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Seek early advice
If
you are considering leaving your course,
you should seek advice as soon as possible
to check out the options and implications.
If you do not want to voice your concerns
to your course tutor, go first to your university
careers service, student advice centre or
counselling service for an impartial and
confidential discussion.
•
Higher education careers advice
• Course/personal tutor
• Student advice centre
• Student counselling service
• Medical centre
• Student disability unit
• Careers companies
• Information, Advice and Guidance
(IAG) partnerships
• Job Centres
• Private careers guidance providers
• Further information
Higher
education careers advice
Make the most of the facilities at your
own institution while you have the opportunity.
While you are a student, you can use the
facilities of your university careers service,
where you are likely to find:
•
careers advisers, who can offer you individual,
impartial careers guidance;
• a wealth of information, in hard
copy and on the web, about different careers,
working or studying abroad, preparing CVs,
application forms and interview techniques,
course prospectuses, directories of local
employers and vacancies;
• What jobs would suit me? (Prospects
Planner), which could help you decide on
a career direction that takes account of
your skills, interests and motivations.
It is advisable to contact the careers service
in advance to book an appointment, particularly
if you have a decision deadline.
Even if you leave your course you may still
be able to use the facilities of your former
institution for a while – check exactly
what services are open to you with individual
providers. Some higher education careers
services may offer you access near your
home town but remember that they have no
obligation, as your
fees were paid to your former institution.
Course/personal
tutor
At
some point you must talk to your tutor,
even if only to agree the wording on a reference
of your reasons for leaving the course.
Make your tutor aware of any mitigating
circumstances, such as illness or personal
problems. If your concerns are with the
difficulty or easiness of the course, you
should aim to tackle this early on as you
may be able to allay your concerns. If your
issues imply criticism of the course or
there are personality clashes with members
of staff, it is probably better to talk
to another member of the department or to
go to your university careers service or
student services centre for advice.
Student advice
centre
Student
advice centres handle a wide range of issues,
such as finance, study skills, accommodation
and legal matters, and can offer you confidential
advice.
Student counselling service
Your student counselling service can help
you to work through personal problems. All
appointments will be confidential.
Medical centre
If
you have a medical problem that is affecting
your study performance, you should consult
a doctor to obtain a medical certificate,
preferably before you have missed a deadline
or failed an exam.
Student disability
unit
If
you had a disability at the time you registered
as a student, the student disability unit
will probably know of your situation. If
you became disabled after joining or have
a temporary disability, such as a bone fracture,
they will be able to advise you on any adaptations
that could make your student life easier
or on any allowances that could be made
for your situation.
Careers companies
Connexions
is a government-funded service offering
careers information, advice and guidance
to young people up to the age of 19. In
some areas, officers will also advise adults.
If they cannot help, they will have referral
information for local adult careers guidance
providers. There may be a charge for guidance
in some cases so check before committing
yourself.
Information,
Advice and Guidance (IAG) partnerships
There
are various networks around the UK of IAG
providers who advise adults. Your local
Connexions office or Jobcentre Plus should
have details of the provision in your area.
Job Centres
If
you are seeking work, you may be able to
receive Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA).
In general, if you study part time (less
than 16 hours per week), you can continue
to receive JSA as long as you remain available
for and are actively seeking employment
of at least 40 hours per week. Job Centres
hold information on vacancies and government-funded
schemes, such as New Deal. These programmes
offer a work-based placement and/or training
and can provide a step into permanent employment.
You will need to check eligibility criteria.
Job Centres also provide job search services
and arrange seminars, including help with
applications and CVs. If you have a permanent
or temporary disability, a disability employment
adviser can offer specific help and guidance.
Private careers
guidance providers
There
are many private organisations and consultancy
services involved in careers guidance. These
organisations charge for their services.
Further information
To
find phone numbers and addresses for regional
contacts in this area, go to Yell.com and
search for ‘careers advice’,
‘employment agencies’ or ‘training
services’.
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