Graduate Career Guide

As the end of your studies approaches, finding a job suddenly becomes a very high priority for most graduates. Having spent a large amount of time in a learning environment it is an important, but often difficult, transition into the business world. This short guide aims to highlight some ways of easing that transition and giving you that all-important edge over your competition using the plethora of resources available to you, online and offline.

Sponsored by
ICE Recruit is the UKs only specialist civil engineering job board. It is the official job board of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the home of UK civil engineering, and features hundreds of new opportunities every week for civil and structural engineers in the UK and abroad.

The job site from the Institution of Civil Engineers Group

icerecruit.com

icerecruit

Getting started
Creating your CV
Probably the most fundamental element to any job application is your CV.
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 any universities offer CV writing workshops as well as M general career advice: these services are usually based in one of your campus buildings, such as the library.  Your CV is the crux of any application and must stand up to scrutiny: many applications are immediately discarded based simply on poor presentation and basic spelling and grammar mistakes  boards index your CV by industry-specific key Job words and phrases. Recruitment consultants use the same technique to match potential interviewees to new vacancies, so its worth spending a bit of time getting the details and terminology just right.  Your CV provides a list of your experiences and skills: as a graduate you may not have as much relevant work experience as other applicants so its worth putting down any extra-curricular activities that would add value to your application. A bit of poetic licence is acceptable but its probably best to leave off your short stint on the board of Microsoft!  complement to all of this is the growing phenomenon A of the video CV. If this is done well it can really add a personal touch to your application. Ideally the clip should last less than five minutes, be done with a good video recorder in a quiet, well-lit environment and make you look like you can really make that elusive 9am lecture. These videos can be uploaded to YouTube, your blog, and provide a great link to include on your CV. a CV will not get you a job but it will get you an interview. Most first time job interviews are conducted via telephone rather than in person. Make sure you are prepared for that telephone call when it arrives. Ensure you have a CV that will make the phone ring.

Starting your job hunt

The next step is to get your new CV in front of potential employers. The simplest way is to sign up for a free account on a specialist online job board like icerecruit.com
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 he more your professional details are T circulated around the Internet the better: quantity really is important in this situation.  ood job sites provide search filters for their G jobs to help you find and apply for positions which are relevant to your interests, skills & experience. Specialist job boards advertise vacancies in the UK and from overseas employers. Civil engineers are currently in high demand in Australia, New Zealand & Canada.  ost job sites will also give you the option of M opting into Personalised Email Alerts because the more of your hard-earned summer holiday you spend on the beach the better! This makes job hunting that bit more convenient by using your email to collect all of the latest job offers into one place and encourages you to be proactive.

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The job site from the Institution of Civil Engineers Group

icerecruit.com

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Getting started
Social networking
Another essential job seeking tool is using social media sites, such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook, to create online networks that can be used to advertise yourself for free. Social media sites are also useful for starting a dialogue with prospective employers about their business.
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 While the right of potential employers to research applicants on sites like Facebook is a grey area, it is always a good idea to make sure there is not a lot of very personal or compromising material on your profile. You should ensure your privacy settings are up-todate and recruiters cannot see those embarrassing photos of the 80s disco-themed night-out.

 ocial media sites are also a good way of making S contacts and beginning to create a personal network, LinkedIn is a particularly effective way of doing this. Using LinkedIn you can create your profile, upload your CV, create a network of contacts, apply for jobs, join civil engineering groups and get involved in group and industry discussions.  n the other hand, creating a blog based around O your interests that are related to your subject is a more personal way of showing an employer your passion and initiative. But remember to keep the blog updated and presentable: this usually means no advertisements, and its important to keep an eye open for spam-style comments and delete them.

Do your homework
Job boards arent the only place to look for new opportunities. Its always worth doing some background research and finding companies you can apply to directly.
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 Create a list of companies youd like to work for. Understand the employers culture and mission and look for companies who are a good match for you. Check with your career services office for a list of alumni contacts who might be willing to help you.  directly to the source and search for and apply for Go jobs on company websites. On most company sites, you can apply for all positions online: from part-time hourly jobs to top management positions.  Jobs are typically listed in the Careers section of the employers website. Job and Career information may be in a separate section (Careers) or under the About Us section.  Just about every company has detailed employment information including job openings, an employment application, company locations, benefits, and how to apply online.

