Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Our FAQ section deals with popular job and study-related issues. If your query isn’t answered here and you’re a current student or graduate (within the past two years), email your question to E-guidance.
I want to go to University, who can advise me what to do?
Are you thinking of coming to University, but are unsure of what programme to study or the entry requirements? Our pre-entry advice and guidance team are here to help and support you through this process. Our qualified and friendly advisers are available to see you at our Learning Advice Centre in Stratford & Skillzone at Docklands and the Thurrock Learning Shop. There are also a number of outreach activities you can attend, including Community Centres, Libraries and Further Education Colleges.
If you have been away from education for some time or lack formal or current qualifications (or if you gained your qualifications overseas and are not sure of the UK equivalency), there are routes available to help you achieve your goal. These could include completion of a preparatory course such as Access or UEL’s New Beginnings 2 programme, past employment or professional qualifications. Of course, evidence of enthusiasm and commitment which indicates to us that you have the ability and desire to succeed are also important.
If you are considering coming to UEL, contact one of our specialist advisers at Docklands or Stratford.
Docklands
Telephone: 0208 223 3003
Email: advisors@uel.ac.uk
Address:
Skillzone in the Library at the Docklands Campus
University of East London
Docklands Campus
University Way
London E16 2RD
Stratford
Telephone: 0208 223 4354
Email: advisors@uel.ac.uk
Address:
Pre-entry Information, Advice & Guidance
University of East London
Water Lane
Stratford
London E15 4LZ
IAG Manager: Julie Walker, IAG Manager
How do I work out my UCAS points?
- If you have UK qualifications, you can find out how many tariff points they are worth at UCAS.
- If you have overseas qualifications, you can find out their equivalency by checking with NARIC.
What can I do when I finish my course?
Get online guidance at Get That Job also check out our website as this may help you gain valuable skills and a career direction.
What can I do with my degree subject?
Many graduate recruiters accept any degree discipline, so don’t feel restricted by the subject you have chosen. Employers value a degree as it demonstrates high levels of analytical, research and problem solving skills. It is useful to look at what other students on your course have gone on to do. You can access this information via our annual DLHE report What do UEL Graduates do? .
What types of jobs can I do with my degree?
You can speak to the careers counsellor about your options and advice will be provided accordingly. You will need to book an appointment for this service, for further information click here.
What does Employability & Enterprise do?
The Employability & Enterprise Team is here to help you enhance your employability skills so that you can both attain and perform well in graduate-level employment or set up a business.
Please see how we can help you:
- CV checks
- One-to one advice sessions on employability and business start-up
- E-guidance
- On campus recruitment agency- SPRING based at Docklands
- Summer Placements
- On-line job vacancies
- Assessment centres
- Business Planning support
- Volunteering and mentoring programme
- Skills workshops
- Careers publications
- Start-Up funding and advice
Can Employability & Enterprise get me a job?
The Employability & Enterprise team can assist in providing you with advice on your CV, help with your application form. There is a Job Search section where there are jobs which you can directly apply to. There is an in house recruitment agency see Spring.
I need help with my CV/Application form or Interview
The Employability & Enterprise Team have created a new open learning resource to support UEL students and graduates in the highly competitive graduate recruitment process.
Get That Job is an online resource, and offers anytime, anywhere access to vital practical know-how such as:
- Writing a great CV
- Gaining useful experience
- How to network
- Preparing for a telephone interview
- How to answer common interview questions
- What to expect from assessment centres
- What employers are looking for
- How UEL students can develop their employability skills
- Section on Business Start-Up and becoming self employed
- Business Planning tools
- And much much more!
‘Get That Job!’ provides key video advice from the people who matter: senior employers and successful UEL students and graduates. There are also downloadable Top Tips summaries and simple Test Yourself exercises to check your skills and knowledge.
How can I get to see the careers counsellor or business start-up expert?
Careers counselling are held weekly at Docklands and Stratford Campuses. To book an appointment please telephone:
- Docklands Campus : 0208 223 2424 or 0208 223 3003
- Stratford Campus: 0208 223 4354
I am a UEL graduate – can I still get help?
