Summer is officially over and the inhabitants of London really don’t seem to mind. The heat wave has ended and thankfully, the tube has become slightly more bearable as a result. Even the rain doesn’t seem to be getting people down or stopping people going out. And with plenty to keep you busy over the months leading up to Christmas, it’s a great time of year to be in the city. Here are nine of London’s most enjoyable Autumnal events which you won’t want to miss out on.

Bonfire Night

Celebrate Guy Fawkes Night at one of London’s many spectacular fireworks displays. This tradition dates back to 1605 when a man named Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament and assassinate King James I. Usually celebrated on November 5^th, there are bonfires, firework displays, fairs and food and drink events all over the city. Find your local one and take part in this uniquely British event. 

Christmas at Kew

It’s never too early to start getting excited about Christmas! One of the most beautiful times of year to visit Kew Gardens, the trees and greenhouses are lit creating a magically festive and romantic atmosphere. There are laser projections, fire gardens and lots of other attractions organized specifically for Christmas at Kew. And this isn’t just a Winter event, as it opens mid-November to the public.  

Winter Wonderland or Winterville

Whether you love it or hate it, Winter Wonderland has become a norm on the November calendar. It is expensive and busy but people can’t help themselves getting into the Christmas spirit a little bit early. If you want a slightly less commercialized experience of a German-esque Christmas market, check out Winterville in Clapham Common. Generally attracting a younger crowd, it’s less family/children focused and a great place to start a night out.

As Christmas looms closer, check out more things to do in London during the festive season

London Oktoberfest

If you can’t wait until November for some German inspired fun, London Oktoberfest has you covered. It runs for three different weekends in three different locations so undoubtedly, you will have your fill of lederhosen, dirndl and beer-fuelled fun.

Lord Mayor’s Show

A splendid display of London tradition and pomp, the Lord Mayor’s show consists of a 6,000-strong parade through the center of the city. There are also plays and pantomimes to enjoy which combined with the parade, brings the center of London to a standstill. The tradition started in 1215 when King John decided that every year, the newly elected major of London must leave the city and travel to Westminster to swear loyalty to the crown.

London Cocktail Week

This is an annual celebration of cocktail drinking which if you sign up for, entitles you to £6 cocktails in many bars across the city. To celebrate its 10^th anniversary the event is running for 10 days from October 4^th. The sign-up fee is £10 which gets you reduced price cocktails as well as entry to ‘cocktail village’ in the Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane.

Diwali on Trafalgar Square

Celebrate the Hindu festival of light on October 27 in Trafalgar Square alongside approximately 35,000 other people who attend the festival each year. You can expect a lot of color, music and dance as well as opportunities to have henna tattoos and lots of delicious food. It’s Europe’s largest Diwali festival.

Natural History Museum Ice Rink

Autumn sees the start of many ice rinks popping up all over London. However, the Natural History Museum is usually earliest and one of the most atmospheric. It’s situated in front of the museum itself, one of London’s most iconic landmarks.

Halloween at Koko

You can’t talk about autumn without mentioning Halloween which in London, is a pretty big night out. There are events all over the city, from family friendly themed days out at the Tower of London to masquerade balls and costume parties at many of the city’s most popular night clubs. One of the best events is the Halloween Ball at Koko. A converted theater in Camden Town, its spooky atmosphere is perfect for Halloween.

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The recent QS World University Rankings by Subject covers the best universities for 48 different subjects, including the 100 top nursing schools around the world.

The subject rankings are compiled using four indicators; academic reputation, employer reputation, research citations per paper and the H-index (a way of measuring the productivity and impact of the published work of a scientist or scholar). You can find out more about the methodology used here.

Top nursing schools in the US and Canada

Of the 100 universities featured in the rankings this year, an impressive 32 are in the US. Not only this, but of the 10 top nursing schools in the world, five of them are claimed by the US. This includes the University of Pennsylvania which maintains its first-place position and, on top of this, earns a perfect score in the academic reputation indicator. Aside from those in the top 10, other mentionable universities include University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (11^th), University of Michigan (12^th) and Duke University (which rises seven places this year rank 13^th for nursing).

