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advice Career planning employability Employer Panels Graduate success

IoD Young Directors Forum with nijobfinder

Embarking on a career journey can be both exciting and daunting for university students. With the ever-evolving job market and increasing competition, it is crucial to gather insights from experienced professionals who have successfully navigated their own career paths. Recently, we had the privilege of hosting a panel discussion with industry experts, Gavin Annon, Claire Brannigan, Connor Diamond, and Steve Lazars, who shared valuable advice and personal anecdotes about their professional journeys.

Embrace Mistakes and Take Risks: Gavin Annon, Sales & Marketing Director at Mount Charles Group, emphasized the importance of making mistakes and taking risks. He encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones, as normal is no longer the norm in today’s competitive job market. Gavin stated, “Please do go make mistakes because nothing’s perfect…you’ve got to make those mistakes and take risks.” Embracing mistakes allows for growth and learning, ultimately helping individuals discover their true capabilities.

Define Your Own Path: Claire Brannigan, Founder of Skinakin Ltd, highlighted the significance of intentionality in shaping one’s career. She emphasized the need to be intentional about where you’re going and what your why is. Claire shared her own experience, stating, “It was only when I started to take a step back and say, ‘What do you want to do? What’s your interest? What are you good at?’…things started to change.” By aligning your career choices with your values, interests, and strengths, you can find fulfillment and success.

Develop a Diverse Skill Set: The panelists emphasized the importance of developing a diverse skill set. Steve Lazars, Director & Founder of Ethnic Minority Employment & Entrepreneurship Network, urged students to broaden their horizons and gain experience across different sectors. He shared, “Putting myself out there actually gave me certain tools, contacts, and understandings about bringing solutions to the product…find some innovative ways of finding solutions.” A diverse skill set enhances adaptability, problem-solving abilities, and brings added value to any role.

Focus on People Skills: While technical knowledge is important, the panelists stressed the significance of people skills in career growth. Claire Brannigan stated, “The things that will really help accelerate your career is the human side of your skill set…being able to communicate effectively, negotiate, and understand different cultural norms.” Developing strong interpersonal skills, such as effective communication and adaptability, can set individuals apart and open doors to new opportunities.

Embrace Curiosity and Continuous Learning: The experts highlighted the importance of curiosity and continuous learning. Connor Diamond, Head of Digital Insights & nijobfinder.co.uk at Mediahuis Ireland, encouraged students to continually set and review goals, both professional and personal. He emphasized the value of pursuing hobbies and interests outside of work, as they can bring joy and enrich one’s life. Steve Lazars added, “Stay curious, join the dots across different domains, bring value back…always be a detective and solve problems.” Embracing curiosity and a thirst for knowledge can lead to innovative thinking and contribute to career success.

Summary: The event provided invaluable insights for students navigating their career journeys. Panellists emphasised the importance of taking risks, finding the right environment, developing a diverse skill set, staying true to personal values, and fostering a positive attitude. These key takeaways will empower students to make informed decisions, adapt to a changing job market, and embark on fulfilling and successful careers. Remember, embrace mistakes, seize opportunities, and let your values guide you.

Find more careers advice here.

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advice AHSS Arts sector Career planning Careers by sector Commercial Awareness consultants consultations Creative Creative careers Creative jobs Creativity Freelance Future Skills Course Portfolio

Choosing modules for next year?

Emma Lennox, Careers Consultant

As it’s time to choose modules for next year, you can use this time to think strategically about what you want to gain over the time you have remaining at University.  While it might be tempting to find the module that best suits your train timetable, try to think about what skills you want to leave Queen’s with.  This is not the time for comfort zone thinking, what will your future self need to know? 

One of our Careers Consultants, Emma Lennox, spoke with some final year students from the School of Arts, English and Languages at Queen’s, and uncovered some insights about things they wish they had known earlier in their degree. 

Get experience. 

Try to build up work experience as a student

‘A degree is great but it just tells an employer you’re a good academic.  You want to work in TV? Marketing? Creative Arts? Teaching? Public health?  Get experience, start in first year and build that portfolio of evidence.  Don’t tell an employer you’re passionate, show them.  Don’t know where to start getting experience?  Ask your Careers Consultant, you can find them on MyFuture.  I wish I had more experience going into the work place now.’   

