
Call to tune into student radio BBC fast tracks senior managers Interview: Take cover, it’s “the comedy assassin” Not a laughing matter Government’s £3m ethnic agency account re-think TV Talent Honoured Match made in Mumbai Parisa: Fashion Treats with Sabah Riaz from Sensazn Magazine ALICIA – musician on a mission Bhoothnath gets launched across social networking sites Zee Cine awards make a splash in London Rainbow Film Festival Summer of fun at the Drum, Birmingham Bollywood dance championships heat up Construction industry needs to attract more ethnic minority workers Graduate Recruitment The way forward Jump into the Graduate Talent Pool The Charity Commission: Making Good Intentions Count	NETWORK NEWS COLUMN: MP Diane Abbott The Dangers of DNA Databasing Stephen L France Says…. IS UNIVERSITY STILL PRACTICAL? Celebrating Conference Success Job Seekers get Boost Through Twitter and Facebook Help for “vulnerable working students” Dianne Abbott Bend it like Birmingham Dismissed staff could soon be blacklisted Student designs computer game for the blind Building a diverse workforce Faith in church networks Banking on success Making it in Law

Stephen L France Says….

IS UNIVERSITY STILL PRACTICAL?

There is an argument in this era that makes the case that university is not worth the time or money. Certain degrees have firm direction, for example, Law or Journalism but others that are not vocational, leave their students confused as to how to utilise them to the most gratifying path and have others questioning, 'how can that degree help you get a job?'

Some argue that young adults should go straight into a job or career, because work experience holds the most significance in life. What purpose can studying English literature wield when making money exercises more importance? This argument is valid, especially in this economic climate where competition is high for employment.

However, the opposing debate, that university should be part of life experience has some very attractive benefits that can be easily forgotten. A lot of employers suggest that the best candidates are those with a range of skills. This is where three years or more at university can really provide the foundations for a bright future, regardless of the degree you engage. The hobbies you did not have the fortune of pursuing back in school are available and it is the chance to build diversity on your CV. The following are a few points to consider:-

1) Think about the degree you have chosen. What skills did you acquire? For those that have chosen degrees where it was advertised that it provides broad opportunities, for example English, History or Geography, this might appear difficult. Think about the seminars or lectures and what you did. For instance, for English, you could propose that it provided you with an ability to assimilate information quickly. You might support this by asserting that this skill emerged from the practise of analysing books and extracting the most significant parts for assignments; a talent you can now apply in the work-place.

2) Socialising - This may seem like an obvious point, but many people I met at university did not take advantage of this for various reasons. Some said they felt they did not need to, others were shy, but university is the best place to build on your communication/social skills, because there is such a mixed community. This could potentially assist in your creativity and ability to present yourself.

3) Joining or starting societies - There are so many societies to join and if there is not one for you, taking the initiative to create one is yet another selling point on a CV. A job candidate who was leader of a society, running a team, can be proof enough for an employer to place them in a manager role.

4) Physical pursuits - There is something for everyone whether it be training in the gym to sports, hiking to rock-climbing. Having an indoor/outdoor extra-curricular activity adds that extra factor for discussion in interviews.

Although this is a brief list, keeping these points in mind will allow you to make the most out of the hefty fees and time invested into university. Of course, there is option B - booze-up and hope for the best.