Making the right decision

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These were some of the answers to a research project based at UMIST, University of Manchester, University of Salford and Manchester Metropolitan University.

Q: When and how did you decide what type of occupation you want?

Mark: BSc (Hons) Mathematics: Final year

I have not fully decided exactly what career I want. I would like a job that involves computers and my mathematical knowledge. As yet, I have not applied for any jobs . I am really keen to get a 2:1 or even a first. So, I don't want to spend my time filling out application forms, researching the companies and going for interviews. I want to get the best degree I can because this will give me more chance to get the job I want.

Rebecca: BSc (Hons) Biology

I wrote to a local NHS Trust asking if I could work shadow someone as I was thinking of a career in Healthcare Management having read about it in Prospects HE. I spent several days following a NHS Trust Manager at her work: I went to meetings, observed her interviewing and helped in a small research project. This certainly gave me a flavour of the work - and something to talk about at interviews!

Lucy: BA (Hons) Modern Languages

I took a Management option in my second year, which led me to thinking about a commercial role, perhaps in marketing. I got a place on the Guinness Marketing Placement for my summer vacation. This was useful in that it showed me that I was not at all suited to marketing. Contact with recent graduates in finance and some further research has now helped to decide on accountancy.