From moving to online teaching to negotiating their rent payments with landlords – students have certainly experienced challenging times during the coronavirus pandemic. But what about the ones who are due to graduate this year and chase job opportunities?
Besides completing dissertations and assignments, most of the final year students had applied for jobs to start the career they have dreamed of.
However, the coronavirus lockdown may affect the current situation, making students’ life more difficult than it already was.
Final year Journalism student Eve Watson, from Birmingham, 21, said that this situation will not stop her from pursuing a career in journalism.
She said: “I’m really excited to be starting a job even though it is in the middle of a pandemic!
“Being a journalist now more than ever is so important in informing the public so I’m really looking forward to it.
“It’s definitely not the way I pictured starting as I thought I’d be in Plymouth but instead I’m at my home in Worcestershire with my parents, but I can’t wait!”
To alleviate any concerns final year students might have, the Employability team at NTU developed a virtual workspace where they respond to all queries.
Becci Hubbard, Careers Consultant Team Manager has addressed this issue on behalf of the NTU Employability team.
He said: “We understand now is a very strange time to start thinking about what to do after graduation. Firstly, please be assured that the Employability Team is still here to help!
“We are available to talk to you via our Live Chat service, telephone or Skype appointments. If you’re leaving NTU this year, make sure you have signed up to up to Future You to secure graduate access to our support for up to three years after the end of your studies, including job alerts, events and paid internship opportunities!
“If you are wanting to look for a job our advice is to keep actively looking as there are still opportunities out there – don’t presume there is nothing to apply for.
The Employability team advise students to keep searching for job opportunities as many positions are still available and looking to recruit.
The Careers Consultant Team Manager added: “Some companies are still recruiting or are deciding on how to recruit for roles. Naturally, our employers are ensuring start dates are appropriate given the current restrictions so may be delayed but roles are still very much being recruited for and offered through virtual processes.
“However, some companies will be freezing recruitment or postponing recruitment. This may be different depending on the industry you want to work in – you may need to think of a plan A, B and C and be flexible on the roles you are looking for.”
“If you are applying, be aware many companies are moving to online methods of assessment – online testing or tasks – and are replacing face-to-face interviews with phone, Skype or video interviews.
The Employability team moved their services online, continuing to offer support and advice to NTU students.
On behalf of the whole team, Becci added: “During these uncertain times we understand you may feel a bit daunted, so don’t hesitate to stay connected with us – you don’t have to go it alone!
For more information on how the graduate job market is changing, visit UK jobs announcements page on Employability Online.
Check Interviews page on Employability Online for advice on how to prepare for these types of interview – or contact the team for support.
By Faith Pring & Olimpia Zagnat
Featured photo credit: Pixabay.