Getting the Edge

This is an additional 20 credit module open to 2nd year Faculty of Art & Sciences students doing 50 hours (or more) part time or voluntary work between November and March. The Programme is endorsed by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) and aims to help develop confidence, interpersonal skills, initiative, leadership and management skills alongwith team work and presentation skills - all skills actively sought by graduate employers.

"Because of this programme, I have a new perspective on my potential. This programme has taught me about teamwork, problem solving, management and leadership as well as other skills in a very developed manner. I would 100% recommend this to other students. It is in graduate employability terms the BEST thing I have done/achieved at University. I enjoyed the diversity of the group and view it as an equal opportunity for all" (Sociology & Criminology student 2010)

For more details about the module please see our information sheet [PDF] or contact Sue Hepworth, Senior Careers Adviser in the Careers Centre.

Although different jobs will require specific skills there are some which are required by almost all:

Most students will already have these skills, but taking part in work experience or placements, part-time jobs, student societies, sports teams or volunteering is an excellent way of practising them and gaining the real examples that employers are looking for.

Regular or casual jobs for example, bar and restaurant work, care work, IT, mentoring & tutoring, office work and retail are an excellent way of earning extra cash and practising skills such as teamwork, problem solving and customer service. The free Job Club service helps you to find these vacancies.

Some degrees offer time with an employer as part of the course. Placement lengths vary from one day a week over several weeks, to one or two or three weeks full time or even a whole year ‘sandwiched’ between your second and final year. These allow students to gain experience in the sector they hope to work in.

To access national placement opportunities, register now look at the latest vacancies advertised through the Careers website.

Some employers offer placements (or internships) during the summer holidays. These involve working for an organisation for 6 to 10 weeks between your second year and third year of study, giving chance to gain valuable commercial awareness and practical experience.

• Targetjobs
• Step Work Experience Programme
• National Council for Work Experience
• Prospects - Work Experience
• Fledglings Graduate Placement Network
• Council for International Education Exchange
• Diversity work placement/internship programme links
• BBC Jobs
• Civil Service - Diversity Programme
• EmployAbility
• Shaw Trust
• Scope - Graduates

Welcome to the UK and Edge Hill University!

The Careers Centre has a number of services which you can access.

If you are unclear about whether you are entitled to work in the UK whilst you are studying at Edge Hill, you should contact our International Office for advice.  The UK Council for International Student Affiars (UKCISA) website provides useful and up- to -date information. You will also need to be issued with a National Insurance Number before you can start work. Our International Office will advise you about this.

Working Whilst You Study in the UK

For students who have permission to work whilst studying, Edge Hill runs a Job Club which advertises part time or casual jobs near to Ormskirk. The university is situated in West Lancashire and is close to the areas of North Merseyside and Greater Manchester. There are good travel links including local buses and railway lines to Liverpool and Preston. Also close by are the urban towns of Skelmersdale and Wigan, and Southport, which is a seaside resort.  Most job vacancies are in these areas.

The Job Club advertises vacancies online. Register Now to view the latest opportunities.

Most of the part time or casual jobs require only basic skills. When applying for these jobs you will need to show only relevant experience for these specific roles. CVs should be no more than 2 pages of A4 and should be brief and concise.

For advice on applying for part time work the Job Club has a booklet:  which is available on the Download Zone of the careers website. The Careers Centre also produce booklets giving advice on compiling a British CV and also on how to identify your skills and abilities. These are also available on the Download Zone.

The NASES website also contains  further information.

This website will give you advice on applying for part time or casual jobs in the UK and other relevant information about living and working in this country.

Working part time is a good way of developing your employability and contributing to the community. Edge Hill University recognises this contribution each year by making awards to student employees who work locally or for the university. One of the awards is specifically for international students. In 2011, MBA student, Alina Lojo won this award for her work with events and employers on campus. 

Volunteering

You may like to consider volunteering whilst studying at Edge Hill. Our Volunteer Co-ordinator can help you with this. Call in to the Careers Centre, e-mail her: volunteer@edgehill.ac.uk  or go to the Volunteering Facebook Page. Information and volunteering opportunities are advertised on the website:  www.edgehill.ac.uk/careers

Working in the UK After Graduation

The International Office will be able to give you guidance on the rules and regulations about continuing to live and work in the UK after you have completed your studies. Again the UKCISA website will have all the latest information.

If you have permission to stay and work after you have completed your studies and are looking for a full time job after graduation, our Careers Advisers are able to give help and advice. They can also help with job applications for positions in the UK.

Returning Home After Graduation

If you are returning home after graduating, the Prospects website advertises worldwide opportunities.

The NASES website also provides information about job sectors and vacancies in various countries worldwide.

Fancy getting away from the British weather? Opportunities range from teaching in a developing country to working in a bar in Ibiza. Work like this is a great way to show adaptability and flexibility. Take a look at our section "Summer Work Abroad"and see what our students have done over their summers.  Our booklet CC45 Summer Work Abroad in our Download Zone contains useful contact details of organisations that provide summer employment around the world.

Unpaid work is highly valued by employers as it shows a willingness to ‘give something back’ in addition to developing your skills. You can be involved in either one-off events or a regular activity. Take a look at our Volunteering Section or call in to speak to our Volunteering Project Co-ordinator who can help you find opportunities.

Student societies and sports teams: involvement with these often involves motivating people, organising events and maximising a shoestring budget as well as demonstrating commitment and teamwork. Find out more from the Student Union.