A good degree is a great start - but not always enough.  Now more and more employers aren't just looking at what you've studied, they want to know that you have the skills and life experience to use it.  Gaining wider experience can allow you to make an early and positive contribution on starting your job.

Look for work experience or volunteering, both during the academic year and during vacations. Think about:

• part-time work
• volunteering
• internship
• placements

They could all help you develop transferable skills like interpersonal and communication skills or report writing or team working.

Work experience can also be a foot in the door. Many companies use placements and internships as a way to find their employees of the future. There is lots of help when it comes to finding work experience and your first port of call should be your Careers Advisory Service or Careers Scotland who can point you in the right direction.

Volunteering

There are hundreds of volunteering opportunities out there, just waiting to be taken up - from shop work through to DJing. These are great opportunities to meet new people, contribute to communities and learn more about yourself. They also look good on your CV and enable you to develop skills, capabilities and confidence that employers are looking for.

To find out about volunteering opportunities in your area, look at the Volunteer Development Scotland website.