This module was created by our qualified Careers Consultants. It supported the career development of postgraduate taught students.
It will enable you to make the most of your postgraduate experience at Strathclyde. This is through engaging with content and activities that support you to:
- explore where your masters could take you. It also helps you to understand the processes of career choice and development
- enhance your employability through engaging in opportunities that will also build your network
- build your confidence in searching for opportunities and making applications
- access the support available to you during your studies and after graduation
The module is not credit-bearing and does not include any assignments. There are activities that we encourage you to engage with. You may decide to work through it from start to finish. Or, dip into sections and topics that are most relevant to the stage you are at.
Further information
- MSc students in the Business School: you are already enrolled on Mastering Your Career, a dedicated resource specifically for Masters students in SBS. Find it on your list of courses on MyPlace or click Mastering Your Career
- Undergraduate students: please enrol on the undergraduate careers module instead. This has been developed for all current undergraduate students from 1st year onwards
- Graduates: unfortunately you cannot access MyPlace which hosts this module. Our Careers Online Toolkit has some fantastic resources that cover many of these topics
- Autistic students and graduates: if you're an autistic student or graduate, there is a free online course. Employability Skills for Autistic Students and Graduates has been developed by a team of experts. This team includes autistic graduates, autistic workplace mentors, non-autistic university careers consultants, and non-autistic researchers
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course you'll be able to:
- explain the role of your postgraduate studies in developing subject-specific knowledge and abilities in relation to career choice
- research and describe typical degree-related career options using a range of information sources
- show knowledge of trends in graduate employment related to your postgraduate qualification. And identify your development needs in relation to this
- identify the key elements of effective career decision-making. Share knowledge of your strengths and weaknesses, values, and interests. Understand their significance in relation to your career choice
- recognise specific skills, qualifications, and experience requiring further development in relation to your career choice
- devise an action plan for short to medium-term career research/development. This will be informed by your self-awareness and effective career research
- apply an understanding of recruitment and selection methods. Tailor your written and verbal self-presentation to meet the requirements of opportunities
Topics covered
The module is divided into 10 sections:
- Student support at Strathclyde - we want to ensure you are aware of our excellent student support services and how to access them. This section also highlights the support and opportunities that are available to you through the Careers Service. This includes information, resources, and advice for international students
- Why are you doing a masters? - this section supports you to reflect on your reasons for choosing postgraduate study. It also explores where your masters could lead you
- Make career decisions - this section is about career decisions and career planning. It includes activities that support you in taking control of your career
- Enhance your employability - understand what we mean by employability at Strathclyde. Identify opportunities you can get involved with that will help you further develop your employability. And connect with students from other disciplines
- Develop your job search strategy - this section will enable you to achieve a better understanding of the UK and international labour markets. You will also learn how to job search effectively. And find opportunities relating to your career goals
- Prepare for recruitment processes - this section is all about the importance of doing your research. Research can help you to understand jobs, organisations, and sectors. It will help you make decisions about your career. Ultimately it will help you to stand out during a recruitment process
- Make applications - a closer look at key stages of the recruitment process: CVs, cover letters, application forms, psychometric testing, and interviews
- Build and use your network - this section is all about building, maintaining and using your network to support your career development
- Thinking of a PhD? - are you considering continuing your academic studies after your current course? This section will help you to understand what postgraduate research is and whether it's right for you. It includes activities that prepare you for making applications for a PhD/doctoral study
- Support after graduation - learn more about the support available to you after you have graduated