7 answers
werdz
Student
Birmingham
2
Questions
Asked
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When should I start applying for jobs as a final year student? What job boards are useful other than linkedin and indeed? Should i pursue my masters degree or work first?
Hi! I'm a student who's just about to begin my final year in Business and Management in England. From those who graduated, in your experience would it be better to go straight into pursuing a Master's degree or to get work experience for a couple of years before getting into that? :)
If it's better to get some work experience, I want to know if now is a reasonable time to begin searching for entry-level jobs? Other than Indeed and Linkedin, what are other websites I can apply to?
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7 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1880
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Werdz !
I would suggest that it is feasible to obtain part time employment as well as go into your Masters Program straight away after you get your Bachelors Degree. You can do both. You will be grateful that you've done it this way so you can begin your career earlier and also have the experience from a part time job. Once you begin your Masters program, you will get a sense as to how work and school will interplay.
It is indeed easy to obtain employment using other tools besides the websites Indeed and Linked In. First, think about and write down some companies you'd like to work for. If you want to work for a specific company, go to that company's website. Look for a heading that says "Employment" or "Career Opportunities", click on that heading and you can apply for available jobs on their website. Also try Executives On the Web website. I left the link for you below. The Monster Jobs website for the UK might also have jobs that interest you. I have left a link for their website below.
Another way to find employment is to visit your local department of Labor and seek out various jobs that they post. Most local Labor offices do have a website which has a job board section. Also visit the Birmingham Peoples Centre and Employment Access Team located in Birmingham. Also use the recruitment agencies in Birmingham. Some of them are 247 Staff Employment Agency, Off To Work, Key Personnel, and Balfor Recruitment.
You may want to see if your undergrad college has a Career Center because that may also be valuable in helping you find work. Also ask around your major department to see if anyone knows of some openings anywhere. You should apply for jobs when you feel ready to do so.
I hope this helps to get you started and I wish you all the best !
EXECUTIVES ON THE WEB EMPLOYMENT WEBSITE IN THE UK executivesontheweb.com
MONSTER JOBS FOR PEOPLE IN THE UK monster.co.uk
REED EMPLOYMENT WEBSITE FOR THE UK https://www.reed.co.uk/jobs
I would suggest that it is feasible to obtain part time employment as well as go into your Masters Program straight away after you get your Bachelors Degree. You can do both. You will be grateful that you've done it this way so you can begin your career earlier and also have the experience from a part time job. Once you begin your Masters program, you will get a sense as to how work and school will interplay.
It is indeed easy to obtain employment using other tools besides the websites Indeed and Linked In. First, think about and write down some companies you'd like to work for. If you want to work for a specific company, go to that company's website. Look for a heading that says "Employment" or "Career Opportunities", click on that heading and you can apply for available jobs on their website. Also try Executives On the Web website. I left the link for you below. The Monster Jobs website for the UK might also have jobs that interest you. I have left a link for their website below.
Another way to find employment is to visit your local department of Labor and seek out various jobs that they post. Most local Labor offices do have a website which has a job board section. Also visit the Birmingham Peoples Centre and Employment Access Team located in Birmingham. Also use the recruitment agencies in Birmingham. Some of them are 247 Staff Employment Agency, Off To Work, Key Personnel, and Balfor Recruitment.
You may want to see if your undergrad college has a Career Center because that may also be valuable in helping you find work. Also ask around your major department to see if anyone knows of some openings anywhere. You should apply for jobs when you feel ready to do so.
I hope this helps to get you started and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Thank you Michelle! I appreciate the support and advice! Will look into these sites:)
werdz
You are welcome and I am happy to help out !
Michelle M.
Collins Lucky
Data Entryspecialist, Cost analysis, Repairing of all kinds of smartphones, Apple, & Samsung mobile.
