FAQs
1. I have an urgent question. What is the best way to contact Careers?
2. Can you review CVs, Job Applications, Personal Statements and Covering Letters by email?
3. I’m applying to study at GCU. Can the Careers Service give me advice and about specific course details and requirements?
4. I am not currently studying full-time at Glasgow Caledonian University. Am I eligible for advice?
5. UCAS points are sometimes asked for on application forms. What are my UCAS points and how can I calculate them?
6. Do I need to do an Honours Year to get a graduate job?
1. I have an urgent question. What is the best way to contact Careers?
A: Some questions may be best answered face-to-face at a Careers Clinic in a fifteen minute session with a careers adviser. Normally clinics run between 10am - 12noon or 2pm - 4pm each day througout term time. No appointment necessary as careers clinics are organised on a first come - first served basis.Times may vary however so please do check before travelling.If you feel you need a longer discussion, you can make an apppointment by calling to The Careers Information ans Employability Centre in M015 located in the George Moore Building or visiting the Base.
2. Can you review CVsC Job Applications, Pedsonal Statements and Covering Letters by email?
A: We do not offer this service. As reading documents such as CVs or personal statements generally leads to discussions about content, structure and layout, it is best done face to face. You can bring your CV, application, personal statement or letter to a drop-in session. Check the drop-in timetable in room MO15 of the George Moore Building before you come. Please bring a paper copy of your document. Alternatively, you may prefer a longer interview. You can make appointments in person at the Base or by phoning 0141 273 1000.You will find our selection of Careers service leaflets in the resources section of our website. Before your meeting with a careers adviser, you might like to read through the relevant leaflet on covering letters, application or CVs.
Online at Graduate Prospects, professional careers consultants will assess the quality and marketability of your My Prospects CV form and provide you with constructive feedback: Graduate Prospects free CV surgery. For more information you could also read the AGCAS Scotland guide to writing a CV (part of the SORTED series) and the Graduate Prospects guide to writing a CV.
3. I’m applying to study at GCU. Can the Careers Service give me advice and about specific course details and requirements?
A: We do not offer this service. The Admissions Service at Glasgow Caledonian can verify your qualifications in terms of UCAS points. You can contact them on 0141 331 3334, or admissions@gcal.ac.uk. You can order a copy of the university prospectus by calling 0141 331 3000. Or, go to the Academic Schools pages to find out about specific courses. For more information, you should email the course contact.
4. I am not currently studying full-time at Glasgow Caledonian University. Am I eligible for advice?
A: Please contact the Base to check your eligibility before contacting the Careers Service.
5. UCAS points are sometimes asked for on job application forms. What are my UCAS points and how can I calculate them?
A: The UCAS points tariff is a way of fairly comparing different types of qualifications, usually for entry to Higher Education. Some large graduate recruiters use it to gather information about your school performance. This information is used as recruitment criteria alongside your degree classification. Not all recruiters use the tariff.
You can calculate your points on the UCAS website in their UCAS Tariff pages. If you have an individual query you should contact the UCAS Qualifications Hotline on:
Tel: 01242 544900
E-mail: quals@ucas.ac.uk
If you do not have the UCAS points required for a job, you can still apply. You may have other relevant qualifications. It is acceptable to contact the employer for advice.
6. Do I need to do an Honours Year to get a graduate job?
A: Generally speaking, if a student has the ability to complete an honours degree it is advisable to do so as this can widen and increase your employment options. Many but not all graduate recruiters ask for a 2.1 (second class upper division) Honours pass for entry to their graduate training programmes. Other, often smaller, graduate recruiters will consider applicants without an Honours degree.
It depends which job sector you join. Different people take different routes. Some join smaller firms, gain experience and move on to more senior jobs. Here, the key factor in how you progress in your career is you and the hard work and drive you put into your career. Remember, some jobs and postgraduate courses use the phrases 'normally an Honours degree' or 'Honours preferred'. This language indicates they are willing to look at your overall profile rather than just academic qualifications. Ultimately the value of an Honours year really depends on a student’s individual circumstances, ability and career choice. You may find the following links to Prospects useful in considering your options.