Mature students

Copies of this helpsheet are available from Careers Reception at Whiteknights. Large print and alternative format versions are also available on request.

As a mature student studying at university you have probably already learned that 'mature' is a very broad term! Officially, a 'mature' student is over the age of 21 years when starting their degree, but of course individual students have their own reasons and motivations for choosing to study a degree. This help sheet focuses on those mature students who have come to university and plan to use their degree to help them further their career, whether it will be a development from where they left off, or a complete change of direction.

What do employers think of mature students?

Over the last 10-15 years there has been a noticeable change in attitude from typical graduate recruiters towards mature students. This has been driven by two things. Firstly, a change in the law. From October 2006 it has become illegal to discriminate on the basis of age. Secondly, employers are looking for something different from their new graduates. They want them to be organised, self-motivated with a good range of skills as well as a good degree and able to 'hit the floor running'. Mature students with life and work experience to offer and often with evidence of juggling life and/or work outside of University commitments can be at an advantage. Employers will be assessing potential graduate recruits against a list of skills or competencies and as for all graduates of all ages the onus is on the individual to sell their skills and abilities to a potential recruiter.

An easy way to get started.

If you have never had paid work experience or if you have worked in a particular career for many years, it can be hard to see yourself doing something different. Rather than starting with job titles start with you! Try this easy exercise to unlock your potential:

Brainstorm all the activities / jobs you have had and include all those unpaid jobs too. Here is a list to help get you started: play group worker, church work, helping to organise school fairs, supporting partner's business, coaching children's sports teams, supporting a friend through a crisis, acting as Treasurer for a charity, temporary jobs, Mature Student Representative for your course and no doubt numerous other activities. Next to each activity ask yourself what you learnt from each of these - the skills, about yourself, what motivated you to get involved? When you look over this list, which activities really stand out for you as your greatest accomplishments? Why are you particularly proud of these? If you find this task difficult, talk it through with a supportive friend or come and see a Careers Adviser who will be very happy to help you.

What else can I offer a future employer?

Coming to university would have been a big decision and your commitment to the course, possibly juggling family commitments or part-time work to meet financial obligations, can show an employer how focused you are and how you are able to be highly organised with the ability to manage your time well and establish priorities. Life experience has probably given you a greater insight into what makes you tick and by articulating this to employers they will be impressed with your self-awareness. Mature graduates with family commitments may not be able to offer mobility to a prospective employer, but instead you can highlight stability and loyalty to the company.

We help you get where you want to be.

In our experience mature students have plenty of skills and experience to offer future employers, but sometimes the tricky bit is selling this to a potential employer, particularly if this experience isn't directly relevant to the area you wish to pursue after graduation. This is where we can help you with completing application forms and CVs.

Probably in year 2, you will be expected to complete an assessed unit on Career Management Skills, which will provide you with an ideal opportunity to review your experience and set future goals. You will be offered plenty of choice of suitable assignments and will receive useful feedback on your work.

And if you don't know where you want to be.

Come and see us! The majority of students we see don't have any clear career ideas and we can help you think about what your options are, and what skills and abilities you enjoy using to identify potential careers that may suit you.

Further information

Web links

• Age Positive
• AgeThing Jobs for over fifties
• ChildcareLink National and Local childcare information
• Employers Forum on Age
• Equal Opportunities Commission
• Forties People A London based recruitment agency specialising in mature office staff. Most jobs are within Central London
• Information for Mature Students on Graduate Prospects
• National Partnership for Women and Families Promoting fairness in the workplace
• New Deal
• Prospect Planner is available in CAS reception
• Third Age Challenge ltd for `the support of older people to maintain a full working life`

All resources listed below are available in The Careers Centre

Information Booklets

• A Level Playing Field (AgCAS booklet)
• Going for Interviews
• Job Seeking Strategies
• Making Applications
• Work and Study Abroad

Videos

• Mature Graduates (mature graduates and their employers provide advice on job hunting)
• Too Old...Who Says? (advice for older workers)
• Looking Good on Paper (written applications)
• The Assessment Centre Video
• Why Ask me That? (interview techniques)

Computer Aided Guidance

• Prospect Planner

Prospect Series

• Prospects Directory
• Prospects Finalist

Other Publications

• How to Write a Curriculum Vitae (University of London Careers, Placement and Experience Centre)
• How to Complete an Application Form (University of London Careers, Placement and Experience Centre)
• What Colour is Your Parachute? (R Bolles, Ten Speed Press, Annual)