48
Answers
Bonny, RV
Updated
Collins’s Answer
Hey Werdz,
As you're wrapping up your final year, it's a good idea to start looking for jobs around 3-6 months before you graduate. There are plenty of great job boards out there to help you in your search. LinkedIn and Indeed are great, but don't forget about others like Glassdoor, Handshake, Monster, and CareerBuilder.
When it comes to deciding whether to jump into work or continue with a master's degree, it really depends on what you want to achieve in your career. If you're in a field where experience is highly valued, it might be a good idea to get some work under your belt first. But, if your career path requires advanced education, going straight for a master's degree could be the right move for you.
As you're wrapping up your final year, it's a good idea to start looking for jobs around 3-6 months before you graduate. There are plenty of great job boards out there to help you in your search. LinkedIn and Indeed are great, but don't forget about others like Glassdoor, Handshake, Monster, and CareerBuilder.
When it comes to deciding whether to jump into work or continue with a master's degree, it really depends on what you want to achieve in your career. If you're in a field where experience is highly valued, it might be a good idea to get some work under your belt first. But, if your career path requires advanced education, going straight for a master's degree could be the right move for you.
Thanks for the advice Collins!
werdz
Adaobi Ogheneovo B.SC Acct, MPA , IBM
CLIENT MANAGER
65
Answers
Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Updated
Adaobi’s Answer
Great questions! Let's break them down one by one:
When to Start Applying for Jobs
As a final year student, it's generally recommended to start applying for jobs **six to nine months before graduation**[^10^]. This means you should begin your job search around the start of your final year. Many companies start looking for fresh talent during this period, and it gives you ample time to research, network, and apply.
Useful Job Boards Other Than LinkedIn and Indeed
Here are some other job boards that can be very useful:
1. Glassdoor: Offers job listings along with company reviews, salary information, and more.
2. ZipRecruiter: Uses AI to match you with job opportunities and has a resume builder.
3. Handshake: Great for students and recent graduates, often connected with universities.
4.Monster: A well-known job board with a variety of job postings.
5.MightyRecruiter: Good for reaching a wide pool of professionals.
6. Breezy HR: Excellent for mobile recruiting.
7. Ladders: Focuses on executive-level positions¹²³.
Pursuing a Master's Degree or Working First
Deciding whether to pursue a master's degree immediately or to work first depends on several factors:Reasons to Pursue a Master's Degree First
Higher Qualification**: A master's degree can make you more competitive in the job market and may lead to higher salaries.
- **Job Security**: It can provide better job security, especially during economic downturns.
- **Academic Momentum**: Continuing your studies without a break can help maintain your academic momentum¹¹.
**Reasons to Work First**:
- **Practical Experience**: Gaining work experience can help you better understand what you want to specialize in if you decide to pursue a master's later.
- **Financial Stability**: Working first can help you save money for your master's program.
- **Career Clarity**: Real-world experience can provide clarity on your career goals and whether a master's degree is necessary for your desired career path.
Ultimately, the decision should align with your personal and professional goals. If you're unsure, talking to a career advisor or professionals in your field can provide additional insights.
When to Start Applying for Jobs
As a final year student, it's generally recommended to start applying for jobs **six to nine months before graduation**[^10^]. This means you should begin your job search around the start of your final year. Many companies start looking for fresh talent during this period, and it gives you ample time to research, network, and apply.
Useful Job Boards Other Than LinkedIn and Indeed
Here are some other job boards that can be very useful:
1. Glassdoor: Offers job listings along with company reviews, salary information, and more.
2. ZipRecruiter: Uses AI to match you with job opportunities and has a resume builder.
3. Handshake: Great for students and recent graduates, often connected with universities.
4.Monster: A well-known job board with a variety of job postings.
5.MightyRecruiter: Good for reaching a wide pool of professionals.
6. Breezy HR: Excellent for mobile recruiting.
7. Ladders: Focuses on executive-level positions¹²³.
Pursuing a Master's Degree or Working First
Deciding whether to pursue a master's degree immediately or to work first depends on several factors:Reasons to Pursue a Master's Degree First
Higher Qualification**: A master's degree can make you more competitive in the job market and may lead to higher salaries.
