Options after a degree in English Language or Linguistics Janet Forsyth Careers Consultant

Aims…. A brief introduction to….  Your options on graduation  How to research career options  Starting to plan your future career, and why it pays to start sooner rather than later  How the Careers Service can help support you

What are your options?  Employment  ‘Graduate level’ job  Self employed / own business  Temping / gaining experience  Further study  Volunteering/work experience  Travel/gap year

Identifying jobs closely / directly related to your subject….  Jobs which capitalise on your degree skills and knowledge - some ideas  Publishing (editorial)  Teacher (TEFL, English, Primary)  Speech and language therapist  Lexicographer  Advertising/Marketing/PR  …and more ideas ….. Options with English Options with Linguistics

What’s out there? - Explore your options  Information Centre green careers information folders, reference books, takeaway literature  People employer presentations, careers fairs, careers information sessions, your own network……  Experience work experience ( > looking for work)  PPLS careers blog:

Shaping your future…

Me – what do I want/what can I offer? Gain experience and personal development/insight Find opportunities – make applications Plan my next step- work-experience, volunteering etc Review my options - make some choices What’s out there? What are my options? Shape your future… ‘planned happenstance’

What do I want? What am I looking for from my career? What factors will influence my decision?  Purpose of my job?  What sort of role?  What interests and motivates me?  What skills do I want to use?  What sort of organisation and working environment?  Values / lifestyle choices  Personal qualities and temperament  Location

What do I want? Resources: Figuring out your career  CareerEd  Prospects Planner  Targetjobs Careers Report (all at > optionswww.ed.ac.uk/careers  Careers section of PPLS website – including case-studies and careers blog - > psychology UG > Careerswww.ppls.ed.ac.uk  Career Consultants

Corporate Communications Assistant– Graduate Trainee ‘the candidate will have an enthusiasm for communication, and a willingness to learn and develop new skills. The jobholder will be an enthusiastic communicator with excellent written skills. An aptitude for writing for the web will also be useful. As the department works in a fast moving environment, the successful candidate will need to be able to work to deadlines and prioritise their workload’ MyCareerHub

Teach First programme You will be an accomplished communicator with proven leadership ability; able to demonstrate initiative, creativity and resourcefulness in challenging situation. Able to show strong levels of self-awareness, understand the consequences of your actions and able to evaluate your impact on the outcome of a situation. You will not shy away from your responsibilities and have resilience to see things through to completion MyCareerHub

What do I have to offer?  Education / qualifications  academic ability  skills from degree  class rep?  Work – paid or voluntary  relevant?  varied?  Outside interests  societies  sports

Reflections from a recent graduate…  Linguistics at Edinburgh – Alumna interview: Rebecca Linguistics at Edinburgh – Alumna interview: Rebecca

Careers Service  Where? Third Floor, Main Library  Information staff always available to help you find resources  Bookable (up to) 20 minute appointments 12 – 4 daily, (referral for longer appointment possible) – via MyCareerHub  Weekly appointments in PPLS – (watch for the booking )  PPLS careers blog 