Canada also has an admirable amount of institutions featuring in the rankings, with one school featuring in the world top 10, and several in the top 25 including McMaster University (joint 15^th), McGill University (joint 21^st) and University of Alberta (23^rd).

Top nursing arts schools in Europe

As always, Europe dominates a significant amount of the rankings, with 26 universities featuring in the table in 2019. Of these, 12 top nursing schools are found in the, including three that place in the global top 10. Several other excellent UK nursing schools were also ranked highly; including University of Edinburgh (25^th), the University of Nottingham (27^th) and University of Ulster (46^th). Ireland also scores well, having three world ranking universities; Trinity College Dublin (TCD, 41st), University College Dublin (UCD, 44^th) and University College Cork (UCC, 51-100^th).

Of the Nordic countries, Sweden performs the best, with four universities included among the top 100 institutions to study nursing. Of these four, three are in the top 50 universities in the world for nursing; Karolinska Institute (14^th), University of Gothenburg (48^th) and Lund University (49^th). Denmark and Finland have one entrant each; in Denmark, Aarhus University (joint 50^th) and in Finland, the University of Turku (51-100).

Spain’s Universitat de Barcelona (UB), the Netherlands’ Utrecht University and Belgium’s University of Ghent all rank 51-100^th.

Top nursing schools in Asia

Over to Asia now, where there are 13 nursing schools featuring in the global ranking. Of these, three are in South Korea; Seoul National University (SNU, rising more than 17 places this year to reach 34^th), Kyung Hee University and Yonsei University, which both place 51-100^th. 

Similarly, South Korea has three universities in the nursing ranking, all of which place within the top 50; Hong Kong (SAR); The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK, 26^th), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (31^st) and University of Hong Kong (HKU, 43^rd). Taiwan also has three universities in the rankings; National Taiwan University (NTU, 29^th), National Yang Ming University and Taipei Medical University ranking 51-100^th.

Mainland China has two universities featured in the 51-100 range for nursing: Fudan University and Peking University. Also placing 51-100 is Japan’s University of Tokyo.

Top nursing schools in Australia and New Zealand

Australia has an impressive 16 universities featuring in the nursing rankings this year. These include University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in 10^th place, the University of Sydney (joint 15^th), Monash University (17^th) and the University of Queensland (UQ, rising 18 places this year to reach joint 21^st).

New Zealand’s two ranked nursing universities both score well in the employer reputation indicator. In the rankings, the University of Auckland places 36^th (up five places this year) and University of Otago places 51-100 worldwide.

Top nursing schools in Latin America 

Latin America does not feature prominently in the nursing school ranking, with its sole entrant, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), in Brazil, ranking 51-100.

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Sponsored by ISDI

Although you use the internet every day, you won’t necessarily have the skills you need to meet today’s growing demand for trained digital professionals.

“We need more people who can code, [for our business] to be able to grow”, said a spokesman for Zalando, the German fashion e-commerce website. “Although the jobs are there, it’s sometimes hard to find people with the right skills.”

Shockingly, 44 percent of Europeans do not have basic digital skills. It gets worse, though: the British Chamber of Commerce revealed recently that a severe digital skills shortage in the UK costs the British economy £63 billion a year (US$88 billion).

This isn’t just a problem in Europe. According to a report by Accenture, US manufacturers also face a severe digital skills problem at a cost of US$4.6 million in annual earnings. But what is the digital economy, and how can students help plug the skills gap?

The digital economy: not just another buzzword

If you’re not entirely sure what it means, the digital economy refers to the economic output generated by the billions of online connections that are made everyday between people, devices and businesses, thanks to mobile technology, the “internet of things” and big data.

