Graduate News
Scroller on / off
Travelling the world and experiencing new cultures...

The award has been created in memory of 2005 Gradu...

With categories for Universities, Employers, Socie...

icould is the first stop for thinking about starti...

While autumn is traditionally dubbed the ‘se...

You have less than four days to enter the first Ra...

RWE npower has teamed up with Real World to host t...

If you think getting a job is all about grades ? t...

One of the great things about a career in the Law ...

Fresher’s week is now officially over for an...

FEATURED GRADUATE EMPLOYER

Enetrprise Feautured Employer

We might be an international car rental company with a multi-billion pound turnover. But more importantly, we're an industry-leading business that knows what to do with your talent. We don't want to nurture your expertise with a kettle or foster a positive working relationship between you and the photocopier. Why do that when we can teach you how to run a business and introduce you to senior level management? You'll learn everything you need to know, from Sales and Marketing to Customer Service and Finance...

FEATURED GRADUATE EMPLOYER

PWC Employer Logo

is the one firm for all talented graduates. As one of the world's largest professional services firms we have a lot to offer. With an enviable range of clients - from public and private companies to governments and charities - with whom we work in partnership to create leading-edge solutions. This makes PwC the ideal employer for any budding business professional.

Graduate Case Studies - Shamsi Rashid - Library Assistant

Shamsi rashid big

Age: 27 years old

Degree and university: BSc Applied and Human Biology, Aston University (graduated in 2004)

Work Title: Library Assistant at Birmingham City University.

What is it you actually do? My role includes receiving and dispatching books. There is a lot of cash handling involved as we must sell publications and promotional materials, as well as dealing with fines, which requires a very objective and diplomatic approach. I also enrol new members and cancel memberships. I have full knowledge of the Data Protection Act which allows me to input and amend records. On a daily basis I am responsible for preparing the library for opening and closing. I repair damaged books and I cover books so that the books have a longer life span. In addition to this I discard old materials. I shelve books according to the Dewey classification system and generally tidy the library.

Why did you decide to stay in the West Midlands after graduation? The West Midlands has a vast array of job opportunities and so I decided to settle in Birmingham. Furthermore there are many academic institutions in and around Birmingham.

Why did you decide to go into this sector? After going through further education, evening classes at Adult Education, and then through to higher education, I definitely knew that working in Education would definitely be my niche. Furthermore, the library is the centre of learning in any institution and I am proud to say that I am at the heart of this learning and discovery. I am committed to education and working at the library enables me to socialise with staff and students. I get to learn about different cultures and meet people from a great range of backgrounds, especially from international students.

What do you most like about what you do and are there any downsides? I enjoy a challenge. My job is mostly about finding things; it's like digging up clues and when you actually find the information members require it feels fabulous. Nobody goes into library work for the money, that's the biggest downside, also I work mainly evenings and weekends. Having said that I wouldn't swap my work for anything else!
What skills do you need to succeed? One of the most important skills required is that of communication. It takes time for your listening and verbal skills to develop. The customer service skills required extend not only to students and staff but also your own colleagues.

What advice would you give other graduates coming into this sector? If you want to get into library work, it's important that you take additional qualifications in Information Computer Technology. Undertake voluntary work with groups of people and work on the impact of your voice. There is a lot of physical effort required, such as packing boxes of books to send to other campus libraries and shelving. The constant movement makes my work interesting as it is not just about sitting at a library counter or in front of a computer screen.


Add to Delecious Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Furl Simpy Yahoo myweb


You need to be logged in to vote.

Article rating:
  • 0/5 Stars.
Send it to a friend | Comments (0)
Thanks for rating!

Send to a friend

To:  


From:
 

  JCapture


Thank you for posting. You message will be moderated before going live on the site

Post a comment



Comments

Comments

No comments....



 

Graduate Case Studies

Shamsi Rashid new

Shamsi Rashid - Library Assistant

My role includes receiving and dispatching books. There is a lot of cash handling involved as we must sell publications and promotional materials, as well as dealing with fines, which requires a very objective and diplomatic approach. I also enrol new members and cancel memberships. ... more

Laura Esslemont - English Literature

Laura Esslemont -Production Controller- Hodder & Stoughton

I work at Hodder & Stoughton as a production controller. I am responsible for the H&S backlist ? all the reprints, special sales and also a handful of new titles as well. ... more

Emma Thomson - Editorial Project Manager

Emma Thomson - Editorial Project Manager - Bradt Travel Guides

I work as an editorial project manager for Bradt Travel Guides. My role involves briefing and guiding authors through the editorial process ? from the moment they submit the raw manuscript to the published book. ... more

Benjamin Usher - English and Modern Languages

Benjamin Usher - English and Modern Languages

I am the publicity manager for Profile Books, an award-winning independent publishing house in London (www.profilebooks.com). My job is to make sure that our books, our authors, and the company get lots of media attention, so that people go out and buy the books! ... more

View all Graduate Case Studies

Graduate Advice

Advice - Facebook Article

Think Before You Click - The Negative Side of Facebook

The next time you’re about to upload pictures of your birthday party/night... more

Advice Hammer Nail

Nailing That Position- Top Tips for Getting Picked For Graduate Training Schemes

If you’re currently stressing over applying for and going for interview... more

Approval

The Sign of Approval

At Real World we know all about the real value of getting quality work... more

Publishing

EXCLUSIVE: Book Publishing Roles Made Simple

Whichever area of Book Publishing you choose to work in...... more

View all Graduate Advice