UniPod 5: The 'Sell' - CVs and Networking
It might seem counter-intuitive to talk about getting Brand YOU out there whilst we are all still languishing in lockdown, but this is a great opportunity to start thinking about creating your CV.
Students often ask us for help in putting their CVs together. It helps to know what ‘CV’ means. ‘CV’ is short for the Latin phrase curriculum vitae, which means “course of life”. That’s it! A CV is a simply a short document which highlights the course of life you have experienced so far. As you can see from the example, which Uptown School's University Counsellor, Buket Ayaz, refers to in this week’s episode, a CV includes a summary of your academic and professional history, including work experience, ECAs and achievements.
If you can crack the CV, why not move onto Phase 2 of Brand You? Most people would rather chew off their right arm than go out and network, which ranks pretty highly up there in the top ten list of ‘scary things to do’. Never fear: Navika, a former Dubai College student, explains how she overcame her qualms and became a networking virtuoso from her computer!
Example CV
Nicole Jones
Al Thanyah 4th , Dubai, UAE 12345
home: +971-00-000-0000
email: [email protected]
Objective:
A highly responsible and self-motivated high school student passionate about studying...
Education
2015 – 2019: Highlands International School
Experience
- Volunteer weekend Vet Assistant at the Doodle Dogs Veterinary Clinic Dubai, 2018 – Present
• Provide animal care services as assistant to Vet and handle customer care.
- After School Babysitting, 2019 - Present
• Provide childcare for several families in the neighborhood after school, weekends and during school vacations.
- Part-Time Party Planner at The Party Doodlers, June 2017 – Present
- Maintains party planning stocks
- Actor and Entertainer at planned events
Achievements
- National High SchoolMath Competition, First Runner Up: 2018 and 2019
- Academic Honor Roll and School Valedictorian: 2018 and2019
Volunteer Experience
- Staff Children’s Caring Program at School
• Literacy Program Coordinator for Grades 9-11
• Breast Cancer Awareness Initiative Director – running a club to discuss awareness of breast cancer
Interests / Activities
- Captain of U18 school BasketballTeam
• MUN Delegate
• Piano and Guitar player since junior school
Computer Skills
Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and Internet
***References provided upon request.
This UniPod podcast has been brought to you by...
Josie Campbell
Josie currently works as a University Counsellor at JESS Dubai. Before moving back to Dubai, she was Head of Careers at Ampleforth College, where she also taught English and Drama. Josie also works professionally in theatre, film, radio and voice-over.
Buket Ayaz
Buket is a University Counsellor at Uptown School in Dubai, with over 10 years of experience working in international schools. It is her lifelong passion to help students find the right ‘fit’ university and get them prepped for the world of work.