The term has been around since the 90s, but the rise of cloud technology and smartphones in the late 2000s has lent it greater weight. In the past 20 years, the digital economy has grown into a US$3 trillion business and it continues to grow exponentially.

This short video with Javier Rodriguez Zapatero, the former Managing Director of Google Spain and Portugal and current Executive Chairman at the digital business school, ISDI, explains what all the fuss is about.

The skills grads need to join the digital economy

According to a 2016 survey conducted by LinkedIn, all of the top 10 skills that could get you hired on the jobs-listing site that year were internet-related. They included competencies like cloud computing, data mining, SEO marketing and user interface design, to name a few.

It probably won’t come as too much of a surprise to learn that many of the old skills which could get your parents hired have now become totally irrelevant thanks to the path the global economy has taken.

As Tom Goodwin put it for TechCrunch: “Uber, the world’s largest taxi company, owns no vehicles. Facebook, the world’s most popular media owner, creates no content. Alibaba, the most valuable retailer, has no inventory. And Airbnb, the world’s largest accommodation provider, owns no real estate.”

It’s within this whirlwind that the world’s first digital business school, ISDI, set up in 2009, with campuses in Madrid, Barcelona, Mexico City and the Silicon Valley.
Forget stuffy professors, all 500 tutors at ISDI are trained digital professionals with years of experience with digital giants with the sole intent of helping students and working professionals meet the digital skills gap.

ISDI tutors know exactly what skills and specialist knowledge you need to thrive in the industry. In their study “The new professional profiles for e-Leadership”, you can read more about the skills requirements that candidates who want to fill these positions should meet.

If you’re a graduate or a digital professional looking to move up in your career, ISDI’s Global Executive Master in Digital Business might be just what you’re looking for.

The school also offer a number of other master's degrees and executive programs, fully taught in Spanish or English, including data analytics, internet for business, mobile development, and marketing automation.

By Kate Jones

In a time when significant numbers of graduates are struggling to find graduate-level employment, landing a place on a decent graduate training scheme has never been more important. In the UK, starting salaries begin from as much as £39,000 for law graduates, while the supermarket Aldi offers its graduate recruits up to £42,000 per year.

Globally, the competition for places on good graduate training schemes is fierce, and having a solid degree is just the start. Most employers have tough expectations above and beyond your grades and you’ll need to prepare for several grueling rounds of interviews before the job is finally yours.

Of course, there are jobs available outside of the graduate training scheme structure, but, for those who do head down this path, the rewards are generous, including a great salary and benefits, a formal learning and mentoring pathway to kickstart your career, and potential opportunities to travel the world. These programs aren’t right for everyone though, which is why we’ve put together this quick guide to help you decide what’s best for you.

Things to think about before you join a graduate training scheme

If you’ve made the decision to put your career first for the next five years or so, a graduate training scheme may well be an excellent choice for you. But, if there are other areas in your life that take precedence, you should tread carefully.

The demands placed on new recruits are usually pretty high - you may be expected to work long hours in the evening or even during weekends, travel extensively, or even relocate as and when the business requires you to.

It’s also important to consider whether working for a large organization will suit you. Does the idea of a formal, well-planned career sound like your sort of thing, or does the thought of it make you feel trapped? Do you long for security, status and a fat salary, or would you prefer to keep your options open? Are you comfortable with bureaucracy and hierarchy, or more free-spirited and entrepreneurial? Answers to these questions will likely dictate how suitable you are for the rigid confines of a graduate training scheme.

If it’s not for you, what are the alternatives?

If you’re put off by the commitments expected from graduates taking part in a dedicated training scheme, don’t worry - there are many exciting and equally worthwhile alternatives for you to consider.

Entry-level jobs outside of training schemes

There are lots of companies looking for graduates to join their ranks in entry-level positions which sit outside of formalized training schemes. If there is a specific location you want to live in, or you know exactly what job you’d like to do, this could be a great option.

