Erasmus Work Abroad: Next Steps

Transcription

1 Erasmus Work Abroad: Next Steps Dominic Prosser 3/11/11

2 What is an Erasmus work placement An Erasmus Work Placements must be: Min. of 3 months and Max. 12 months approved and recognised by the University and contribute to your qualification and graduate employability skills/competencies with an eligible organisation i.e. an organisation of any size that is involved in economic activities in the public private or third (voluntary) sector. The following types of organisations are not eligible: European institutions (such as the European Commission and the European Parliament) Organisations managing EU programmes (such as National Agencies) National diplomatic representation (embassy/consulate) of the student in the host country.

3 Why do a work placement? I believe that I have enhanced my employability as I have had an experience that not many people will have had, while also proving that I am adaptable to new environments, and am comfortable living in foreign countries. (Chris, BA Business Economics with European Study)

4 Why do a work placement? I believe the Work Placement scheme is a challenging choice. I am proud I took on the challenge and feel that my employability skills improved immensely my organisational skills have improved and the amount of experience I have behind me makes me feel relatively calm in the face of job hunting. (Laura, BA French and Italian)

5 Why do a work placement? 65% of employers think that candidates with international work experience are more employable The value of international experience goes beyond purely the acquisition of language it lies in the ability to see business and personal issues from other than your own cultural perspective. (Charles Macleod, Head of Global Resourcing, PwC)

6 Why do a work placement? Work placements : enhance enhance your employability potential and your CV with stand out international employment experience may lead directly to future employment offer opportunities for personal, academic, cultural and linguistic development Erasmus grant and possibly additional payment or other benefits from the employer develop transferable skills, including

7 Develop a rich mix of highly desirable employability skills higher degree of flexibility and adaptability initiative and the ability to plan assertiveness and independence improved use of information motivation & greater confidence better listening ability cultural dexterity more tolerance, patience and better understanding of people greater diplomacy global outlook and mindset confidence to work in global business and seize opportunities working effectively in multicultural teams willingness to learn and adapt to a different culture foreign language skills internationalised local professional

8 How to find them It is your responsibility to find a work placement Erasmus students find placements in a variety of ways: independently by direct contact with an employer in another country via University s Erasmus Work Abroad Office/College job ads from employers via web or other media recognise that there may be competition for work placements so you should start the process early be willing to put effort into it and consider a range of countries.

9 How to find them : online sources Eures the EU jobs portal Entrypark International Career Book LEO-NET: a dedicated internships site home.html Search for local newspapers using online directories e.g Local versions of monster e.g.

10 How to find them: EU job alert get access to c. 100 Exeter-friendly EU employers from our EU Employer Database access to c. another 100 EU employer contacts known to offer work placements get fast track updates on other employers advertising EU placements our EU Employer database includes contacts in:

11 Our EU database includes contacts in:

12 How to use the EU employer database Use our relationship with key employers to help leverage your application i.e. big you up with the employer and Sign up to the University s new erasmus job alert service via forms provided during this session or on-line at by 9th Nov 2011 Apply by CV and covering letter in English and Target Language via the ERASMUS Work Abroad Office to up to 5 employers at a time. Applications checked to ensure quality of application and fit to employer needs. Poor applications will not be submitted to employers but returned to you Many employers are looking at 60% plus academic record. Where necessary applications will be screened/shortlisted to meet quota of applications (typically 10) to prevent employers being swamped. We will help prevent potentially faux pas such as

13 How to use the EU employer database We will help prevent you doing this or worse!

14 How to find them: networks An estimated 60-80% of jobs are found informally through networking with direct or indirect contacts such as friends, relatives, and alumni. Networking is the process of using and discovering connections between people. It requires moving beyond your immediate network and tapping into other people s networks Use physical and virtual networking Start by networking with people you already know and speak with them about what you want to do. Ask whether they know of any employers doing the type of work that interests you.

15 How to find them: be creative with personal branding

16 When do placements start? Typical placement start dates are July, September, January Placements must complete by 30 th September 2013 You can do a combined period of study and work placement for example 1 semester of study followed by 6 months of work placement

17 Application support & guidance Going Global: country guides lectronic/goinglobal/ Prospects: country guides CV and covering letter checking service EGD offers a CV and covering letter checking service. Before you book an appointment please ensure you have: Read our guides to creating CVs and Covering letters Prepared a CV and/or covering letter to bring to the appointment

18 Tips from students I spent a fair bit of time researching the company before submitting my CV and a covering letter. (Chris, BA Business Economics with European Study) I found both the placements through the University but was required to apply for them as you would any job: I submitted CVs and attended interviews this process was demanding but built my confidence. (Laura, BA French and Italian)

19 Responsibilities As soon as you have a firm offer of a placement from an employer, send the placement details form (ewa02a) available via to Christine Walters (and cc d to Dominic Prosser): The University will then: assess the placement and if approved liaise with the employer to complete, sign and return a tripartite agreement The agreement is between Employer/Higher Education Institution /Student and: ensures a commitment by all three parties to the success and recognition of placement and sets out mutual obligations, rights and responsibilities e.g. insurance, health and safety, training programme and intended learning outcomes

20 Timeline Deadline 9th November 2011 Requirement Join relevant erasmus job alert list 10 th November 2011 First job alert outgoing message goes out 16th November 2011 British Council TA applications deadline 30 th November 2011 Submit completed applications for Exeter EU Employers Database 1 st February 2012 Study abroad application deadline 22 nd March 2012 Erasmus Grant application at Erasmus Work Abroad Grant talk 30 th June 2012 All employer placement agreements to be complete

21 Erasmus Work Abroad: Next Steps Dominic Prosser