answered your questions on applying for work experience, A-level results and changing jobs.
**Helen**: Hi Nan, welcome to the chat. Our first question is about humanities.
Acrobat: What advice would you give to someone who knows they want a career and not just a job, has got a 2:1 in a humanities subject (history) but has no idea what they want to do? Everyone I speak to suggests teaching but I dislike children so it's not really an option.
Nan: Hi there. Try and focus on your skills and abilities, rather than what you studied. You can use your degree as a level of entry, and proof that you have acquired a range of skills, e.g. communication, problem solving etc. You don't have to do anything subject related (many graduates don't) unless you want to. You could also try doing Prospects Planner, a careers software programme that tries to match your skills and interests to jobs. Also, keep an eye on the job market to try and get a sense of what is out there. Good luck with your job search.
Sofie: What's the quickest route to getting a children's nursing degree?
Nan: The quickest way to train in nursing is to do a diploma, but I think that's still three years. The degree probably takes longer. Try www.nmas.ac.uk for more information.
**Helen**: Ok, thanks Nan. Is there anything more to add on that topic?
Nan: Just that there's not likely to be any shorter route, unless you want to train as a nursery nurse.
**Helen**: How long does it take to train to be a nursery nurse?
Nan: Two years, usually at a further education college rather than a university. You need GCSEs to get on the course.
**Helen**: Great. We'll move on to a question about internships now.
Mark: How can young people pluck up the courage or contacts to ask for an internship?
Nan: It might be easier to start by looking at advertised internships or work experience placements. Try on the Prospects website and www.work-experience.org. That way you don't start off 'cold calling' and you should build up a bit of confidence working through the process. In terms of contacts, ask friends, family and their friends and family. Extend the range as far as you can. I hope that helps.
**Helen**: Thanks. The next question relates to work experience too.
bunglenutter: I have a degree in music technology and I want to work in film but I have no experience. I searched for some local production companies and one in particular looks quite promising as they operate an open-door policy for new people to send in a CV via email. I want to send my CV to them for some voluntary work experience. What should I put in the email to make a convincing case for myself? I have a full time job at the moment (not related to what I studied) and I'm guessing that it wouldn't be a good idea to say "I can only come evening" or "I can only come on certain days". I'm 25 now and I'm starting to get worried that my spark is going out.
Nan: Firstly, I think you should investigate the company in as much depth as possible. Search the website, look for articles in the press and find out what sort of programmes/films they make. Then use all of that to do some 'matching' in your CV - reflect the language they use and give evidence to show that you have the skills they seek, even if gained in different circumstances. Don't specify how and when you could do the experience - hopefully you'll get to the next step and can negotiate. Finally, you could also try and get the name of someone and then ring up and ask who deals with recruitment/work experience so that you can approach them directly.
bunglenutter: I have no work experience related to music technology with the skills I have, so will this lessen my chances if I send my CV to the production companies? Will companies think it strange that a 25 year-old is looking for work experience?
Nan: You need to give evidence of the skills you've got - e.g. describe a situation where you solved a problem and tell them what it was, what you did and what the outcome was. You can't just say 'I have excellent communication skills' unless you can give examples to prove it.
They might wonder why you haven't tried earlier, but you could just say it has taken you some time to be sure about what you want to do. Otherwise I don't think your age will be a problem. Also, when you approach them, you just need to say you are looking for experience - you don't at this stage need to specify unpaid. You need to try other companies too, in case this doesn't work out. Is that OK?
bunglenutter: Thanks for the help Nan, I'll give it my best shot.
Nan: Good luck, and look at some web sites like Prospects for advice on putting your CV and covering letter/email together.
**Helen**: Have you got any advice for people who were not too happy with their recent A-level results?
Nan: Yes - don't panic! There are still lots of opportunities out there, so have a think about alternatives and do some research. Don't just grab the first thing that comes along. Resits are also an option, but not the only one and not always the best. Talk to your school or college about how much you might improve, and remember you might need higher grades second time round.
See if you can get some objective advice from a local Connexions Advisor. Universities will always, understandably, tell you their course is best! But as I said, don't panic.
kaff: I quite like my job, but feel like I applied for it because I knew I could do it, rather than because I wanted to. The trouble is I don't know what it is I do want to do! Where can I look for inspiration?
Nan: Well, you could try doing Prospects Planner. It's a programme that tries to match your interests to careers. You could also try listing the pros and cons of your present job. There are lots of people out there who couldn't say they even like what they do. You could look at the pros, and see if they start to suggest anything, maybe moving on and up from what you are currently doing.
If you graduated recently, you might still be able to get help from your careers Service, and there's free careers advice at www.prospects.ac.uk. And, Kaff, you need to keep an eye on the job market. You don't want to spend ages deciding on something only to discover it doesn't exist or there are never any vacancies.
kaff: I'll give it a go. Thanks.
**Helen**: Thanks Nan. We're coming to the end so let's have a final question about success at A-levels. Any tips on making the best of really good results?
Nan: Make the best of your next step! If you've done better than you expected, don't assume you need to change courses. Hopefully you did a lot of research to find the right one. If you're surprised and do want to change plans it might be an idea to take a year out, get some work experience, and re-apply to the full range of courses rather than what is available in clearing. And celebrate - no matter how you did!
**Helen**: Brill, thanks for that. That about wraps things up.
Nan: Goodbye and good luck to all! Remember, if you graduated in the last five years and are an EU citizen, you can get free careers advice at www.prospects.ac.uk by email.