Start-ups and SMEs

If you’re a creative thinker with an entrepreneurial spirit, taking a job with a small firm or even a start-up could be the right choice. While this could potentially be a riskier move, as larger, more established businesses are less likely to fail or need to make you redundant, your first job out of university is arguably the best time to take a chance. If it pays off, you could be a key figure at the next million-dollar company.

Freelancing

Taking a job is a big commitment. You’ll be expected to dedicate five days out of seven to your employers, typically with little scope for flexibility during working hours. If you’re simply not ready to take the leap into full-time contracted work, why not consider freelancing? Choosing your own hours and working on projects you enjoy can be highly rewarding, especially for those in creative fields. It will leave you more financially vulnerable, however, as periods without regular work are possible.

Whatever you decide, be sure to ask yourself this: what do you want to do? Make your decision based on your own needs and desires rather than the expectations of others. Wherever you end up working, your first job after university is all about self-improvement, even if sometimes that means making mistakes and learning from them. You won’t be making a commitment that will decide your entire future, so use your first job to get a better idea of what you like doing and which roles aren’t your thing.

Kate Jones writes for Inspiring Interns, which specialises in finding candidates their perfect internship. To browse our graduate jobs London listings, visit our website.

Lead image: DFID (Flickr)

Have you decided you want to stay in the United States to get your degree? Before deciding which schools you want to apply to, you’re going to want to decide whether you’ll study in-state, or out-of-state. There are advantages and disadvantages associated with both, so it’s not necessarily as straightforward as checking whether a school in your home state has a good reputation.

To help you get, a better understanding of the pros and cons associated with studying in-state and out-of-state, here’s our guide to the key things you should be considering.

Tuition may cost more out-of-state

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The first thing that probably comes to mind when you’re thinking about going out-of-state is the cost associated with tuition. In the majority of cases, out-of-state tuition is three to four times more expensive than if you stayed in-state to get your degree. There are, however, a couple of exceptions to this rule. For example, if you go to a private school in-state it may end up being more expensive than if you were to go to a public school out-of-state.

It’s also important to consider scholarships. While you can get a variety of scholarships when applying to colleges and graduate school programs, there are specific scholarships for out-of-state students. These scholarships can sometimes make the tuition for out-of-state schools comparable to staying in-state. Researching scholarship options regardless of whether you’re staying in-state or out-of-state is always a smart idea.

Stick with the familiar, or try something new?

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When deciding where you want to get your degree, it’s worth thinking about the experiences you want to have while completing the program. Are you wanting to explore someplace new while getting your degree, or do you like the area you’re from and want to build on your experiences there?

If you’ve grown up in Athens, Georgia, in the shadow of Georgia State University, and have positive memories of walking around its campus and cheering from the stands at football games on Saturday nights, you’ll likely be more inclined to stay in Georgia for your studies as it will already feel like home. That’s not to say you wouldn’t be able to replicate that type of experience if you moved to another part of the country though. You might even find moving exposes you to new and different experiences, which can be exciting. Either way, it’s something to consider before starting the application process.

Consider the campus lifestyle and size

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Campus life is likely to vary depending on whether you choose to study in-state or out-of-state. For example, the campus life at schools in southern California is going to be very different than studying at NYU in the middle of New York City. In California, you might have a beach right outside of your dorm room, while NYU would put you right in the middle of all of the hustle and bustle that NYC offers. Contrasts like this exist all across the country, so you’ll want to weigh up what the campus experience will be like in your home state, and decide if you’d rather try a different lifestyle.

Campus size is also something that will affect your experiences. Smaller campuses may have smaller class sizes and therefore provide an opportunity for you to build a community with peers who are in your classes. On the other hand, campuses that have larger student populations typically have greater opportunities to get involved outside of your studies. Deciding whether or not you’re interested in getting involved in things like greek life, student organizations or sports clubs can help you have a clearer idea of what type of school would be the best fit for you.