 Dont stop there. Its useful to review third party websites that will provide you with more detailed company information. Research what projects they have been awarded and ensure you bring this information into your application, discussing how your specific experience and skills might enhance a particular project.  You should also research the company on other social media sites: perhaps they have a Twitter feed with real-time updates and news. Research their employees on Linked In: let all your connections know youre interested in the job and ask if they can give you insight into the recruitment process and possibly an introduction to the hiring manager  One of the benefits of joining a professional body like ICE is that you get invited to specialist events: another great way of meeting potential employers. And you will finally have an appreciative audience for those quirky civil engineering anecdotes!

The job site from the Institution of Civil Engineers Group

icerecruit.com

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icerecruit

How ICE can help

Why become a Graduate member?

The ICE can support you throughout your lifetime as a civil engineer, from the moment you start to look for a suitable academic qualification, through all stages of your career development. Graduate membership of ICE is the ideal stepping stone to becoming a professionally qualified engineer and offers a wide range of benefits, including: professional development advice and support; free access to specialist events and lectures; free subscription to NCE and the ICE Virtual Library, and the chance to meet and network with expert practitioners and industry leaders from the UK and around the world.

Becoming a Graduate member of the ICE only costs 178.50 for UK residents & 133.50 for overseas members. If you are earning less than 12,000 a year, you could be eligible for a concessionary discount. Find out more about Graduate membership and join today.

About ICE
ICE is a global membership organisation that promotes and advances civil engineering around the world. Its purpose is to qualify professionals engaged in civil engineering, exchange knowledge and best practice, and promote their contribution to society. ICE members help to create the structures and systems that sustain

society. They are responsible for designing, building, maintaining and improving bridges, roads, canals, docks, office buildings, hospitals, schools, airports, power stations, railways, flood defences, watertreatment facilities... all over the world. ICE makes sure that the high standards needed to become a professional civil engineer are met. Professionals who are awarded membership of the Institution are among the best in the world.

The job site from the Institution of Civil Engineers Group

icerecruit.com

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icerecruit

Working Overseas
Youve done all the right things. You got good grades at university, youve worked hard to create an excellent CV but getting no job offers. Perhaps its time to look at other options, like moving abroad. Pack a suitcase and catch a flight, sleep on a couch, buy a suit, shine your teeth, and find a good spot in the overseas workforce. Finding a job abroad isnt impossible: with a structured, thought-out approach, determination and a dose of creativity, you can increase your chances of success. Trying to find a job abroad may seem a little intimidating at first, but the process itself is not very different from what it would be in your home country.

Analyse the market

You should not dive into the job search right away. Take some time to get a general idea of the international job market before trying to find a job abroad. Find out which jobs are in demand in specific countries or what country has been awarded a major infrastructure project. If you have not settled for a country yet, this may help you decide where youd like to work. Currently civil engineers are especially in demand in Singapore, Hong Kong, Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Opportunities are advertised all year round on ICE Recruit.

Choose the right employer

One option is to try to find a job abroad directly with a company based in the country youre going to. If you can find a foreign-owned company, i.e. one that is run by other expats, this may facilitate your attempts to find a job abroad. It may also be worth considering applying to those companies with offices at home so that when you have gained experience and want to move home you may be able to relocate with this company.

ICE Presence Internationally

Country Hong Kong China Australia New Zealand Canada South Africa Other ICEs International Representatives

www.ice.org.uk/nearyou/Asia-Pacific/Hong-Kong www.ice.org.uk/nearyou/Asia-Pacific/China www.ice.org.uk/nearyou/Asia-Pacific/Australia www.ice.org.uk/nearyou/Asia-Pacific/New-Zealand www.ice.org.uk/nearyou/The-Americas/Canada www.ice.org.uk/nearyou/Africa/South-Africa www.ice.org.uk/nearyou

The job site from the Institution of Civil Engineers Group

icerecruit.com

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icerecruit

Have a backup plan

Finding your first professional job can be tough. The important thing is to stay positive, dont forget to schedule some downtime and, most important of all - have a backup plan.

Completed ICE Objective:

Provide Technical and Commercial Management

Transferable skills
All too often during a recession graduates find themselves in a job that doesnt seem to have much to do with civil engineering. However, any job - from bar work to tour guide has the potential to enrich your CV with transferable skills you can use to impress a potential employer. The ICE goes a step further, and allows you to continue working towards your professional development objectives even if youre not working in civil engineering: another good reason for becoming a Graduate member (see page 4). So dont give up. The concept of transferable skills means that, when that ideal job finally comes along, youll be well prepared to grab it with both hands.

