The majority of mature students tell us that they have chosen to come to the University of Strathclyde because it will improve their job prospects. The careers service's mission is to enhance the employment prospects of all students and graduates but we recognise that mature students have some particular concerns about finding appropriate employment. We aim to help you address any possible barriers to your future career development by providing advice to help you improve your career planning, develop your confidence and identify opportunities for employment.
Do employers recruit mature graduates?
From October 2006, new laws protect workers from age discrimination but mature students have to be aware of the concerns employers have about the recruitment of mature graduates. (see next question)
Consistently over 90% of our mature graduates remain in Scotland after graduation and are much less likely than younger graduates to be in non-graduate jobs. Read our report on the Destinations of Mature Graduates - also available in the careers resource centre
We advertise over 1,000 jobs suitable for new graduates every year and many of these want experience of the sort mature graduates can have. Register for our graduate vacancies
What have I got to offer an employer?
Mature graduates often undervalue their experience. Employers are always saying that 'a degree is not enough' and it is the skills that graduates have which add value to organisations. You have to be able to demonstrate the benefits of your maturity. It is more than likely that you already have a range of skills that are considered essential requirements by most employers. These skills may have been developed as a result of a period of employment, or managing a home, or bringing up a family, or a combination of all three. You will also have proved to the world that you have the intelligence and personal tenacity to meet the demanding academic standards required here at the University of Strathclyde. Make sure you understand how your skills relate to the skills employers want in addition to your degree and for specific information on skills for mature students come along to our seminar.
How do I find employers who recruit mature graduates?
You can see a copy of the Destinations of Mature Graduates publication which gives full details of the employers of Strathclyde graduates in the careers resource centre. You can also look at Employer Information for directories and business intelligence.
What about help with my applications?
No problem! Lots of expert advice and information in the apply section of our website - the principles are the same for mature students as any other
We also have information and DVDs on all stages of the recruitment process in our careers resource centre
How else can the careers service help me?
There are several ways of getting individual advice
We offer a range of employer events and seminars to develop your job search skills.
For dedicated careers information specific to mature students and general careers information check out our careers resource centre
Useful Websites
http://dwp.gov.uk/agepositive/
The Age Positive campaign promotes the benefits of employing a mixed-age workforce that includes older and younger people
www.antshe.org
Association for Non-traditional Students in Higher Education
www.caade.net
Campaign Against Age Discrimination in Employment
www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/AdultLearning/index.htm
Department for Education and Employment section on adult learners
www.diversitynow.net
Diversity Now is an organisation that mentors job seekers from diverse backgrounds, and that helps prestigious employers committed to diversity to target and hire candidates from diverse backgrounds
www.ecu.ac.uk
The Equality Challenge promotes equality for staff employed in the higher education sector and also covers equality and diversity issues for students
www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Yourrightsandresponsibilities/DG_10014458
Equal Opportunities Commission
www.equality.ie
The Equality Authority (Eire)
www.40plusrecruitment.co.uk
Recruitment agency specialising in the placement of more mature students
www.jobhuntersbible.com
Website produced as a companion to the book 'What Colour is Your Parachute?'
www.justice.ie
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Eire)
www.maturityworks.co.uk
Site for the older and more experienced worker
www.prospects.ac.uk/links/Mature
Advice about job searching, applications, interviews etc
http://www.taen.org.uk/
Employers Forum on Age
http://www.wiseowls.co.uk/
Wise Owls specialises in online recruitment and other support services for the over-45s.
http://www.wrinklies.org/
Wrinklies Direct is an employment and recruitment agency for mature people, providing jobs and work for experienced persons.