Study somewhere with promising job opportunities

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Opportunities for networking and internships should be another factor to think about when deciding where you want to get your degree. Depending on what you study, many schools have opportunities for internships while getting your degree or networking groups to connect you to jobs in the area. For example, Texas A&M has alumni networking groups in all of the major cities in Texas, so if you were looking to land a job in Texas after college this would be something to consider. It’s fairly common for graduates to end up working close to where they studied, especially as internships are often in and around the area in which you study, so choosing a college in a different state may also be committing you to working there too.

While you don’t necessarily have to go to school in the state where you eventually want to work, it can be helpful. If you are still unsure what your plans are or where you want to end up after completing your education then it’s best to base your decision on whether to study in-state or out-of-state on other factors.

Take time to consider your options

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As this article has shown, there are multiple things to consider when choosing which schools to apply to. Ultimately, there isn’t a right or wrong answer as long as you make your decision based off what best fits your needs.

After you’ve carefully made your decision, it’s time to begin the application process. At this point, it may also be helpful to meet with schools face to face and get more information on them. QS runs events for both those who are in the process of applying to college to get a bachelor's degree, as well as for those who are applying for a masters. You can get more information on our events here.

Sponsored by Universidad Tecmilenio

In today’s world, university is about more than just earning a degree. It’s also about getting yourself prepared for the big world of employment awaiting you after graduation.

But how are you supposed to do that while juggling exams, essays, presentations, group projects, a part-time job, socializing and everything else that a student does?

One innovative solution is work integrated learning (WIL). Work integrated learning is a learning development program that’s specifically integrated into your degree curriculum and which counts towards your final qualification.

It’s gaining momentum in the world of higher education as universities collaborate and liaise with businesses to set up bespoke job roles specifically for students which enable them to gain invaluable workplace experience and apply what they’ve learnt in their studies to the job. 

At the Universidad Tecmilenio, for example, every degree program offers work integrated learning, and has so far been considered a real success. To find out more about work integrated learning and the benefits it brings, we spoke to four students from the Universidad Tecmilenio who have done just that.

The opportunity to work in a genuine business setting

Getting out of the lecture hall and into a genuine workplace environment is no doubt a refreshing change for a start.

Joselin Alejandra Eras Sánchez, who studies industrial engineering, is undertaking her work integrated learning within the pharmaceutical industry.

“The opportunity to work here is incredible. The environment and the company is seeking to grow people and professionals, so I’m pleased with the activities and assignments they’re giving me, no matter how big or little they are,” she said.

Work integrated learning ultimately exposes you to a diverse learning experience that can’t be formulated in the classroom alone, and therefore has a genuine positive impact on students. By strengthening the overall experience, work integrated learning enables students to understand how they can apply what they’ve learnt in their degree into a practical setting.

Develop your sense and awareness of workplace culture

You may have a good idea of what the workplace is like thanks to your part-time job as a waiter/waitress at your local café or restaurant, or as a retail assistant in a clothes store. But to have the opportunity to get really stuck in in a job, in an industry where you aspire to work after graduating, is something else. 

Luis Daniel Rojas López, an industrial engineering student told us how they think the work integrated learning experience has benefited them both personally and professionally.

“Having work experience while studying helped me to understand the concepts I've learned in the classroom and see them applied in real scenarios.

“It also helped me to become more responsible, understanding that every decision has a consequence.

“Another advantage is that it helped me understand why the teamwork that we practiced every day in class is important as it is relatable to the way organizations work.”

Enhance your soft skills and advance your theoretical knowledge

Working to learn is learning to work. Work integrated learning will allow you to gain a good grasp of basic work capabilities and a plethora of both soft and technical skills that you wouldn’t necessarily develop without working in a professional setting.

“It has been a very full filing experience for me,” said Andrea Alejandra Ponce de León Barba who studies marketing.

