JobShop

How important is it to gain some work experience during your time at Aston?

The answer is simple: very!

Experience in the real world of work shows placement and graduate employers that you've gone beyond your academic studies to gain employability skills. In a competitive placement and graduate jobs market, work experience is highly valued and could be the difference between you landing a role or not.

A paid part-time job not only helps boost your CV, but can also boost your bank balance while you're studying. Employers across the region offer flexible opportunities that you can fit around your studies and commitments.

Volunteering is a win-win: the organisation gains support in delivering its service and you gain valuable experience in the working world. Approved volunteer work can be added to your Higher Education Achievement Record (HEAR).

What do we mean by employability skills?

Employability skills are essential in a variety of roles and careers, whether it be in retail or radiography. You may not find them explicitly mentioned in job descriptions, but that doesn't mean employers aren't looking for them. Here are just a few examples:

Communication
Teamwork
Time management
Leadership
Problem-solving
Initiative

In interviews, it's likely you'll be asked to give examples of where you've shown these skills, and work experience gained through part-time work or volunteering makes answering these questions much easier.

Olivia Smith BSc IBAM

"Part-time work helped me to build an idea of what I wanted to do and made me very employable. I also gained a lot of confidence, inspiration and motivation to explore and not be afraid of stepping out of my comfort zone."

Education Recruitment Consultant for Frontline Education. Sydney, Australia.

How can the JobShop help?

The JobShop team is on hand to help Aston students develop their early work experience and find part-time or voluntary roles to fit around their studies. They also offer CV support and advice on applying for roles, as well as help with interview preparation.

In addition, the team runs a range of events during the academic year where you'll have the chance to chat with employers. Keep an eye on our social media channels or Aston Futures for more details.

Start your search now

All of the vacancies which the JobShop source are added onto Aston Futures. Log in using your Aston student username and password.

Although we recommend using Aston Futures to start your search, we know it isn’t the only job portal available. Here are some links to some other suggested sites you can use to help you with your search:

Indeed

Indeed is one the biggest job sites in the UK and features a host of part-time jobs and volunteering opportunities.

Totaljobs

Totaljobs features hundreds of part-time jobs in a range of industry sectors.

StudentJob

StudentJob is a jobs board that specialises in helping students find part-time work to fit around their studies.

Student Ambassador and Mentor Scheme

An opportunity to work with young people as an ambassador for our student recruitment team. These roles are both rewarding and great for your CV!

CharityJob

One of the UK's biggest job sites for work in the charity sector. They work with both large and small charities across the UK to showcase volunteering roles.

Get in touch

Book an appointment with a member of the JobShop team via Aston Futures.

Tel: 0121 204 4844
Email: jobshop@aston.ac.uk
Visit us: Careers and Placements Centre, Main Building, South Wing, First Floor. Head to contact us for our latest opening times.

Employers

Are you an employer looking to recruit a student? Visit our recruitment support page for further information.

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