Case studies : Careers adviser: Jennifer

Jennifer graduated with a PGDip in Career Guidance from the University of Strathclyde in 2007. Prior to that, she completed an undergraduate degree in music at the University of Glasgow in 2003.

I was processing admissions in the registry of an art school when I decided to undertake some postgraduate education in order to work in careers advice. After I graduated I found a job as a careers adviser in a music conservatoire. It was a stroke of luck that the position became available while I was completing my qualification, meaning I could start as soon as I finished the course.

After seven months a nearby university advertised a trainee career consultant position which offered excellent training and development and the opportunity to try working within a large service. I jumped at the chance. Seven months into that post I then applied for another careers adviser position at another large university, where I’ve been for two and a half years working in a team of eight advisers.

Aside from the postgraduate diploma, I don’t think my subject of study made a difference to my current role, although it definitely helped me to secure my first post at the music college.

My working day is varied and I can be involved in a range of activities such as ten-minute drop-in sessions, longer guidance appointments, delivering talks and workshops, developing new sessions and working on our Facebook page. I also liaise with academics and employers in relevant departments, sometimes carrying out employer visits and attend meetings.

Talks and workshops can be wide ranging, covering topics such as how to write a CV, how to get into international development, mock assessment centre exercises and how to market yourself effectively (for all students from undergraduates to PhD students and research staff). During semester time there is a lot of student-facing work, whereas over the summer there is more time available for planning and development.

My role has developed in that I have taken on more responsibility and as a result have more confidence in my work too. I have had the opportunity to be involved in different projects such as redesigning our website and developing a module for students spending a year abroad. And I look forward to getting involved in more projects in the future. My ambitions are possibly to progress through the ranks to a more senior advisor role although I also have an interest in graduate recruitment and student recruitment and admissions work.
 
I really enjoy meeting different people every day and being able to support them in planning their career. It’s also fascinating getting an insight into so many different areas of work through employer visits and research.

Managing student expectations and keeping up to date with an ever-changing job market are probably the hardest parts of the job. You also have to be able to move quickly from one type of activity to another, which can be challenging. 

It seems like a cliché, but working in higher education you do find yourself working with intelligent and interesting individuals. Also the knowledge that you’re spending your working life supporting other individuals and hopefully helping them move towards a stimulating and fulfilling career is quite satisfying.

Make sure that you talk to people currently working in the role to get an idea of what the role involves and whether you would like it or not. Taking the postgraduate diploma is probably a good idea, although watch out for trainee positions where you may be able to train as you work. Getting experience of working with people in a supporting role, especially offering advice and information can be helpful.