“This semester in particular has given me the opportunity to learn on the go by putting into practice everything I've learned at school.

“It's a fun way to learn, and the fact that a company supports and mentors you on your way to entering the world of work is unique. The knowledge we get from this kind of learning is something no book can give us.”

It can help you manage your future career aspirations and decisions

One huge benefit of work integrated learning is it can help you decide what future career path you may (or may not) want to pursue after you graduate.

“Being able to understand and work with professionals that have high standards and great visions make me think about the future, and reflect on who I am now and who I want to be in the next few years,” said Joselin.

Work integrated learning allows you to gain a real sense of appreciation of your area of work, as well as have the opportunity to explore new and exciting roles that you may not have once considered.

It can boost your employment prospects

Students who undertake work integrated learning are considered to be more desirables hires, thanks to their prior experience and connection with the industry.

You’ll be able to build a flourishing network of contacts

Establishing industry network connections is an essential part of work. From colleagues to clients, you’ll meet a wide range of individuals from all walks of life, and so being able to diversify your social circle will benefit you in more ways than you may initially realize.

Andrea told us one of the favorite aspects of her work integrated learning experience was getting to know her colleagues and fellow interns: “The networking was with a lot of different people with different insights about life. I've learned a lot from talking with people that sit close to me, or even from other interns.”

Increase your awareness of global challenges and industry issues

There’s no better way to learn about the world of work and industry than by jumping right into it.

“From the moment I started to realize how the industry works, it changed the way I learned at school,” said Rolando Herrera Morteo, who studies mechatronic engineering.

“It was easier for me to see the theory applied in the real world and I was able not only to complete and understand my activities but also to contribute with real situations.”

Broaden your perspectives

An invaluable benefit of work integrated learning is you’ll inevitably meet and work with a diverse set of people who all bring their own wealth of knowledge, experience and skills to the workplace. As you liaise and collaborate with your colleagues, you’ll find yourself open to discussion and learn to think differently about particular issues.

“On a professional level I’ve learned a lot about the importance of teamwork,” said Andrea.

“Our responsibilities complement each other and that's why knowing each other, having a good communication, respecting and supporting each other is extremely important.”

You can make a positive impact and offer solutions to real-life problems

Students are able to bring solutions to real problems within the business they are working in, so it’s not just the student who benefits.

“In school they taught me all the theory about how things have to be done, and now, I’m applying all that knowledge in real life in order to solve real problems and help make the industry grow,” said Joselin.

The most recent QS World University Rankings by Subject includes a ranking of the world’s top 101 performing arts schools, one of the 48 subjects covered. The ranking features a mixture of comprehensive universities and dedicated institutions in this field.

The subject rankings are compiled using four indicators; academic reputation, employer reputation, research citations per paper and the H-index (a way of measuring the productivity and impact of the published work of a scientist or scholar). You can find out more about the methodology used here.

Read on to discover the top universities for performing arts in each world region, starting with a look at the top 10.

Top performing arts schools in the US and Canada

The US is home to an impressive 26 of the 101 featured performing arts schools featured in this year’s ranking. Maintaining its top spot in 2019 is Julliard School, which earns a perfect score for its employer reputation and is joined in the top 10 by four other US performing arts schools, two of which are part of the prestigious Ivy League group. Other mentionable universities in the US include fellow Ivy League Group universities; Yale University (joint 17^th) and Stanford University (joint 19^th).

Heading north to Canada, which is home to four top performing arts schools, with McGill University and the University of Toronto ranking within the top 50, placing 34^th and joint 47^th respectively.

Top performing arts schools in Europe

Europe contains 45 of the top performing arts schools in 2019, including the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna in joint top place, the only university to earn a perfect score in the academic reputation indicator. The other top performing arts school in Austria featuring in this year’s ranking is the University Mozarteum Salzburg, which places 32^nd in the world.

