Ask the expert: Tips on putting a degree to work

How does a graduate go about getting a job? DR MARIE WILSON, head of management and employment relations at the University of Auckland Business School and a veteran of 20 years in corporate management and small business, offers some helpful ideas.

Q: I read recently where a parent was concerned about an undergraduate son's future. What percentage of graduates will find a job once they've completed their courses? Assuming that they will not have any work experience, will employers take them in? For example, an accounting graduate: what types of job are open to him when he has not even seen how an accounting package works? And assuming that this is a mature graduate with no relevant experience, what accounting job can he go for? I have graduated with a BCom recently but have yet to secure a job.


A: Most BCom grads (85-90 per cent) find employment within the first year after graduation. Your success will depend on what you did in your BCom (the knowledge and skills you developed), how well you did (your achievements) and your work history (experience).

Take stock of these factors and make sure they are well represented in your CV.

Just as the accounting graduates will have lots of experience with accounting packages when they graduate, you should have a set of skills in computing and communication that can be highlighted in your job search.

Two-thirds of all students now work their way through their degree and this may provide another set of skills and experiences to be included in your CV, as well as another network of resources and information.

Use your personal and professional networks to identify potential jobs. Your BCom may gain your entry to the job market, but you are probably still looking at an entry/trainee level in professional or managerial work. Be realistic and persistent.

Q: What is the best way to broach the subject of a pay rise? I love my job but have been offered one with more money doing the same job at a similar company. Sure, I settled on my present salary when I accepted this job but when the other company approached me I was instantly tempted.


A: Assuming that you've been there for six months or more, start by asking for feedback on your performance. Review your job description and responsibilities and how you think you've been doing. Prepare a summary for your manager, and arrange a meeting to discuss it and get his/her views. If you have improved your own performance and that of the business, you can suggest that your pay be increased to reflect your value.

Don't be so quick to jump to the higher-paying firm, however. Make sure the jobs really are the same, and that the total rewards are the same or better, including salary and benefits such as training, leave and parking as well as the working environment.

You may also want to consider whether the pay is the real or only issue if you were instantly tempted.

* Send your questions to julie_middleton@nzherald.co.nz.