Final Year Creative Writing Student 

Build your understanding of the sector you want to work in 

Do your research to understand your target industry

‘I think my big ideal expectation when I first started was I was maybe going to finish my study and go straight into working for a studio, I didn’t really understand just quite how complicated the industry is and how difficult it can be to get secure work.  And I didn’t realise how much I still had to learn.’  

Final Year Film Student  

Emma’s Advice: “It can also be useful to think about freelancing, self-employment and entrepreneurship as part of your career planning. The industries that Arts graduates tend to want to work in, are often characterised by short-term contract work rather than permanent graduate roles or graduate schemes. 

According to the 2023 What do graduates do? report, Arts graduates are three times more likely to be working in freelance or self-employed roles than graduates from other areas. The report also shows that entrepreneurial creative arts graduates are more likely to be working in creative sectors aligned to their subject. If you are planning to pursue a career that uses your subject knowledge, you may need to consider freelancing or self-employment/ entrepreneurship as possible options and to prepare for what that might mean.

Arts, English and Languages students have the option of taking the Creative Enterprise module in second year which takes you through the process of creating, running and growing a creative company. Students in other years can find some information on the Future Ready Skills Course and help available from SU Enterprise.”

Find your people outside of your course. 

Extra-curricular activities are a great way to build up skills as a student

‘I spent all my time with people from my course and only discovered the programmes with Enterprise SU in final year.  Those are my kind of people, I could have been around entrepreneurs and innovators for three years instead of one.  I have a lot of catching up to do.’ 

Final Year Drama Student 

‘One of the best things I did at Queen’s was get involved with women’s sport.  I feel I’ve made a real difference there and can use all those skills in the recruitment process.  I just wished I’d got involved earlier and looked at other societies as well.’ 

Final Year English Student 

Emma’s Advice: “The Future Ready Award website is a useful place to find extra-curricular opportunities that will enable you to meet other people and develop useful skills.”

You are responsible for you. 

Be proactive and chase down opportunities

‘In school we had a careers class every fortnight and I thought that would be the same at uni.  I know now that it was up to me to chase down opportunities and be proactive.  There’s so much going on, I need another year to catch up with what I missed first time round!’ 

Final Year Broadcast Production Student  

Leverage the Careers service. 

Access Careers support through MyFuture

‘I wish I’d used MyFuture and the Careers website more, I’m only discovering internships and programmes and employers now that I’m too late to do.  And some stuff is only for first and second years.  I could have been going to events and building up contacts for three years instead of the last six months.’ 

Final Year Film Student 

Open your emails. 

Take advantage of free opportunities to develop your employability

‘I spoke to a careers consultant who mentioned a programme and I said I’d never heard of it.  They asked if I’d opened my emails because it had been sent to me.  Well that was all kinds of awkward.  Lesson learned, I’m accessing all the support now for recent graduates!’ 

Final year English and Spanish Student 

Emma’s Advice: “You can access careers support through MyFuture, the careers website and careers information through the Future-Ready Skills Course.

“All Arts, English and Languages students now have access to the Future-Ready Skills Course on Canvas (AEL4001). In that course you’ll find lots of useful information including a full section on Career Management Skills which will help you to think about your future plans and the gaps that you might have. And it’s tailored specifically to Arts, English and Languages students.

The course is completely optional and non-credit bearing, but you can get a certificate at graduation if you complete it in full.”

Find out more about the Careers, Employability and Skills service at Queen’s.

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Career Options Career planning employability Future-Ready Skills Graduate success

Are you Future-Ready?

As a student, you are on a journey to build a foundation for your future career. However, being future-ready is more than just getting good grades or completing a degree. It requires a set of skills and competencies that will prepare you to thrive in the workplace and make a positive impact in the world. Here are some tips to help you become future-ready while at Queen’s University Belfast.

Be curious

Curiosity is a key driver of learning and growth. It helps you to explore new possibilities, discover innovative solutions, and enhance your creativity. To nurture your curiosity, be open to new experiences and perspectives. Take advantage of opportunities to study abroad, attend workshops and conferences, or engage in extracurricular activities. Stay curious about the world around you, and never stop learning.

