LEAP OF FAITH

The answer was simple: I have never been one to back down from a challenge. At school I was one of only two female members of the mountaineering club. While most teenagers spend their Sunday mornings under the duvet watching the Hollyoaks omnibus, I would be scrambling up a waterfall in sub-zero temperatures.

Why bother you might ask. Take it from me, your prospective employer would much rather hear about the time you abseiled down a cliff-face, than listen to your opinion on the McQueen family (although Mercedes is very, very annoying).

Take a look at your CV - what does it contain that sets you apart from your housemates? Personally, I have very little interest in people's academic achievements. I want to know what gets them out of bed in the morning. You need to give employers a glimpse of your personality through your outside interests. All too often students overlook the extra-curricular activities section of their CV thinking it's not important: it is!

I am not suggesting that you necessarily don a harness and shimmy up (what can only be described as) a telegraph pole. But I would strongly advise that this month you take action to make your CV outstanding. Go to your students' union and get involved with whichever societies ring your bell. University is about taking risks, trying new things and taking on responsibilities - not just about getting a degree.

(In the interests of transparency I should point out that that is not me in the lovely pink helmet. It is just a stock photo.)