During my time at Robson Insurance, I was responsible for the development and maintenance of a client database, resource planning and ensuring legal deadlines were met. I also took responsibility for three of the companys staff, including their sales targets and all aspects of their office records. Although my job wasnt directly connected with my degree in civil engineering I have still been able to use my experiences to help me achieve my goal of professional accreditation.

The job site from the Institution of Civil Engineers Group

icerecruit.com

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icerecruit

Have a backup plan

Internships
The main obstacle most graduates have to finding a job in the first place is lack of practical experience. But there are various ways to increase your experience level and therefore your employability without entering the conventional job market. One of these options is what is commonly referred to in the US as an internship. An internship is a common element of the US job-seeking process and is becoming increasing prevalent in Europe. It involves working for a company for a period of time, usually a year, for little or no pay. Instead of a salary the company provides you with training and a place in their organisation with the possibility of a job at the end of the process. Employers see interns as prospective employees and many finish their internships and continue working with the company full time. Think of it as a really long interview, after which youve proved that you are a capable and hardworking employee. An internship is sometimes confused with a work placement. A work placement is usually included in a university course and takes place between two years of education, lasting a year. It is usually organized and supported heavily by the university and a salary is paid to the student. As a graduate you may have taken part in one of these programs, but you can still benefit from taking part in an internship. The more experience you have as a graduate the less risk companies are taking when they employ you. It also gives you a chance to become specialised in an industry-specific role, which is very useful when looking to apply for jobs in industry. The downside to internship is pretty clear. However, it remains a viable option for those with a bit of financial security looking to get a start in the industry, and the experience can really help focus your thoughts about the type and size of company you want to work for going forward.

Some Useful Websites

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Graduate Talent Pool - If you are a graduate, who graduated in 2008, 2009 or 2010 with at least a degree or foundation degree, one way of finding a work placement or internship opportunity is through the Graduate Talent Pool. Prospects - Graduate Prospects provides an extensive amount of information on graduate career opportunities, including work placements.

Grad Cracker - A useful site that provides a range of work placement opportunities.

The job site from the Institution of Civil Engineers Group

icerecruit.com

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icerecruit

Have a backup plan

Volunteering
Voluntary work is another way to enrich your CV. Whether youre helping build bridges or drainage systems, volunteering is a fantastic opportunity to take a bit of a gap year after the strains and stresses of your final exams and give something back. Volunteering can set you apart from other candidates. It bridges the gap between education and the world of work. It gives evidence of skills that employers are very keen on, such as working in difficult environments, teamwork and adaptability. Volunteering also suggests youre a generally good person who would be a pleasure to have in an office. Of course you already know that, but it never hurts to advertise! Volunteers are usually paid a small wage, flight and travel expenses, given medical care and accommodation. This means that it is a good way to tide you over for another year until the job market is a bit more favourable and maybe even save a little money. Many people who have passed through the process will cite it as a life changing experience but potential volunteers should definitely consider their choice very carefully. We hope this short guide has given you some useful tips on ways to approach job hunting as a graduate. Its a competitive world out there, but were sure that with your education and the right skills you will find the right job for you, good luck!

International Voluntary Agencies

Here are a few organisations you could contact regarding volunteer opportunities overseas:
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- RedR is an international charity that provides training and recruitment services for the humanitarian sector, improving emergency response worldwide. For the past 30 years, they have been helping rebuild the lives of those affected by disaster. This company will definitely help get you the training that you will need to be able to work in the humanitarian sector, but they wont employ you on their own unless you already have experience working in the field.

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Without Borders (EWB) - EWB are an international development organisation that removes barriers to a countrys development through engineering.  VSO - VSO is an independent international development organisation that works through volunteers to fight poverty in developing countries.

About ICE Recruit

ICE Recruit is the UKs only specialist civil engineering job board. It is the official job board of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the home of UK civil engineering, and features hundreds of new opportunities every week for civil and structural engineers in the UK and abroad. ICE Recruit is available to use by members and non-members of the Institution. We advertise permanent and contract positions in every specialism and every level of civil engineering, from graduate to director level roles. Our clients include local and national government, engineering consultancies, charities & NGOs, as well as a wide range of recruitment consultancies and international recruiters.

The job site from the Institution of Civil Engineers Group

icerecruit.com

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