Similarly to the US, the UK claims 26 of the 101 featured top performing arts schools, with four in the top 10, including the Guildhall School of Music and Drama (which rises an impressive 29 places this year to reach seventh place). Other top UK universities for performing arts include the University of Cambridge (11^th), Royal Holloway University of London (17^th) and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (Formerly Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, in joint 19^th).

France has three universities featuring in the ranking this year with Sorbonne University and Université Sorbonne Nouvelle Paris 3 both placing 51-100, and Conservatoire national supérieur de musique et de danse de Paris (CNSMDP) which ranks 14^th this year, up seven places from last year and currently the highest scoring performing arts school in France.

Germany also performs well with five universities featuring in the rankings, with the top being Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hamburg, which rises 14 places this year to steal 36^th place and the second top, Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin ranking joint 47^th.

To the Nordic countries now, where Finland’s sole entrant, Sibelius Academy comes in at 12^th place and Sweden’s Royal College of Music in Stockholm ranks 51-100. Denmark also boasts two ranked universities; Royal Academy of Music, Aarhus and The Royal Danish Academy of Music, which both place 51-100 for performing arts in 2019. Norway’s Norwegian Academy of Music also performs well, ranking 33^rd in the world in 2019.

Russia’s sole entrant, the Moscow State Academy of Choreography (The Bolshoi Ballet Academy) comes 51-100 in the ranking, earning its highest score in the academic reputation indicator.

Top performing arts schools in Asia

Over to Asia now, where Hong Kong (SAR) scores well with three performing arts schools featured in the ranking. Hong Kong’s top entrant is the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, which rises more than 38 places this year to steal 13^th place – making it the highest ranked performing arts school in Asia.

South Korea and Malaysia also both perform well, with two representatives each. Korea National University of Arts earns the highest ranking in South Korea, placing 37^th and Malaysia’s UCSI University and Universiti Malaya (UM) both rank 51-100^th.

Mainland China’s sole entrant, Central Academy of Drama, China, ranks 35^th. Japan also scores well, featuring three schools in the ranking this year; the top being the University of Tokyo in joint 42^nd place.

Top performing arts schools in Australia and New Zealand

Australia boasts no fewer than 10 top performing arts schools in the rankings this year, with five of these in the top 50 in the world and three of these improving their position from last year; the University of Melbourne (15^th), Monash University (16^th), and the University of Sydney (joint 28^th). Other notable Australian universities include Australian National University (ANU, joint 45^th) and Griffith University (joint 50^th).

New Zealand’s three entrants, the University of Auckland, University of Otago and Victoria University of Wellington all place 51-100^th.

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Sponsored by University of York Management School

It’s no secret the graduate job market is a competitive one. If you’re someone who already knows your management potential, how can you ensure your chances of impressing are sky high?

We’ve teamed up with those in the know at the University of York Management School to find out more.

Study a degree in management

So this may very much be stating the obvious, but it’s true. A relevant degree is the quickest way to start a successful career in management. For example, the BA in Business and Management at York Management School offers a bespoke learning experience, where students are encouraged to tailor their degree to suit their personal interests and career aspirations.

First year students learn the main concepts and techniques that are used in business and management, including Solving International Management Problems, Behavior in Organizations and Foundations of Business Ethics.

During their second and final year, students can explore new areas of study and areas that really take their interest, such as Marketing Principles and Practice, Strategic Management and Society, as well as Managing and Leading Change.

A placement year can be critical 

Many degrees now offer the opportunity to undertake a placement year, which is essentially a year-long job. During the internship you will be given a real role with real responsibilities (and a real wage).

The skills you develop during an internship are essential, and not just for your career later down the line but also for when you return to complete your final year of studies.

“I chose to do a placement year so I could get experience working in a field that I might want to pursue a career in, in the future,” said Accounting, Business Finance and Management student Katy.

“I also liked the idea of challenging myself which being on placement would definitely do, and there were so many exciting opportunities out there that I knew I would have regretted not applying.”

