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The respondent to this survey is Ruth who is from a White British background.
| What qualifications did you hold prior to starting university? | 10 GCSE's
A-level Design and Technology
Advanced GNVQ Science |
| What was the name of your course? | Biomedical Science - BSc/Biomed |
| While at university have you worked part-time? | No |
| While at university have you performed any voluntary work? | Yes |
| While at university have you undertake any work experience? | No |
| Please give details of your experience? | With Sheffield volunteer service I helped restore a neglected garden. |
| How useful did you find this work experience when it came to find a job after graduating? | Add to skills section of CV, employers like to see volunteer work. |
| What is your status? | Seeking suitable employment or study |
| Do you feel you have a career plan? | Yes |
| If so, how does your current situation fit into this plan? | I have recently completed a graduate employability programme and I am going travelling for a month. All add great skills to your CV and help greatly to increase your confidence and give you a clearer idea of what career you want. |
| When did you start thinking about what you wanted to do after graduation? Thinking back did you leave enough time for this? | During my third year I worked on my CV and researched possible career paths, but mainly started thinking after I finished year 3 exams. This was enough time as I did not want to enter a career after graduating but take some time out. |
| Did you experience any difficulties when it came to finding work after graduation? If yes, please describe some of the problems you faced? | It proved difficult to find a general job not related to my degree as many companies don't want graduates as they know they will leave. I did get a job at an opticians after applying to many stores. |
| What do you wish you had known before you started applying for jobs? | Now I am looking for a career I wish I had a better understanding of the range of jobs available to science graduates and the appropriate training. |
| What advice would you give to someone applying for jobs now? | Research the company well, get a good, solid CV together and tailor it to the specific job. Agencies are also a good source of advice as is the university careers service. Also try to talk to someone who holds the job position you are applying for or someone who works at the company. |
| Would you have done anything differently while at university to prepare for your career? Please give details. | I wanted to solely concentrate on my studies to get the best grade possible. However, a year in industry would have been very beneficial or work experience in the summer holidays. |
| How do you feel your degree has prepared you for today's labour market? | Provided me with a broad scientific background and helped to build my confidences. |
| What impact did your course have on your career aspirations? | Affirmed job choice |
| Did you make use of the careers service at university? | Yes |
| If yes, please describe how you used the careers service. | Used resources available such as videos and brochures. Also had an advisor check my CV and covering letters. |
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