Be kind

Empathy is a fundamental human trait that is essential for building relationships, fostering collaboration, and creating positive change. To develop your empathy skills, practice active listening, express appreciation and gratitude, and show compassion towards others. Build a supportive network of peers, mentors, and advisors who can help you navigate the challenges of university life and beyond.

Develop resilience

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, and overcome adversity. It is a critical skill for success in the workplace, where you will face numerous challenges and obstacles. To develop resilience, practice self-care, seek support from others, and learn from your failures. Challenge yourself to take on new tasks and responsibilities, and use them as opportunities for growth and learning.

Foster your creativity

Creativity is the ability to generate new and innovative ideas that can solve problems, inspire change, and create value. To foster your creativity, engage in activities that inspire you and allow you to express your unique talents and perspectives. Join clubs and societies that align with your interests and passions, and collaborate with others to develop new projects and initiatives.

Learn to work in teams

Teamwork is a fundamental skill that is essential for success in the workplace. To develop your teamwork skills, seek out opportunities to collaborate with others on projects, volunteer in your community, or participate in extracurricular activities. Learn to communicate effectively, listen actively, and contribute to a shared goal. Take on leadership roles where you can guide and support others towards a common objective.

Inspire action

Action is the ability to take initiative, make decisions, and achieve your goals. To inspire action, identify your passions, strengths, and values, and pursue them with purpose and determination. Take calculated risks, learn from your mistakes, and seek out opportunities to make a positive impact in your community and beyond. Be a role model for others by demonstrating integrity, honesty, and ethical behaviour.

Summary

In conclusion, being future-ready is a journey that requires continuous learning, growth, and development. By adopting these tips and strategies, you can prepare yourself to succeed in the workplace and make a meaningful contribution to society. Remember, your time at Queen’s University Belfast is an opportunity to build a strong foundation for your future, so make the most of it!

Read more: Go.qub.ac.uk/futurereadygraduates

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Careers programmes MyFuture MyFuture App part-time job work experience

How to find work experience as a Queen’s Student – Using the MyFuture app

University is a time of growth and learning, where students are able to gain valuable knowledge and skills to help prepare them for their future careers. However, while academic achievement is undoubtedly important, it is equally essential for students to gain work experience alongside their studies.

The benefits of work experience while at university are numerous, ranging from enhanced employability to improved time management and networking skills.

At Queen’s University, the MyFuture app/website is the one stop shop for finding work experience and jobs whilst at university. Here are some tips for navigating the website to maximise your opportunities.

“How can I find work experience opportunities during my time here at Queen’s?”

If you are reading this essay then you have taken your first step to find work experience. One of the good places for finding good opportunities is actually through our social media apps. You can find these opportunities @QUBCareers on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

We post a lot about work experience, especially on a Wednesday. We have a jobs reel that’s dedicated to those voluntary, casual and part-time roles. Similarly, the Queens Careers dedicated website has lots of information about work experience opportunities.

Similarly, look out in your mailbox as well because you will get careers consultants newsletters. The careers consultant is linked to your school, will sends out newsletter and jobs and work experience will filter through from that.

However, the main focus of today is MyFuture, which is a careers management system for Queens.

“How exactly can I use MyFuture to find these work experience opportunities?”

MyFuture is a career management system which all Queen’s students have access to it and you can simply log in using your Queen’s credentials. On the MyFuture system you can perform many things, including but not limited to:

  • Book careers and activities
  • Book careers consultations
  • Find out about degree plus pathways
  • Access VMock (CV Checker)
  • Frequently updated job boards

“What sort of jobs can we find on MyFuture?”

MyFuture is frequently updated from lots of employers who will come on a daily basis and post all sorts of jobs including graduate roles and work experience opportunities .

What’s important to note is that MyFuture acts like your favourite streaming apps such as Netflix and Disney+. The more you use it, the more it will adapt towards your job preferences. So if you go on to the job search, the first thing you’ll see is “because you viewed this job”. On top of this, it will also pull-out jobs that other people who are studying the same thing as you are looking at which will definitely be useful. You’ll also be able to see jobs that have recently been posted as well as jobs that have been trending on the MyFuture website.

“Im seeing too many jobs that I’m not interested in, how can i fix this issue?”

You can make use of the filter on the website. This will allow you to filter based on characteristics such as graduate roles, work experience, placement year, long placement internships, short insight opportunities, employability, development opportunities, voluntary work.

