Careers Success at Sussex - From White House Big-Wig to Gallic Scramble

---

Sussex students are holding their own in a market where competition for jobs is becoming increasingly fierce. The latest figures from the Career Development Unit show that employment rates are soaring, with only 3.6% of undergraduates and 1.3% of postgraduates from 1998 still out of work. Graduates from COGS and ENGG have the highest rates of employment, with both schools totalling over 70%. Sussex also boasts a large percentage of students who go on to further study, with nearly 24% of CPES students going on to take a higher degree. And for those who already have higher degrees, the future is even brighter - 85% of working postgraduates are in managerial or professional roles. One Applied Policy Studies graduate can even name the White House as her workplace - she's the First Lady's staff assistant.

As CDU's Director, Carolyn Morris, points out, "It's the individual stories rather than the percentages which form the true picture. Sussex students go into careers which are diverse, creative, and very international - the postgraduates in particular are working all over the world. The survey testifies to a fascinating and impressive range of career directions, from producers at the BBC to one graduate working at a Zoological museum."

Every student needs a helping hand onto the fast track, however, and CDU has organised a Jobsday with the Student Employment Office which will give just that. A full-day's feast of employment opportunities, the Jobsday promises something for everyone, with 45 organisations on hand to offer ideas - and jobs - to work-hungry students. Blue-chip companies like Arthur Andersen, Logica and American Express will be mixing with smaller scale employers from the Sussex region. The French Employment Service will also be there to offer advice about working in France and mainland Europe generally. They will have actual vacancies on offer, so come early to avoid the Gallic-bound scramble.

According to organiser John Ross, "The Jobsday - which offers summer jobs as well as graduate work - will offer the chance to meet potential employers in an informal setting.

"From work in finance to careers in France; computing to catering and recruitment agencies to retailing, the Jobsday is where Sussex students should be."

The Sussex Jobsday will take place at the Refectory from 10.00am-4.00pm on Wednesday June 16. Anyone who wants more information can contact John Ross on ext 8429.