If doing a degree was a job, what would it look like University of Manchester Careers Blog

If doing a degree was a job, what would it look like Often when we speak to graduates  they say they would treat  going to University more like a job if they could have a do over! You arrive at university for the first time, its crazy, exciting and scary and no-one is around to tell you  what to do and when! (Amazing complete freedom! Or is it?) Your ideas of what to expect may be hazy and no one is telling you what is expected of you (beyond attending a few classes), so how do you know if you are getting it right? What is the expected outcome other than a degree? So here it is    Your University job description A successful candidate will have a passion for learning and a clear understanding of their goals and how to achieve them. They will not only achieve a good degree but also benefit the academic and local community during their studies through engagement with extracurricular activities and work experience. Role description Attend lectures and seminars as required by academic schools. Participate in opportunities to work in groups and present to peers. Engage with and help to improve your local community through volunteering where available. Ensure fees are paid, top up funds using  available part-time or vacation jobs and internships. Improve the student experience and your own through participating in societies. Gain a range of employability skills via extracurricular and work related experiences. Engage with peers and academic staff to contribute to and give feedback on the academic experience. Identify opportunities to explore career options. Use ICT and social networking tools to own advantage. Identify and promote personal brand. Person specification Enthusiastic about gaining skills and open to new experiences. Inquisitive â€" must be prepared to seek out and research opportunities as they arise. Communicative â€" must be willing and able to network with stakeholders at all levels, employers, academics peers. Resilient â€" must be prepared to learn from experiences and able to adjust behaviours and attitudes accordingly. Self-starter â€" must be able to motivate self and others under pressure. Able to work to tight deadlines and able to multitask in an ever changing environment. Knowledge experience Good understanding of self and motivating factors. Understanding of skills gained through education and extracurricular activities. Thorough research in the areas of career aspiration using traditional and new media and personal connections. Previous learning experiences including A-levels or equivalent, as required by individual degree or graduate  programme. So now you know some of the expectations, are you ready to meet them? All Undergraduate Undergraduate-highlighted employability First year students Getting started Internships job hunting job market networking Options skills summer internships Volunteering work experience