You are still entitled to use our services for up to two years after you graduate. We can help you by supporting you through the recruitment process - checking your applications and CV and giving advice on interview technique. Book an appointment or check out our E-Guidance.
How do I apply for a National Insurance Number?
This is essential for work and you can apply through your local Jobcentre plus office. Your employer can let you start work while you are waiting for a National Insurance number and you may be allocated a temporary number while your application is being processed. For more detailed advice contact the Department for Work and Pensions.
I’m an international student – do I need a work permit?
There are frequent changes to the rules governing international students and work, so go to International Student Advice. Our International Student Advice Team also offer a drop-in advice service, which you can access via the link above. This can advise you on working in the UK while you are a student and after you graduate. Finally, visit the Skillszone to pick up a copy of a booklet called Careers and further study for International Students.
I have graduated and have not received my certificate, who can I contact about this?
When you complete your programme of study, any award for which you are eligible will be agreed by your School Award Board. The Assessment Team will produce your certificate and send this to your home address - please keep this up-to-date through UEL-Direct. If you have not received this please contact assess@uel.ac.uk or go to their web pages for further information.
Where do I look for a part time job while I study?
For on-campus jobs, come and see our recruitment agency in the basement of North Building, Docklands Campus (NB B.05) opposite Cyprus DLR. You can also sign up online at Spring. Also try our Job Search pages. Other sources of jobs include local newspapers and Jobcentre Plus.
The Employability & Enterprise team can assist in providing you with advice on your CV, helpw with your application form, There is a Job Search section where there are jobs which you can directly apply to. There is an in house recruitment agency see Spring.
Is any work experience better than none?
There are many ways to build the skills required for employment, some of these skills you will have learnt through your degree but many skills have to be developed through practical engagement through either a work placement or internship.
Volunteering is another way to gain relevant work experience and develop key employability skills click here for volunteering opportunities.
Can you help me find relevant work experience?
Yes, but you need to do some work too! We run a student intern programme and a volunteer programme that matches students to employers. It’s an excellent scheme and before you can join this you need to attend a workshop. Find out more.
What is the national minimum wage?
National Minimum Wage rates are to rise from October 2009, with the minimum rate for workers aged 22 and over rising to £5.93 an hour. Please view here for further details.
Who can I ask to provide a reference for me?
Your references are a key part of the application process 60% of Employers have had to withdraw an offer of employment due to poor references, so it is important that you take into consideration who you put forward as your referees.
Generally, an employer will ask for different types of references depending on what they require I.e character, professional or academic. Your professional references should come from someone you have worked with either through a voluntary or paid role. Your academic references should come from either a tutor or lecturer who has taught you throughout your degree and your character reference should be from a friend or colleague who you have known for at least two years. It would be best not to include family members as there view will be naturally bias.
Also, remember not to include your references on your CV and simply state 'references available on request' on the final section of your CV.
Where do I look for a place on a graduate scheme?
The graduate labour market has changed, as more graduates compete for the same number of graduate employment schemes. Only a fifth of graduates today find work in large blue-chip organisations. If you want to get on to a graduate scheme, you will need to prepare thoroughly – many students start planning this in the first or second year of study. Pick up an employer directory and a copy of Prospects Finalist vacancy magazine from the Skillszone on Docklands Campus.
How do I find out about routes into teaching?
For comprehensive information on how to get into teaching your first port of call should be the Training Agency. Search for a suitable course and find out how to apply via the Graduate Teacher Training Registry.
How do I find out about funding for further study?
If you would like to find out about funding for further study please click here.
I would like to start my own business – can I get help with this?
We offer our own Enterprise Development service based at Docklands Campus. You can get advice on starting and growing a new business, improving your business processes, developing your product and your business skills as well as utilising technology and finding office space. Click here for information on starting your own business.
How do I write a business plan?
A business plan is a document that explains how you go about your business or start-up proposal. There are many different ways to write a plan and we have sample plans available in the GET THAT JOB website that can help you develop the plan.
