“By creating we think, by living we learn” Patrick Geddes
We provide an information and guidance service to matriculated students and all graduates of the University of Dundee. We also offer some help to recent graduates of other UK institutions, up to 1 year after graduation.
Non-recent graduates may use the services of Careers Scotland who provide an all-age careers guidance service in Scotland.
Yes, UK higher education Careers Services generally offer support to graduates from other institutions, some for up to 3 years after graduation. For a list of Careers Services across the UK see Prospects. (In some cases e.g. London services may charge graduates of other institutions.)
Please contact us if you wish to arrange an appointment outwith normal opening hours.
If you are just starting to think about career planning we suggest you browse through the information resources in the career planning and career information folders in the JobShop/Placement Base, which contain information specifically to help people get started. If you would like help locating the most appropriate information resources for your needs, speak to one of the information staff. Alternatively, you can discuss your career options and how to proceed with a careers adviser, either at one of the drop-in sessions or by booking an appointment.
No! The Careers Service exists to help people with little or no idea of what they want to do after graduation as well as those who have already developed career plans. We are happy to point you in the right direction and help in discussing your options. Remember, though, that Careers Advisers will not tell you what to do - that decision has to be yours.
No, all services are free except the Personality and Aptitude Tests.
Yes, see specific information for disabled students and graduates.
You will find feedback forms at various points of service delivery in the Careers Service, which allow you to express your opinions on any aspect of the service you receive. We endeavour to investigate any complaints or suggestions as quickly as possible and will post a reply with an explanation of any action on the notice board in the main Careers Service hallway. If you would like to receive a personal reply, you have the option of providing your name and contact details. Alternatively, email us at careers@dundee.ac.uk and we will reply electronically.
Should your complaint be of a serious or specific nature, please address it immediately to the Director of the Careers Service, Graham Nicholson (g.z.nicholson@dundee.ac.uk).
The Careers Service offers two modules, the Career Planning Module and the Internship Module. The Career Planning Module which is offered in both the autumn and spring semesters gives students an insight into their own careers profile and options and helps them develop skills in presentations, CVs, applications and interview techniques. The course is taught by Careers Advisor tutors with contributions from key graduate employers. The Internship module which is offered in the spring semester only includes a thirty hour internship or placement with a range of scottish placement providers including Scottish Parliament, local companies, teaching opportunities in schools and media organisations. There is also a two hour per week class covering some career planning issues.
Modules are open to all students in the university, typically at level 2 where their degree pathway allows. In some vocational degree areas there may be limited opportunity to take these modules.
Yes, they are a full level 2 non-advanced module and will count towards degrees as appropriate. See above.
Each Careers Adviser has special responsibility for working with students in particular Schools. Usually you will be offered an appointment with the appropriate Adviser for your course.
Yes. Don't be put off by our name and assume we only deal with traditional 'graduate' careers. We offer guidance and information to you whatever you decide to do after graduation. So we're happy to help you investigate the possibility of further study, taking time out, working abroad, 'alternative' work, self-employment etc.
Your Careers Adviser may take notes of the points discussed during your interview. In compliance with the Data Protection Directive 1998, you will have the right to see these notes if you wish and they will be stored in a secure place in the Careers Service and treated in confidentiality.
Yes, providing you can give us at least a few days' notice. You need to hand in a copy of your application form/CV and job details at least 2 days before your mock interview to allow the Adviser to prepare appropriate questions.
You will be booked in for an appointment as quickly as possible, and should not have to wait longer than 2 weeks. Obviously, waiting times will vary - the beginning of Semester 1 is usually our busiest time.
No, you can use our drop-in sessions without an appointment when you can have up to 10 minutes with a Careers Adviser on a first come, first served basis.
Yes, bring a draft along to our drop-in sessions. If you would like to discuss other issues relating to your applications or career in general, it is advisable to book a longer appointment with a Careers Adviser.
To help you get the most from your time with the Careers Adviser you may like to think about your situation and what is important to you (e.g. specific skills, interests, achievements, personal circumstances). You may also like to jot down the key issues you would like to discuss with your Adviser.
Jobs are advertised through the JobShop. This is an online service that advertises graduate, work experience and legal vacancies as well as part-time and vacation work.
No, we advertise a wide range of vacancies from small local employers to voluntary agencies and organisations based overseas. Since the 'blue-chip' employers have large recruitment budgets, they may give the impression of being the major careers players, but this is certainly not the case.
The JobShop system gives you access to employer information including links to their websites. Many large graduate recruiters are featured in Prospects and Targetjobs, which are available to pick up at the Careers Service.
Not necessarily. It's always worth contacting an organisation to check if they will accept late applications.
Check the programme of employer presentations on our website. The sign up instructions for each event are given there.
It is advisable to dress as you would for an interview unless the employer specifies otherwise. See employer presentations for further details.
Yes! Your class of degree is only one factor amongst many taken into account by graduate recruiters. Skills developed through work experience, extra-curricular activities etc are as important to employers as your academic achievements.
Yes. We have a large information section dedicated to working abroad as either a short or long-term option. We provide background information about living and working in many countries of the world, useful addresses of embassies, consulates and graduate recruiters, in some cases.
You will find advice in the vacation work section and vacation jobs/courses etc advertised on the JobShop, our vacancy and employer database.
Yes, the JobShop advertises these.
We run practice aptitude test sessions during the semesters. You need to book a place for these sessions. If the dates do not suit you, there are numerous practice tests available to work through in the JobShop/Placement Base.
See section on postgraduate funding, which contains useful advice and links.
Only you can answer that question after examining your motivation, long-term career goals and financial situation. See the section on further study - how to decide and consider booking an appointment with a Careers Adviser to talk through the issues.
We have various directories and subscriptions to online databases providing comprehensive listings of courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level, as well as information about non- academic courses. See further study - finding out more section.
Yes, the Further Study and Overseas Sections in the JobShop/Placement Base contains information about studying worldwide, with particular emphasis on the commonwealth countries. We are also a Fulbright Information Centre, so we hold extensive resources about further study in the USA.
The Information Centres are set up to be used on a self-help basis, with clear labels and indexes. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please do not hesitate to ask a member of the Information Staff or a Careers Adviser.
No, unfortunately all books and folders are available for reference only. It is possible to photocopy information, this is chargeable at 5p per sheet.
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