Graduate Profile - Arts (Honours)

Name: Susanne Wood
Degree Awarded (Majors if appropriate): BA major in Spanish, Joint Honours in Environmental Studies and Spanish, University Medal, 3.5 years into a PhD
Position Gained: Research Officer
Organisation: National Centre for Vocational Education Research
Commencement Date: Jan 19, 2004

Could you give us a description of your position?

Descriptive data analysis and report writing.

With your experiences in securing employment what advice would you give to students who are in their first, second, and final year of study?

1) Take transferable skills portfolios very seriously.
2) Create a CV, volunteering for activities whenever possible. These all look great on CVs, since they show motivation, initiative and experience.

How did you go about finding graduate employment?

I browsed through jobs in the Saturday paper and was on various email job lists relevant to my field of study. I applied for ALL jobs that I could answer the selection criteria for.

Can you briefly describe the application process relevant to your position?

I applied for a graduate entry position and selected as one out of 7 interviewees. 80 people had applied. I did well in the interview, but was regarded overqualified. I was offered a higher position!

What did you do to prepare for the interview? What questions were you asked?

In preparation for the interview I studied the company's web-site. I was informed of who would be on the panel, so I searched their website for background on these people. This was very helpful, because there were publications written by the interviewers, which gave me an idea of their interests and strengths. With this knowledge I 'modified' my possible answers to questions such as:

• What do you think are the most important issues faced by people in education today?
• Why did you apply for this job?
• What are your interests?

Among other things, I was asked about my research experience in detail, as well as my experience of team work and interpersonal problem solving.

In your opinion, what factors enabled you to be successful in obtaining employment?

I believe I got this job, because I am currently casually employed by senior staff in my department as a research assistant, and my 'boss' gave me a fantastic reference. I also am very professional and confident in interviews.

Do you have any further helpful hints for graduates?

1) Find out who your employers are and what their agendas are.

2) When you go to the interview, treat it like a work meeting, as though you are already working there.