“Can I set up alerts for any of these opportunities coming our way?”

Once you’ve done that search with the filters that I talked about, you can set an alert. For example, I’m looking for a part time job in the voluntary sector. I can set that filter and then you can see an opportunity to set up an alert.

So what you do is you go in and it sets up an alert for you, and you can tailor it to come to you as often or as less frequently if you like.

For example, you could set that alert to come to you every week, because you really want that part-time role and you’ll get that filtered through to your e-mail so All of the jobs that have been added since you last looked, they will come to you by e-mail and the good news? You can set up as many alerts as you want!

“How can we apply for jobs on MyFuture?”

Once you find that role you can like find all of the things that you expect to find; your candidate criteria, your location, your salary, all of those things. Then you’ll see a big apply button.

Now there’s a couple of different ways the employers will use that apply button. So either you can apply to their external website and you can go directly to that application process or some of the jobs you will be able to apply through MyFuture and it prompts you to add your CV and cover letter.

So you can add your CV, upload your cover letter and then attach that to the application and those documents remain there as well so you know you can use them again. (Although I think the people in the career service would be encouraging you to tailor your cover letter and CV!), but the application process is really, really simple.

“What specific job tools are there for international students?”

So with the filters previously mentioned, you can actually add a filter to look at employers that are willing to take students on with a work visa.

There’s also an option for student circus, which is UK jobs for international students, so if you click on that, that takes you directly through with our login to that resource, where there’s lots of jobs for international students, so that filter with the employers and then the additional menu item of jobs for international students.

“How do you I access work opportunities abroad?”

If you go on to MyFuture and you go on to that jobs menu, you’ll see another menu item. That menu item is for work abroad opportunities and that takes you directly to our go global find jobs abroad.

Do access this through MyFuture because once you get into this resource and If you start looking for jobs again, It will remember your personalisation.

Are you ready to start finding jobs and work experience? Click here

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Career Options Career planning Mock Interviews

17 Typical (and normal!) Frustrations for University Students who are career planning

Sometimes in university it can feel like graduation is coming faster than you anticipated and worries about your post-university future are seemingly always on the rise. This can lead to undue stress during university.

But never fear, the QUB careers service is here!

Here are 18 typical frustrations that university students encounter and how the QUB careers service are here to help dispel your worries.

  1. Uncertainty about career goals and interests

Book a 1-2-1 consultation and we’ll help you narrow down your career options based on your skills and interests.

2. Difficulty in finding internships or job opportunities related to their field of study

You can search and find internships relevant to your course in MyFuture

3. Balancing academic workload and career planning activities

We offer events and programmes throughout the year, including during the Easter break so you have as much chance as possible to build your CV.

4. Lack of relevant work experience or skills

Our events and programmes are designed to help you build relevant skills and experience at Queen’s.

5. Financial constraints in pursuing career development opportunities

We offer a number of funded internship opportunities that give you the chance to earn while you learn.

6. Pressure from family or peers to pursue a certain career path

We’ll help you figure out the career that you are most suited to, not what others think you should do.

7. Feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of career options available

We’ll help you narrow down your career options to those most suited to your skills and interests.

8. Fear of making the wrong career choice

Our work shadowing and internship opportunities allow you to try and career on for size to see if it fits.

9. Limited networking opportunities with professionals in their desired field

We host a number of employer events to allow you to build your network.

10. Difficulty in creating a strong resume or cover letter

Book a 1-2-1 appointment for a CV check.

11. Lack of knowledge about industry trends and job market demands

Our Careers support is informed by the latest industry knowledge and job market trends.

12. Difficulty in obtaining informational interviews with professionals in their desired field

We can connect you with industry professionals and give you an insight into professional life in key sectors.

13. Feeling unprepared for job interviews or assessment centres

Book a 1-2-1 appointment to prep for a job interview or assessment centre.

14. Difficulty in balancing career planning with extracurricular activities or personal commitments

You are developing employability skills and personal qualities through those extracurricular activities. We offer flexibility of online or in-person consultations to help you verbalise the skills you’ve been building up.

15. Lack of motivation or direction in pursuing career goals

Early career planning is about building skills, meeting new people and having fun. Our events and programmes can help you.