While Laura Barker, a BA Business and Management student who undertook her placement year at Aldi told us: “An industrial placement allows you to understand which career path you want to take in the future and gives you an insight into full time employment.

“It’s also a great opportunity to earn some money!”

In fact, any work experience can be a great boost

Your part-time job at weekends or during the summer can also teach you a lot about what it’s like to get on the management career ladder.

Could you be honing your knowledge of leading a team as a front-of-house waiter/waitress? Or could you be getting sales experience in a retail store? What about developing your interpersonal and communication skills working for a local charity?

Although work experience may not have a direct link to the career path you want to pursue, it can still help you develop and recognize the many soft and hard skills that are highly sought-after in talented managers, no matter which sector you work in.

Know the type of job you want

You may not realize how many career paths you could go down when it comes to management but if you have at least some idea of the direction you’d like your career to go before you start sending off reams of applications then it can save you time, effort and disappointment later down the line.

Of course, many management graduates tend to find themselves starting off in an entry-level role, but with the right training and the right attitude, you’ll be climbing the ladder in no time.

The benefits of undertaking a placement year/internship are twofold. Not only does it give you a year to immerse yourself in a genuine workplace role where your industry skills and knowledge can really develop, but it can also show you what you may (or may not) like to do in the future.

“I feel more prepared for entering the workplace, but I'm more unsure of what I would like to do in the future than I was a year ago,” said Katy.

“I don't mind that too much though, as I'd rather have this uncertainty now rather than when I'm a year into a graduate scheme that I think isn't right for me.

“At least being unsure now gives me the chance to look into lots of different opportunities and make an informed decision about what the right next step is for me.”

Graduates at the University of York Management School have gone onto work as treasury dealers, graduate consultants, financial analysts, brand development executives as well as purchasing assistants.  

Network, network, network… and network a little bit more

Did we mention that networking is key? It’s more than just about making friends with your cohort. Your cohort are also the ones who can be the best contacts when it comes to job opportunities later down the line.

Your lecturers and professors are also valuable contacts – speak with them about your career aspirations and they might just be able to connect you with previous alumni or the ideal company who have the golden opportunity for you.

Make the most of your university’s career support services

Practically every university has a career services team, and this is something you should use to your advantage.

At York Management School, for example, students are able to drop in at the in-house specialist Careers and Employability Team and book one-to-one appointments to help you with applications, assessment centers, as well as mock interviews.

Perfect your highly valuable and transferable skillset

We’ve already highlighted how you can develop your skillset without even realizing it, but it’s important to keep those skills fresh and up to date.

Whatever managerial role you aspire to, you’re going to need a comprehensive knowledge of business, as well as the ability to make strategic decisions, assess budgets and manage projects.

This is where a placement year can also be very beneficial, as Laura explained: “Working at Aldi has developed my confidence, communication skills and decision-making ability.

“I’ve also realized the importance of target setting to achieve a range of business objectives.”

Whether you want to go into management consulting, investment management or project management, your critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills, plus your ability to negotiate and persuade, and manage and motivate a team along with maintaining positive employee relations are essential.

Failing to plan is planning to fail

You’ve landed your first job interview so now it’s time to ensure you’re as well prepared as possible. Doing mock interviews, practicing online assessments, and even talking to others who have been in your shoes and done it all before is a great way to get a feel for what to expect.

“I attended many careers events organized by the Careers and Employability Team that helped with aspects of the interview process such as psychometric testing and criteria-based interviewing,” said Laura.

“The team also explained the likely structure of the interview process and employer requirements.”

And remember, the interview is just as much about you interviewing them as them interviewing you. Asking questions demonstrates you’ve taken the time to consider particular aspects of the job and company.

If it doesn’t go your way the first time, don’t give up! If you got past the first round and attended an interview, ask if the recruitment manager can offer any feedback so you can make sure to work on your interview technique for the next time round.

Lead image credit: University of York Management School