Employability Tips

Antony Jinman, Polar Explorer, recently visited the School of Applied Sciences as part of our ‘Professional You’ campaign. He shared with our students how he realised his dream and top tips with regards to employablity.

Watch Anthony Jinman’s talk to Applied Sciences students »

Sgt Steve Houston, Bournemouth Police

• A career in the police force is for 35 years, with 31 weeks of basic training.
• Starting salary for a PC is approximately £22K, rising through the ranks to a Superintendent earning approx. £70K per year.
• As a graduate you have access to a 'higher potential development scheme' this will help you achieve a senior management position in 10-15 years.
• There are forty-two police forces across the country - the Forensics division is one of the most important strands of investigation work in the police force.
• Different forces have different routes into Forensics; in some you will need to become a PC first (usually 2 years) and then you can specialise - CID, operational unit (for example fire-arms, dog unit, marine, helicopter. In others you can enter as a Forensics Officer.
• If you're interested in a career within the Police, contact Bournemouth University's Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) website.

Watch Sgt Steve Houston at the employability event »

Peter Hawes, Independent Consultant & Research Co-ordinator, Bournemouth Environment Advisory Team within Bournemouth Borough Council

Advice on preparing for an interview:

• Plant knowledge - practice identifying plants.
• Familiarise yourself with habitat characteristics and the National Vegetation Classification.
• Get an overview before visiting the site - previous research; local knowledge; geology; geography, history and pre-history.
• Specialise - become interested in a particular habitat and study it.
• Network - join local research groups and volunteer.

Watch Peter Hawes at the employability event »

Brian Heppenstall, Community Parks and Countryside Officer, Hengistbury Head, Bournemouth Borough Council

• Look at relevant job ads now, identify the gaps in your experience and start to fill in the blanks.
• Volunteer - create the best impression you can, get a good reference and acquire valuable work experience.
• Demonstrate your enthusiasm; a thirst for knowledge and a passion for wildlife.

Watch Brian Heppenstall at the employability event »

Dr Ross Hill, Associate Dean Education, Bournemouth University

• Consider a masters degree - you will study the subject in more depth whilst acquiring advanced skills and training and research project experience.
• Within the School of Applied Sciences we offer the following postgraduate degrees:
  • MSc Applied Sciences by Research
  • MSc Archaeological Practice
  • MSc Biodiversity Conservation
  • MSc Biological Anthropology
  • MSc Forensic Archaeology
  • MSc Forensic Osteology
  • MSc Forensic Toxicology
  • MSc Green Economy
  • MSc Maritime Archaeology
  • MSc Osteoarchaeology
• Bournemouth University graduates can receive up to 20% discount on postgraduate fees.
• In addition, the School offers scholarships worth between £1000 and £5000.

Watch Dr Ross Hill at the employability event »

Eva Reichardt, PhD student at Bournemouth University studying food and drug contaminants and their influence on oral fluid drugs testing

• Joined BU as an undergraduate student, completed a MSc by research and now undertaking a PhD.
• Recognised that more lab skills experience was required to pursue her chosen career.
• Studying for a MSc has given her opportunities:
• 1. Travel overseas to attend and
• present her work at conferences
• 2. Work placement for a year
• 3. Published work
• Managed to juggle a job whilst studying full-time.

Watch Eva Reichardt at the employability event »

Trevor Steptoe, Retired Archaeological Consultant/contractor, who remains heavily involved in historic environment issues in the UK and Republic of Ireland

• Bournemouth University's reputation in Archaeology has national acclaim.
• Maritime archaeology is a current area of growth and offering a lot of opportunities.
• Forensic archaeology has become ‘crowded’ you need to stand out from the crowd:
• 1. Confidence
• 2. Enthusiasm
• 3. Get involved
• 4. Network
• 5. Be aware of what’s going on in the
• industry
• 6. Join the CBA (Council for British
• Archaeology)
• Geophysical skills are important.
• Placements are important, volunteer for experience.
• Drivers are highly desirable.

Watch Trevor Steptoe at the employability event »

Dr Sue Smith, Data Manager in Cancer Research

On getting the right job:

• Focussed on where she wanted to work and set up email alerts.
• Got a low paid job in a similar area giving her an advantage when a vacancy arose.

Watch Dr Sue Smith at the employability event »

Professor David Osselton, Head of Academic Group – Forensic & Biological Sciences Research Group, Bournemouth University

• Crime is on the increase (especially in the current financial climate), forensic scientists will always have work to do. There will be opportunities with the privatisation of the Forensic Services.
• Fierce competition for jobs, on average 200-300 applications per job. To be competitive you will require a masters degree minimum, ideally a PhD.
• Stand out with good numeracy skills and extensive lab skills.
• Get your work published - our master degrees will expect you to finish with publishable work.

Watch Professor David Osselton at the employability event »

Sue Martin, Deputy Head Teacher, Talbot House School

• Make a conscious decision to teach, your commitment will show through.
• Develop a genuine ability to relate to young people.
• Volunteer and get experience in schools before you graduate.

Watch Sue Martin at the employability event »

Tessa Bowering, Senior Environment Officer specialising in waste, The Environment Agency

• Volunteer, grab every opportunity.
• Network with local business, services and local authorities.
• Raise your profile, get involved with the South West Minimisation Group (SWWMG).
• Join CIWEM (Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management) and go to their student events.

Watch Tessa Bowering at the employability event »

Jon Milward, Business Development Officer, Wessex Archaeology

• Continue your studies to masters level in order to specialise.
• All project based opportunities, whether paid or voluntary will enhance your CV.
• Join the IfA (Institute for Archaeologists) as a student member.
• Get a Construction Skills Certification Scheme card (CSCS).
• Learn to drive.
• Archaeologists need varied experience as employers prefer ‘all-rounders’, use your placement as an opportunity.

Watch Jon Milward at the employability event »

Rebecca Stalker, Community Learning & Volunteering Officer, Kingston Lacy National Trust

• Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer – I wouldn’t be where I am without volunteering, it opens doors and keeps you abreast of what is happening in your field; volunteer across the country – it will help with networking, diversity of experience and breadth of knowledge.
• Build your network of contacts; read journals and relevant articles; keep up to date with what's going on in your sector.

Watch Rebecca Stalker at the employability event »