MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR YEAR ABROAD Tim Reed Careers Advisory Service

Introduction n The CAS at the University of Kent n Benefits of a Year Abroad n How to sell these benefits n CV preparation

n CAS location n Staff n Opening times n Facilities Careers Advisory Service University of Kent Canterbury, Kent. CT2 7ND Tel

Benefits of a Year Abroad n The experience itself “rewarding” & “life-changing” n Skills development (eg. Independence, self-reliance, self-confidence, maturity, adaptability, flexibility, communication) n Enduring friendships n Enhanced cultural awareness n Better prepared for further study

Benefit to employers “international education ignites a passion for understanding other people and their perspectives.. essential to success in our increasingly diverse world.” Douglas N. Daft Chairman & Chief Executive – Coca-Cola

How to sell these benefits n Declare your year abroad on application n Identify YOUR key qualities from time abroad n Target organisations, businesses, careers which value international experience

Who to sell these benefits to n Civil Service Departments eg. DFID, Diplomatic Service, GCHQ etc… n International businesses eg. Nestle, Arup, PwC, Sky, Shell etc… n International NGOs eg. Greenpeace, Amnesty, Raleigh etc… n Other International groups eg. United Nations, European Union etc…

CV Preparation n Layout Personal details Academic background Work Experience Interests & achievements Additional information References n Where to put year abroad details/information

John Michael Andrews (5/11/86) 33 Union Street, Manchester, M6 3AE. Tel Nationality: British EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS University of Kent, Canterbury BA (Hons.) American Studies (History) 2:1. Final Year Subjects: The Supreme Court, Civil Rights Movement Project: "Economic Consequences of the Destruction of the Sioux Nation" University of California, Los Angeles. Year abroad at university – studied History of Accounting in the USA St. John’s Boys School, Manchester. A-Levels: Mathematics B, History B, Economics C. AS-Level: Geography D 8 GCSEs (grades A*-C) including Mathematics, English and Spanish. WORK EXPERIENCE Summers 2007 & 2008 Tourist Information Office, Canterbury & Los Angeles Helping tourists, working in Bureau de Change, booking theatre and concert tickets. Summer 2006 Canterbury City Council. Accounts Clerk in Treasurer’s office. Dealing with enquiries, using computerised systems present Simple Simon’s Public House, Canterbury. Bar work throughout the year serving food and drinks to customers and cashing up. ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS Secretary of the Accounting Society, involved booking speakers. Organised a charity fun run for Rag Week – raised £250. Enjoy competitive sport and play for the University basketball and football teams. Other interests include international current affairs and studying the Stock Market. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IT Skills: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, , WWW etc. Good level of spoken Spanish & French. Full, clean driving licence. REFERENCES Available on request

CV - Year Abroad n A marketing tool n Yours! n A4 – sized n Targeted n Stylized: Chronological/Skills-based n Different in other countries

John Andrews 33 Union Street Manchester M6 3AE 6 th October 2008 Ms Verity Wise Graduate Recruitment Manager Great Big Company Anywhere Street London SW1 Job Reference Number (state this if it is mentioned in the advert) Dear Ms. Wise I am writing in response to your advertisement in “Prospects Finalist" for Graduate Trainees and enclose my CV for your consideration. I first became interested in retail banking through talking to a Kent graduate, currently in the second year of your Management Training programme, at the University Careers Fair. Since then discussion with my careers adviser and with management staff at my local branch has confirmed my decision to aim for a career in this field. Through my degree course, I have been able to develop my interest in business together with my numeracy skills. While at University, I have also been able to utilise my skills in working with people through a variety of vacation jobs. My work at the Tourist Information Office was valuable in teaching me the importance of ascertaining customers’ needs and providing clear and accurate information. I will be available for interview if required at your convenience. I can be contacted at my home address (above) and look forward to hearing from you. Yours Sincerely John Andrews

Further Information n Careers Advisory Service website n CAS booklet “Making Applications” n CAS Reference Files (013 series) n Example CVs (013) n CV Writer software n Quick Queries at the CAS n Reference Books (eg. CVs for Graduates) n DVDs/Videos “Your Job’s online” & “Looking Good on Paper”