Congratulations graduates!

Tracey Dall

Friday 24 November 2023

Congratulations to everyone graduating in November 2023!

We know it takes time to transition out of University – that’s why the Careers Centre is here to support you for the next three years!

Here are our top tips for graduating students:

PGT course graduates

Many of you graduating this month will have completed a Postgraduate Taught degree course. This means some of you will have been studying in St Andrews for one year only. You may therefore not have had the opportunity to visit the Careers Centre. Whether as a graduate you use our online resources or visit us for an appointment either in person or online, rest assured our team is here to help!

No idea what’s next for you? Don’t worry!

Many students think they must have everything figured out before finishing their studies. Perhaps your friends have told you they have confirmed plans, making you feel overwhelmed and anxious, adding to the pressure that you need to do something. It is perfectly normal to have these feelings!

Don’t worry if you don’t currently have a career plan post-graduation – everyone is different!  Remember we are here to support you no matter what stage you are at in your career journey.

Explore your options – visit our website

When you are ready to explore your next steps, visit our website for more information.

Key links include:

• jobs
• events
• network building opportunities
• careers advice and guidance
• a careers information queries service
• a suite of online resources giving 24/7 access to tools such as an AI-powered CV checker, practice tests and interviews
• career options page with lots of advice on career planning, career sectors and taking a gap year.

Whatever your plans are, we are here to help you identify and achieve your career ambitions.

International opportunities

Many UK and international students consider a career outside the UK once they have graduated. Before embarking on your job search, there are some important things to consider:

• How do I search for jobs?
• How do I write and format a CV and cover letter?
• What is the recruitment process?
• Is a specific language required?
• Do I need a visa and, if so, how do I get one?
• What is the job market like in my chosen sector and country?
• What experience and qualifications are required?
• What are the living and accommodation costs?

Hints and tips on working abroad:

• GoinGlobal is the market leader in helping job seekers of all nationalities fast track their career explorations both at home and abroad. Created by country experts, GoinGlobal features worldwide job and internship resources for more than 120 locations worldwide. As a recent graduate, you can log in to GoinGlobal directly. You can then set up your account on the platform.
• Prospects – working abroad
• TargetJobs – advice for international students. and  country profiles

Postgraduate study

Are you considering postgraduate study after graduating? Maybe you want to pursue a Taught Masters course, which can benefit your future career and help you to:

• stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs
• enhance earnings in your future career
• increase your ability to make connections with others
• learn skills and gain experiences that you did not get from undergraduate study.

If academia and research is your passion, then maybe a Research Masters or PhD programme is the route for you, as this will allow you to dive deeper into a subject area you are interested in.

St Andrews has a wide variety of postgraduate courses for almost any academic subject, so why not explore if we have the right course for you?

If you need help with your personal statement for postgraduate study, whether that be for St Andrews or another university, you can book a careers advice appointment to have a Careers Adviser review it before you submit it.

Stay connected!

Whether you need help with the job application process, a personal statement for postgraduate study or just want to chat about your career options, we’re still here for you.

As a St Andrews alumnus, you have access to the Careers Centre services for up to three years after graduation. This includes access to:

• our online jobs board – CareerConnect (make sure you register as a graduate!)
• 1 to 1 appointments with our team of Careers Advisers and CV Advisers
• a range of careers events, including employer presentations
• access to a collection of careers tools, resources and paid subscriptions.

Connect with both your fellow alumni and current St Andrews students. One of the best ways of doing this is to join Saint Connect, the University of St Andrews’ exclusive, global, online community for networking and career mentoring.

Consider joining the University of St Andrews alumni LinkedIn group, with over 12,000 alumni from all over the globe.

Register for a graduate account on CareerConnect

Don’t forget to register as a graduate on CareerConnect.  You will then be able to access appointments, employers, vacancies, and events for the next three years. Please use your personal email address when registering.

And finally …

Help future St Andrews students make informed decisions about their career by taking part in the Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey is conducted 15 months after graduation, and you will be contacted by HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency) on behalf of St Andrews by email or telephone. Further details about the survey.

Your opinions and activities will help us to evaluate our current courses and how best to deliver them for future generations.

There is nothing you need to do at this point, though you may wish to update your contact details so HESA has the correct details. All information adheres to GDPR guidelines. Update your details today by completing this online form.

Whatever your career aspirations are, the Careers Centre team wishes everyone the best of luck for the future.  Keep in touch!