16. Feeling discouraged by the job search process

We can help you focus your job search by skills and interests.

17. Difficulty in transitioning from student life to the workforce

We will help prepare you for the world of work by developing your workplace skills while at Uni through our Future Ready Skills Course. Internships can further prepare you for the transition to working life.

You can check out upcoming events here, or book 1-2-1 careers consultations here

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Applications Career planning Careers programmes CVs Future-Ready Skills international students interview interview tips Interviews Mock Interviews Skills

Top Takeaway from the Future-Ready Skills Sessions for International Students

In our series of four sessions for international students running in both semester one and again in semester two, students discovered how to build their personal brand, craft an effective CV and cover letter for the UK job market and learn all about the nuances and etiquette of the UK workplace – including how to ace that all-important interview!

The final session brought all these skills together in the Assessment Centre Bootcamp.

Missed out? Here is the top takeaway from each session!

Session 1 

Key takeaways from Session 1 – UK Recruitment Process 

 – Get organised, know your application deadlines 

 – Sell your skillset as an International Student 

 – Do something outside your degree 

 – 100% of session respondents are planning to book further CES sessions! 

Session 2 

Key takeaways from Session 2 – CV’s 

 – Format matters, make your info easy to find 

 – If you don’t write it, employers can’t read it 

 – Change your CV for every job application 

 – Use VMock for written CV feedback 

Session 3 

Key takeaways from Session 3 – Interviews 

 – Know the company and the industry 

 – Use the STAR technique 

 – Show you would be a good fit for their team 

 – Book a mock interview with a Careers Consultant 

Session 4

Key takeaways from Session 4 – Mock Assessment Centre 

 – Keep to time 

 – Don’t forget to listen 

 – Put your phone away 

Missed this event? Check out other upcoming events here

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Business Careers programmes Employer Panels Employer Q&A Employers STEM

Student Testimonials: Women in Business: Women in Tech

Northern Ireland’s leading tech companies & organisations came together for the 6th Women in tech Conference.

This empowering event, sponsored by MCS Group gathered role models who innovate, challenge, and embrace technology. From inspirational women who have achieved great success within the sector, to influential entrepreneurs who shared their journey throughout the world of tech from both local and global perspectives.

The day was be filled with feature speakers and panellists, providing attendees with industry-focused learning and face to face access to a high calibre of education and development experts on the conference theme of The Climate of Change.

Hear from Folasewa

I was privileged to meet and listen to some accomplished and inspiring women at the Women in Business Tech conference at the Titanic Belfast. The journey started when I heard about and enrolled in a networking and career development event organized by my prestigious university; Queen’s University, Belfast.

This was a three-day event, and my key learnings for those three days were; organizations need you as much as you need them, putting yourself out there, how to pitch yourself within a short time, and finally, keeping the right network and always staying in touch with them. The conference exceeded my expectations as I enjoyed every part of it, most especially the session anchored by Dr. Niamh Shaw my major takeaway from her speech was nothing just happens, you have to put energy into the things you like.

overall, my striking takeaway is to Deliberately create my Brand.  not to forget to mention that I attended this conference with some great minds, with who I would love to stay connected. finally, special gratitude to my university and the organizer Deirdre, whom I was privileged to share a table with. she has a very bold and eloquent charisma, worthy to emulate, and also Nikky for this highly impactful opportunity.

Hear from Chimwemwe

Why you took part in the Women in the Business programme?

It is always exciting to be in a room full of women with similar interests, encouraging each other to be better. I was hoping to understand and get an insight into how easy or difficult it is for women to enter the industry, especially in Northern Ireland. To network and learn from the guest speakers on their experiences as I am about to start applying for jobs to kick start my career.

What you enjoyed most?

Hearing all the different experiences and lessons from the ladies,  I made new connections and friends, and Niamh Shaw talking about her dream of becoming an astronaut.

What key piece of advice you will take with you?

Be the woman you want to become!

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Careers programmes Fairs Go Global Fair Graduate Recruitment and Placement Fair Spring Careers Fair Spring Recruitment Fair WORK EXPERIENCE AND PLACEMENT FAIR

Expert guide to preparing for a Careers Fair – Emma Lennox, Careers Consultant

Emma Lennox

Careers Fairs offer the opportunity to connect in-person with employers offering work experience, placement and graduate opportunities.

