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Olga Turner, left, and Samuel Pearce

A tale of two graduates

The difference between success and failure for today's graduates can often come down to the smallest stroke of luck. LSE alumnus Theron Mohamed speaks to two of last year's crop about their differing fortunes in the job market.

Katherine Wynter, left, is making it in Cologne, but Kiki Lawrance is floundering in London

Where are they now? How last year's graduates are doing in the job market

A degree from a prestigious university is usually seen as a guarantee of a well-paid job. In reality, it's more like a raffle ticket: from Goldman Sachs to a bowling alley, LSE alumnus Theron Mohamed charts the diverse fortunes of his peers in the six months since graduation.

Apple CEO Tim Cook shows how it's done

How do I: Make the perfect presentation?

You don't have to be Apple CEO Tim Cook to blow people away with a presentation:

How do I: Write the perfect CV?

It may translate as "course of life" but that doesn't mean your curriculum vitae should give an exhaustive summary of every aspect of your life including pages of interests, hobbies, irrelevant qualifications and every odd job you've undertaken since you were 11.

Taking no prisoners: According to one associate, Smith threatened to stab a man for waking him up. He is also reputed to have fired a sound man for ordering a salad

Life lessons: Mark E Smith on bullying, the occult and why Stalin had the right idea

Nothing's ever been Mark E Smith's fault – not the punch-ups, not the break-ups; least of all his band's constantly changing line-ups. At least that's what the man with the most malevolent snarl in music tells Robert Chalmers

Trade training is tailor made

The business world rediscovers the value of the apprentice. By Russ Thorne

A career in law: It’s not all court battles and cross-examinations

Russ Thorne looks at the realities of practising law in the UK and explains exactly who does what

A career in law: It's not all court battles and cross-examinations

Russ Thorne looks at the realities of practising law in the UK and explains exactly who does what

Is it possible to juggle life, family and the law?

More women may be entering the legal profession, but Amy McLellan finds just as many are leaving

New rules promise to bring an end to the old boys' network

The legal profession has undoubtedly become more inclusive, but has it gone far enough, asks Kate Hilpern

How to get yourself a better work-life balance

Whether you're fed up with your commute, missing the kids or lacking quality time with your partner, Rob Griffin explores options to revolutionise your working life

The secret of my success: How five high-flying graduates made it

Exorbitant university fees, high youth unemployment... Things look bleak for the next generation. What does it take to land a top job in our most elite professions?

Cyber spies: Why one tweet could cost you a job

These days, job applicants don't just need a good CV – they need a clean bill of web health. Rhodri Marsden on cyber snooping by employers

Give a little free time to earn some big breaks

Boost your job prospects by contributing some time to a worthy cause, advises Stephen Hoare

Being Modern: Management speak

Let's run this topic up the flagpole and see who salutes it. Management speak, that office bête noire that reached its pompous zenith in the 1990s, has returned to prominence with a vengeance as the PM and his pals have really taken it (and Labour's annoying insistence on blue-sky thinking and stakeholder management) to the next level.

Career Services

Day In a Page

No secularism please, we're British

No secularism please, we're British

Arguments about the role of religion in national life have recently acquired a new urgency
Harold Tillman: 'Chinese tourists can save the high street – if we let them'

Harold Tillman interview

'Chinese tourists can save the high street – if we let them'
Working as a jail torturer ruined my life

Working as a jail torturer ruined my life

Meet the former soldier who has joined the political prisoners he tortured in Turkey's Mamak prison by suing the generals who led a regime of terror
The local high street jet shop

The local high street jet shop

Got a spare $50m and can't stand the queues at Heathrow? Get yourself down to London's first private plane dealership
Do you like your doctor? It could be the death of you

Do you like your doctor?

It could be the death of you...
The mysterious affair of how Agatha Christie is teaching foreigners English

How Agatha Christie is teaching foreigners English

Twenty of the author's novels have been adapted and presented with learning notes and a CD
Six Grammys, five years off: Adele puts love before career

Six Grammys, five years off

Adele puts love before career
The 10 Best binoculars

The 10 Best binoculars

From no-frills to bins with digital cameras
Milan for £300

Milan for £300?

A cultural family holiday - on a budget - to Italy's most stylish city
'Black-hole' resorts: Turn up, tune out, log off

'Black-hole' resorts

Turn up, tune out, log off
New Arsenal face an old question of credibility in San Siro

New Arsenal face an old question of credibility in San Siro

Remodelled since winning in Milan in 2008, for all their consistency – and prize-money – Wenger's side are yet to claim a European title
James Lawton: This prodigal son deserves no forgiveness

James Lawton: This prodigal son deserves no forgiveness

City would be putting their desire to win title ahead of morals if Tevez plays for them
Mark Cavendish: Is Olympic gold at end of the rainbow?

Mark Cavendish interview

Is Olympic gold at end of the rainbow?
Apple admits it has a human rights problem

Apple admits it has a human rights problem

After years of complaints and workers' suicides in China the technology giant faces up to the human cost of its gadgets
Peter Moore: 'I feel guilty I'm the only one alive'

Peter Moore interview

'I feel guilty I'm the only one alive'