- **Job Security**: It can provide better job security, especially during economic downturns.
- **Academic Momentum**: Continuing your studies without a break can help maintain your academic momentum¹¹.
**Reasons to Work First**:
- **Practical Experience**: Gaining work experience can help you better understand what you want to specialize in if you decide to pursue a master's later.
- **Financial Stability**: Working first can help you save money for your master's program.
- **Career Clarity**: Real-world experience can provide clarity on your career goals and whether a master's degree is necessary for your desired career path.
Ultimately, the decision should align with your personal and professional goals. If you're unsure, talking to a career advisor or professionals in your field can provide additional insights.
Davielle Panzullo, M.A., PMP
Warehouse Manager
31
Answers
Irvine, California
Updated
Davielle’s Answer
Hi Werdz, You may also want to utilize Ziprecruiter and SimplyHired. I've had good success with them, too. Be sure to create a strategy. When I was displaced, I would get up in the morning, get ready for work (hair and makeup) and then spend a focused amount of time reading journals, looking for jobs, connecting (reaching out to them) on Linkedin. My job was getting a job. It is amazing that a few companies asked me to interview the same day (hence, getting ready in the morning). Please going through the same routine as when you worked or went to school helps keep you focused on the process. Wearing jammies doesn't always make you feel professional and focused. I'd also reach out to job boards like gov.uk and reed.co.uk also have government jobs that really pay off in the long run (they usually offer a lot of security). As for your master's degree, if you are able to pursue that right after your BA, that is ideal. It helps to keep your student loan, if you have one, in forbearance and it also gets it out of the way since you never know what life will bring you, even in the short term (marriage, children, movement to another country or continent).
Good luck on your education and career!
Good luck on your education and career!
Alma P
Risk Management
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Alma’s Answer
A lot of companies have rotational/leadership programs that you can already start applying for. If you have an interest in particular industry sector you can try to look up leading companies in it, and explore opportunities for students on their website.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Josh Bischoff
Experience Product Owner
6
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Josh’s Answer
Even at the beginning of your final year, companies will already be looking to hire graduates in the spring. It's never too early to start looking and applying!
For your master's degree, a great path would be to seek out a job at a company that provides tuition assistance to employees. Then, after you get settled into your job, you can work on your studies while paying less or nothing out of pocket. You may take longer to finish the program, but the financial and experience benefits are great.
For your master's degree, a great path would be to seek out a job at a company that provides tuition assistance to employees. Then, after you get settled into your job, you can work on your studies while paying less or nothing out of pocket. You may take longer to finish the program, but the financial and experience benefits are great.
Fuschia Miller
Product Manager
2
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Fuschia’s Answer
The timing can depend on some factors, if you have any relevant internships in the industry that you want to go in and if there are any companies you would like to work at after graduation. If you have an idea of where you would want to work take a look to see if they offer internships for 2-4 year students or if they have any programs for recent grads. Another factor is the cost of getting a secondary degree, if that is a factor I would look into seeing if employers are offering educational reimbursement. These things would sway my logic on staying in school or joining the workforce.
My game plan when I was in undergrad in a business major was to intern and join the workforce to build on top of my internship experience. But there is no right or wrong way to pursue your career. If the roles you're interested in require a MBA use that as a guide, if you are unsure of what you want to do join the workforce to see what interests you. What's most important is to assess your own interests, strengths, and experience, and what are the necessary skills for the direction you want to go.
My game plan when I was in undergrad in a business major was to intern and join the workforce to build on top of my internship experience. But there is no right or wrong way to pursue your career. If the roles you're interested in require a MBA use that as a guide, if you are unsure of what you want to do join the workforce to see what interests you. What's most important is to assess your own interests, strengths, and experience, and what are the necessary skills for the direction you want to go.