Hear from Emma Lennox, Careers Consultant on how to properly prepare for Careers Fair

Preparing for the Careers Fair

“Preparation for career fair is key. You need to know the logistics; so what buildings are being used?, what employers are going to be there? and who are you going to target when you get there?  

If it’s online, make sure you have the technology started, make sure you know your device is going to work. You have everything connected and you’ve got your battery ready to go.

If there is a virtual or an online aspect to careers fair, you have an extra element of preparation. You might have to go onto the platform in advance and make your profile and make sure it sells you in the skill sets that you want employers to know about”.

Make sure you are prepared for the virtual elements of the Careers Fair

Speaking to Employers at the Careers Fair

“This is the time to go and actually speak to actual employers to find out things you can’t find from their website”

“Don’t ask them something you should already know, so it’s on their website or it’s in the fair information booklet. Make sure you’ve done your research.”

Here are possible questions to ask:

  • Asking about a particular job if some of the details a bit vague.  
  • You could ask about the recruitment process
  • Ask about specifics of the assessment centre
  • You can ask about what the day in the job would really look like
  • What are the main responsibilities
  • What is a new recruit going to be asked for

These are the things that really get the employer talking and show that you’ve done your research and you’re engaged and interested in this organisation.  

Top Tips

  • “Try not to go to the careers fair with a group of 10 of your best friends. You walk around in a huge group and the employer will just see a huge group. This is your time to stand out, to be an individual”.
  • “Don’t take lots of stuff with you through the careers for and make sure you keep your hands free because you need to take notes. Remember the positions; Remember the companies; and remember the jobs when you go back later and you’re working out how to keep this engagement going.
  • “Look at the job tasks; look at the values and the mission statement of the company because you might go in there and find a company you never considered before”.

After the Careers Fair

“Don’t forget to follow up after careers fair”.

“If the employer has a LinkedIn account, you can ask if you can follow them. Definitely follow the company, see what’s happening and keep up to date with things. If you were speaking to someone, you have a personal rapport with them and you think, “I would really like to discuss this role further”. You can send them a personal e-mail and thank them for their time.”

Keep an eye out for QUB Careers Fairs and other events here

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Careers programmes Future-Ready Skills personal skills Skills transferrable skills

Top 3 takeaways from Future Ready Bitesize Session – Negotiating and Influencing Skills

Future Ready Bitesize Session – Negotiating and Influencing Skills took place on the 16th January 2023. This session looked at stages of a negotiation, negotiation styles, win-win solutions and influencing and persuading tactics.

This session is one of a series of short online sessions based on various aspects of the 12 Employability Skills.

Here are the top 3 takeaways from this session:

Understand the difference between influencing and negotiating

Negotiation is the act of coming to a mutual agreement, whereas influence occurs when an individual has an effect on his or her opponent during the act of negotiation.

Employ different influencing styles/channels based on scenarios

  • Authority Channel – Heavily uses authoritative rules to influence work settings
  • Rationality Channel – Relies on data and logic to persuade others
  • Vision Channel – Persuading based on shared purposes
  • Relationship Channel – The longer the relationship (in the workplace) has lasted the greater the influence you have on them
  • Interest Channel – Referring to interests, needs and incentives as a mode of getting things done
  • Politics Channel – Understanding how the organisation works and using this as an influencing channel

The ‘wants’ method may help you to negotiate

The process of negotiating is important to ensure it as maximally effective as possible. To do this, it may be helpful to employ a method. One such method is the ‘wants’ method

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Australia Canada Careers programmes Global Opportunities Go Global

Top 3 Takeaways from The Canadian and Australian Information Session

The Canadian and Australian Information Session took place on the 18th January 2023.

Interested in studying abroad in Australia or Canada? 🌎

Queen’s History and Politics student Isobel spent six months studying at the University of Newcastle in Australia.

She says: “I loved studying in Australia; I loved being submerged in the culture; the familiarity of the English language but the weather and environment was so different to anything that I had grown up with.”

Here are the top 3 takeaways to remember from this session:

You can study at the University of Alberta, Queen’s University Kingston (both Canada) or the University of Newcastle (Australia)

You can study for one semester or the full academic year

Applications close on 3rd February (through MyFuture)