This module provides you with key employability skills that will prepare you to apply for employment or future education in your areas of interest. You will be shown the skills required to get through the application process as well as those soft and business skills employers will be expecting. The module has zero credits and is optional, but all Mathematics students will be registered on the module; particularly students taking the Mathematics ... with a Year in Industry programmes will be expected to engage with the module.

Students taking this module will be expected to:

* attend 2 or more CareerZone workshops;

* attend a 1-1 meeting with a Careers Consultant to discuss their CV and areas of employment;

* attend the specific sessions scheduled for this module;

* attend 2 or more extra-curricular EMPS specific employability or alumni events;

* work through the online ELE resources for the module.

The aim of this module is to provide you with skills to progress through the rigorous application processes that many employers have, and the ability to market yourself effectively if undertaking speculative approaches to companies. The application process can be competitive and challenging. It is a time consuming activity and you may well encounter setbacks during the process, particularly considering the fact that you will be in competition with other high calibre students. This module is designed to give you resources and support during year 2, to support applications at the end of year 2/beginning of year 3 (for a BSc degree, and similarly for 4-year degrees).

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1 Compose an effective and well-presented CV, complete with supporting cover letter making clear links between your experience and the job description;

2 Search for job opportunities in your chosen field, using a range of resources and events;

3. Successfully navigate selection processes and secure opportunities;

4. Make career-related decisions taking into account personal priorities and constraints.

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

5. Identify and investigate the range of career opportunities available and relevant to a student undertaking a Mathematics or related degree programme;

6. Present the knowledge and skills gained during your degree and show how these can enhance your future employability;

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:

7. Showcase your skills, motivations and personal career development needs.

8. Use the internet and networking opportunities to enhance career prospects.

9 Understand the importance of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) both during your studies and after graduation.

10. Evaluate your own strengths and weaknesses in relation to graduate level professional and practical skills, and act autonomously to develop new areas of skills as necessary.
 

This module is compulsory for BSc Mathematics with a Year in Industry and related programmes, and for and those considering transferring onto these programmes.

Students should consider attending workshops around the following key areas:

The Career Search & Finding Your Ideal Tole;

CVs, Covering Letters & Application Forms;

Assessment Centre and Interview Skills;

Networking skills;

Attendance at Careers Fairs

Psychometric Testing;

Commercial awareness;

LinkedIn Lab;

Professionalism.

Re-assessment is not available for this module.

Basic reading:

Cottrell, S. (2003), Skills for Success: The Personal Development Handbook

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk

Web based and Electronic Resources:

My Career Zone - https://mycareerzone.exeter.ac.uk/students/

Career Mentor Scheme - http://www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/research/mentor/

eXepert - http://www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/research/exepert/

Career Sectors - http://www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/research/sector/

Gradcracker - https://www.gradcracker.com/

Other Resources:

Reading list for this module: