My name is Carmel and I’m a Career Consultant working within the Careers, Employability and Skills team here at Queen’s.
A Career Consultant provides impartial and confidential career information, advice and guidance
We do this through 30 minute one-to-one career consultations.
These can be done either online or face-to-face in the new One Elmwood Student Centre.
There is a Career Consultant aligned to each school in the university, so you’ll often see us out and about in your classes,
supporting the delivery of careers and employability within the curriculum.
The career consultation is perhaps very different from what you have previously experienced within the school system, as you take a more active role in the process.
You will be able to consider your next step and put a plan in place to move forward.
There are many benefits to engaging with a Career Consultant, regardless if you know
exactly what you want to do, have absolutely no idea what you want to do, or maybe somewhere in between.
Making a career decision can often be overwhelming and confusing.
The best part of my job is that every day is different.
It aligns with my personal values of helping and supporting others
and making a positive contribution to those around me.
The worst part of my job is seeing students that are overwhelmed and anxious about their career prospects, while the best part is supporting those students to recognise their own potential, to build their confidence and to reach their aspirations.
The NI Grad Fair allowed final year students the opportunity to discover immediate graduate and training opportunities. The Fair provided a platform for employers to share their opportunities for 2023 and connect with a talented and diverse pool of students, and it gave students the chance to speak to representatives from an abundance of local and national employers, all in one place offering graduate opportunities for 2023.
We spoke with some employers at the grad fair about what opportunities they have available and who is their ideal graduate
Áine works for Wilson Nesbitt Solicitors which has established itself as one of Northern Ireland’s top law firms. Their success can be attributed to working with a strong set of principles at our core and a determined focus to get the best result for their clients.
“The opportunities were have available are traineeship roles. A three-year training contract where we’ll provide support. We have Paralegal roles which are open to any degree background. The skills we look for in individuals are life skills, working with people, communication skills, an eye for detail, working with others, working on your own initiative and a commercial awareness.”
Baker McKenzie
Next up is Jamie and Ciarán who work for Shoosmiths, a law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all for our ability to focus on what matters.
“The opportunities we have to offer are paralegal roles, a trainee solicitor opportunities or anything else like that. The skills we look for are commercial awareness, teamwork, adaptability and just showing that you have a real interest in law.”
Ryan Young works for Delap & Waller, who believe that every client should be a repeat client and focus on providing excellent customer service, open communication and responsiveness.
“The opportunities we offer are graduate trainee program for the Chartered Accountancy exams. We look for students with a broad range of skills, people who have maybe an aptitude for Maths and Science, Data Analytics. Many of the non-traditional degrees bring a range of skills that are useful.”
FinTru
Jonathan works for Hill Vellacott, Chartered Accountants who are leading provider of professional services to organisations in the SME sector, our market-leading team of over 40 professionals serves a wide portfolio of clients right across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the UK.
“We’re recruiting for Mechanical, Electrical, BIM and Sustainability Engineers. We look for someone with a construction background or an understanding of Engineering, a good work ethic, ambition to learn and be a sponge.”
Madison and Megan work for Arthur Cox whose reputation is founded upon proven professional skills, a thorough understanding of their clients’ requirements and practical commercial approach.
“Our training contract applications will open in the summertime and we look for someone who can work well in a team, has good communication skills and some commercial awareness as well.”
Gateley
Caitlin Sweeney works within Lakeland Dairies, a farmer-owned dairy processing co-operative with a heritage of excellence spanning over 100 years. They process over 1.8 Billion litres of farm-produced milk into a wide range of dairy foodservice products, consumer foods and dairy food ingredients which service over 80 countries across the globe.
“We’re looking for a Systems Solutions Analyst. So a Business Analyst type role or Marketing graduates, Human Resources graduates. When your CVs come through, layout is a very big thing for us. We want to be able to get your key points right there in front of us and a cover letter always helps”
Does the idea of reaching out to strangers and making connections make you nervous? Well, fear not! Networking is not as scary as it sounds, especially when you’re a student at Queen’s University Belfast. In fact, it can be an exciting and rewarding experience that can shape your future in more ways than you can imagine. Building a strong support network during your time at university is essential, and here are ten different ways you can do it:
Join clubs and societies related to your interests or academic field: Queen’s offers a wide range of clubs and societies catering to various interests and academic disciplines. By joining these groups, you’ll not only meet like-minded individuals but also have the opportunity to connect with individuals who share your passion. Whether you’re into sports, arts, or academics, there’s a club or society for you.
2. Attend networking events and career fairs on campus: Universities often host networking events and career fairs where you can interact with professionals from different industries. These events are an excellent opportunity to expand your professional circle, gain insights into potential career paths, and even secure internships or job opportunities. Don’t miss out on these valuable occasions!
3. Participate in student government or leadership positions: Getting involved in student government or taking up leadership positions within student organizations is a fantastic way to network. These roles provide you with the chance to work closely with faculty members, administrators, and other student leaders. Not only will you enhance your leadership skills, but you’ll also forge connections that can help you throughout your academic and professional journey.
4. Engage in community service or volunteer work: Volunteering is a win-win situation. By giving back to the community, you not only make a positive impact but also open doors for networking. Many organizations and charities actively seek volunteers, and through these experiences, you can meet individuals who share your commitment to making a difference. Plus, volunteering looks great on your resume!
5. Form study groups with classmates to share knowledge and support each other: Studying can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be a solitary experience. Forming study groups with your classmates not only allows you to share knowledge and resources but also fosters a support system. These study groups can turn into lifelong friendships and professional connections, as you’ll be navigating your academic journey together.
6. Utilise online platforms and social media to connect with like-minded individuals: In this digital age, networking has become more accessible than ever. Leverage online platforms and social media to connect with individuals who share your interests or career aspirations. Join relevant groups, participate in discussions, and engage with professionals in your desired field. Platforms like LinkedIn can be particularly helpful in building your professional network.
7. Seek out mentors from faculty members or professionals in your desired field: Mentors can play a crucial role in your personal and professional development. Don’t hesitate to approach faculty members or professionals in your desired field to seek guidance and mentorship. These individuals have valuable insights and experiences to share, and their support can be invaluable as you navigate your academic and career choices.
8. Attend seminars, workshops, and guest lectures to expand your knowledge and meet new people: Queen’s often host a range of seminars, workshops, and guest lectures featuring experts in various fields. These events not only provide opportunities to expand your knowledge but also allow you to meet new people who share your interests. Engaging in conversations with speakers and fellow attendees can help you build connections and gain new perspectives.
9. Join professional associations or student chapters of industry-related organisations: Professional associations and student chapters of industry-related organisations are excellent resources for networking. These groups often host events, conferences, and workshops specifically tailored to your field of interest. By becoming a member, you’ll gain access to a network of professionals and fellow students who can offer guidance, mentorship, and potential career opportunities.
10. Attend alumni events and connect with graduates who can offer advice and support: Alumni events provide a unique opportunity to connect with graduates who have already ventured into the professional world. These individuals have firsthand experience and can offer valuable advice and support. Attending alumni events and engaging with alumni networks can open doors to internships, job opportunities, and valuable connections.
Remember, networking is not about approaching people with an agenda or solely for personal gain. It’s about building genuine relationships, sharing knowledge, and supporting each other. The connections you make during your time at Queen’s can have a lasting impact on your personal and professional life. So, don’t let the word “networking” intimidate you. Embrace the opportunities available to you, step out of your comfort zone, and watch your support network flourish!
Are you open to exploring flexible and non-linear career options beyond your field of study? Queen’s University Belfast’s Careers Team is here to help you navigate the world of possibilities. We have compiled a list of ten effective strategies to expand your horizons and discover alternative career paths. Let’s dive in!
Attend Career Fairs: University career fairs are treasure troves of opportunities. They bring together employers from various industries, allowing you to explore a diverse range of companies and job roles. Take the chance to connect with professionals outside your field of study and discover new possibilities.
2. Request Informational Interviews: Informational interviews are invaluable for gaining insights into alternative career paths. Reach out to professionals working in industries that interest you and request a chat. Learn about the skills, experiences, and day-to-day realities of different roles. This firsthand knowledge can broaden your perspective.
3. Engage in Networking Events: Networking is key to expanding your career options. Attend both in-person and online networking events to connect with professionals from diverse fields. Building a diverse network enables you to learn about different career paths and opens doors to opportunities beyond your immediate knowledge base.
4. Pursue Internships and Part-Time Work: Don’t limit yourself to your field of study. Explore internships and part-time jobs in different industries. This hands-on experience exposes you to new fields and roles, helping you discover what you enjoy and excel at, even if it’s unrelated to your degree.
5. Utilise Online Resources and Job Platforms: Online platforms like LinkedIn and MyFuture are treasure troves of job postings across various sectors. MyFuture, specifically tailored for Queen’s students, allows you to search for entry-level positions or roles open to graduates from any discipline. Explore the wide range of possibilities available to you.
6. Engage in Volunteer Work: Volunteering is a fantastic way to gain exposure to diverse experiences and organizations. Explore different sectors, work with people from various backgrounds, and develop transferable skills applicable to multiple industries. Volunteer work can be a gateway to unexpected career paths.
7. Seek Career Consultations: Take advantage of Queen’s 1-2-1 Careers Consultation service. These consultations provide personalized guidance and support tailored to your interests and strengths. Tap into this valuable resource to explore different career paths and connect with relevant opportunities.
8. Join Professional Associations and Clubs: Many professional associations and clubs welcome student members. By joining these organizations, you gain access to industry-specific events, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities. This exposure enables you to explore careers beyond your degree discipline and build a strong professional network.
9. Participate in Careers Events and Programs: Broaden your skill set and increase your versatility in the job market by participating in career events and programs. Queen’s University Belfast offers a wide range of in-person and online programs in diverse fields. These programs allow you to explore new career options and gain valuable experience.
10. Conduct Informational Interviews with Alumni: Tap into the power of Queen’s alumni network. Reach out to alumni who have pursued unconventional career paths and ask for informational interviews. Alumni can provide valuable insights, advice, and mentorship from their successful non-linear career trajectories.
Embrace the world of possibilities beyond your field of study. By exploring flexible and non-linear career options, you can find fulfilling paths that align with your passions and strengths. Take advantage of the resources and opportunities available at Queen’s University Belfast, and remember, your career journey is unique—forge your path with confidence!
Embarking on a career journey can be both exciting and daunting for university students. With the ever-evolving job market and increasing competition, it is crucial to gather insights from experienced professionals who have successfully navigated their own career paths. Recently, we had the privilege of hosting a panel discussion with industry experts, Gavin Annon, Claire Brannigan, Connor Diamond, and Steve Lazars, who shared valuable advice and personal anecdotes about their professional journeys.
Embrace Mistakes and Take Risks: Gavin Annon, Sales & Marketing Director at Mount Charles Group, emphasized the importance of making mistakes and taking risks. He encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones, as normal is no longer the norm in today’s competitive job market. Gavin stated, “Please do go make mistakes because nothing’s perfect…you’ve got to make those mistakes and take risks.” Embracing mistakes allows for growth and learning, ultimately helping individuals discover their true capabilities.
Define Your Own Path: Claire Brannigan, Founder of Skinakin Ltd, highlighted the significance of intentionality in shaping one’s career. She emphasized the need to be intentional about where you’re going and what your why is. Claire shared her own experience, stating, “It was only when I started to take a step back and say, ‘What do you want to do? What’s your interest? What are you good at?’…things started to change.” By aligning your career choices with your values, interests, and strengths, you can find fulfillment and success.
Develop a Diverse Skill Set: The panelists emphasized the importance of developing a diverse skill set. Steve Lazars, Director & Founder of Ethnic Minority Employment & Entrepreneurship Network, urged students to broaden their horizons and gain experience across different sectors. He shared, “Putting myself out there actually gave me certain tools, contacts, and understandings about bringing solutions to the product…find some innovative ways of finding solutions.” A diverse skill set enhances adaptability, problem-solving abilities, and brings added value to any role.
Focus on People Skills: While technical knowledge is important, the panelists stressed the significance of people skills in career growth. Claire Brannigan stated, “The things that will really help accelerate your career is the human side of your skill set…being able to communicate effectively, negotiate, and understand different cultural norms.” Developing strong interpersonal skills, such as effective communication and adaptability, can set individuals apart and open doors to new opportunities.
Embrace Curiosity and Continuous Learning: The experts highlighted the importance of curiosity and continuous learning. Connor Diamond, Head of Digital Insights & nijobfinder.co.uk at Mediahuis Ireland, encouraged students to continually set and review goals, both professional and personal. He emphasized the value of pursuing hobbies and interests outside of work, as they can bring joy and enrich one’s life. Steve Lazars added, “Stay curious, join the dots across different domains, bring value back…always be a detective and solve problems.” Embracing curiosity and a thirst for knowledge can lead to innovative thinking and contribute to career success.
Summary: The event provided invaluable insights for students navigating their career journeys. Panellists emphasised the importance of taking risks, finding the right environment, developing a diverse skill set, staying true to personal values, and fostering a positive attitude. These key takeaways will empower students to make informed decisions, adapt to a changing job market, and embark on fulfilling and successful careers. Remember, embrace mistakes, seize opportunities, and let your values guide you.
Behind the scenes of video shooting production crew team silhouette and camera equipment in studio.
Emma Lennox, Careers Consultant
As it’s time to choose modules for next year, you can use this time to think strategically about what you want to gain over the time you have remaining at University. While it might be tempting to find the module that best suits your train timetable, try to think about what skills you want to leave Queen’s with. This is not the time for comfort zone thinking, what will your future self need to know?
One of our Careers Consultants, Emma Lennox, spoke with some final year students from the School of Arts, English and Languages at Queen’s, and uncovered some insights about things they wish they had known earlier in their degree.
Get experience.
Try to build up work experience as a student
‘A degree is great but it just tells an employer you’re a good academic. You want to work in TV? Marketing? Creative Arts? Teaching? Public health? Get experience, start in first year and build that portfolio of evidence. Don’t tell an employer you’re passionate, show them. Don’t know where to start getting experience? Ask your Careers Consultant, you can find them on MyFuture. I wish I had more experience going into the work place now.’
Final Year Creative Writing Student
Build your understanding of the sector you want to work in
Do your research to understand your target industry
‘I think my big ideal expectation when I first started was I was maybe going to finish my study and go straight into working for a studio, I didn’t really understand just quite how complicated the industry is and how difficult it can be to get secure work. And I didn’t realise how much I still had to learn.’
Final Year Film Student
Emma’s Advice: “It can also be useful to think about freelancing, self-employment and entrepreneurship as part of your career planning. The industries that Arts graduates tend to want to work in, are often characterised by short-term contract work rather than permanent graduate roles or graduate schemes.
According to the 2023 What do graduates do? report, Arts graduates are three times more likely to be working in freelance or self-employed roles than graduates from other areas. The report also shows that entrepreneurial creative arts graduates are more likely to be working in creative sectors aligned to their subject. If you are planning to pursue a career that uses your subject knowledge, you may need to consider freelancing or self-employment/ entrepreneurship as possible options and to prepare for what that might mean.
Arts, English and Languages students have the option of taking the Creative Enterprise module in second year which takes you through the process of creating, running and growing a creative company. Students in other years can find some information on the Future Ready Skills Course and help available from SU Enterprise.”
Find your people outside of your course.
Extra-curricular activities are a great way to build up skills as a student
‘I spent all my time with people from my course and only discovered the programmes with Enterprise SU in final year. Those are my kind of people, I could have been around entrepreneurs and innovators for three years instead of one. I have a lot of catching up to do.’
Final Year Drama Student
‘One of the best things I did at Queen’s was get involved with women’s sport. I feel I’ve made a real difference there and can use all those skills in the recruitment process. I just wished I’d got involved earlier and looked at other societies as well.’
Final Year English Student
Emma’s Advice: “The Future Ready Award website is a useful place to find extra-curricular opportunities that will enable you to meet other people and develop useful skills.”
You are responsible for you.
Be proactive and chase down opportunities
‘In school we had a careers class every fortnight and I thought that would be the same at uni. I know now that it was up to me to chase down opportunities and be proactive. There’s so much going on, I need another year to catch up with what I missed first time round!’
Final Year Broadcast Production Student
Leverage the Careers service.
Access Careers support through MyFuture
‘I wish I’d used MyFuture and the Careers website more, I’m only discovering internships and programmes and employers now that I’m too late to do. And some stuff is only for first and second years. I could have been going to events and building up contacts for three years instead of the last six months.’
Final Year Film Student
Open your emails.
Take advantage of free opportunities to develop your employability
‘I spoke to a careers consultant who mentioned a programme and I said I’d never heard of it. They asked if I’d opened my emails because it had been sent to me. Well that was all kinds of awkward. Lesson learned, I’m accessing all the support now for recent graduates!’
Final year English and Spanish Student
Emma’s Advice: “You can access careers support through MyFuture, the careers website and careers information through the Future-Ready Skills Course.
“All Arts, English and Languages students now have access to the Future-Ready Skills Course on Canvas (AEL4001). In that course you’ll find lots of useful information including a full section on Career Management Skills which will help you to think about your future plans and the gaps that you might have. And it’s tailored specifically to Arts, English and Languages students.
The course is completely optional and non-credit bearing, but you can get a certificate at graduation if you complete it in full.”
As a student, you are on a journey to build a foundation for your future career. However, being future-ready is more than just getting good grades or completing a degree. It requires a set of skills and competencies that will prepare you to thrive in the workplace and make a positive impact in the world. Here are some tips to help you become future-ready while at Queen’s University Belfast.
Be curious
Curiosity is a key driver of learning and growth. It helps you to explore new possibilities, discover innovative solutions, and enhance your creativity. To nurture your curiosity, be open to new experiences and perspectives. Take advantage of opportunities to study abroad, attend workshops and conferences, or engage in extracurricular activities. Stay curious about the world around you, and never stop learning.
Be kind
Empathy is a fundamental human trait that is essential for building relationships, fostering collaboration, and creating positive change. To develop your empathy skills, practice active listening, express appreciation and gratitude, and show compassion towards others. Build a supportive network of peers, mentors, and advisors who can help you navigate the challenges of university life and beyond.
Develop resilience
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, and overcome adversity. It is a critical skill for success in the workplace, where you will face numerous challenges and obstacles. To develop resilience, practice self-care, seek support from others, and learn from your failures. Challenge yourself to take on new tasks and responsibilities, and use them as opportunities for growth and learning.
Foster your creativity
Creativity is the ability to generate new and innovative ideas that can solve problems, inspire change, and create value. To foster your creativity, engage in activities that inspire you and allow you to express your unique talents and perspectives. Join clubs and societies that align with your interests and passions, and collaborate with others to develop new projects and initiatives.
Learn to work in teams
Teamwork is a fundamental skill that is essential for success in the workplace. To develop your teamwork skills, seek out opportunities to collaborate with others on projects, volunteer in your community, or participate in extracurricular activities. Learn to communicate effectively, listen actively, and contribute to a shared goal. Take on leadership roles where you can guide and support others towards a common objective.
Inspire action
Action is the ability to take initiative, make decisions, and achieve your goals. To inspire action, identify your passions, strengths, and values, and pursue them with purpose and determination. Take calculated risks, learn from your mistakes, and seek out opportunities to make a positive impact in your community and beyond. Be a role model for others by demonstrating integrity, honesty, and ethical behaviour.
Summary
In conclusion, being future-ready is a journey that requires continuous learning, growth, and development. By adopting these tips and strategies, you can prepare yourself to succeed in the workplace and make a meaningful contribution to society. Remember, your time at Queen’s University Belfast is an opportunity to build a strong foundation for your future, so make the most of it!
University is a time of growth and learning, where students are able to gain valuable knowledge and skills to help prepare them for their future careers. However, while academic achievement is undoubtedly important, it is equally essential for students to gain work experience alongside their studies.
The benefits of work experience while at university are numerous, ranging from enhanced employability to improved time management and networking skills.
At Queen’s University, the MyFuture app/website is the one stop shop for finding work experience and jobs whilst at university. Here are some tips for navigating the website to maximise your opportunities.
“How can I find work experience opportunities during my time here at Queen’s?”
If you are reading this essay then you have taken your first step to find work experience. One of the good places for finding good opportunities is actually through our social media apps. You can find these opportunities @QUBCareers on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
We post a lot about work experience, especially on a Wednesday. We have a jobs reel that’s dedicated to those voluntary, casual and part-time roles. Similarly, the Queens Careers dedicated website has lots of information about work experience opportunities.
Similarly, look out in your mailbox as well because you will get careers consultants newsletters. The careers consultant is linked to your school, will sends out newsletter and jobs and work experience will filter through from that.
However, the main focus of today is MyFuture, which is a careers management system for Queens.
“How exactly can I use MyFuture to find these work experience opportunities?”
MyFuture is a career management system which all Queen’s students have access to it and you can simply log in using your Queen’s credentials. On the MyFuture system you can perform many things, including but not limited to:
Book careers and activities
Book careers consultations
Find out about degree plus pathways
Access VMock (CV Checker)
Frequently updated job boards
“What sort of jobs can we find on MyFuture?”
MyFuture is frequently updated from lots of employers who will come on a daily basis and post all sorts of jobs including graduate roles and work experience opportunities .
What’s important to note is that MyFuture acts like your favourite streaming apps such as Netflix and Disney+. The more you use it, the more it will adapt towards your job preferences. So if you go on to the job search, the first thing you’ll see is “because you viewed this job”. On top of this, it will also pull-out jobs that other people who are studying the same thing as you are looking at which will definitely be useful. You’ll also be able to see jobs that have recently been posted as well as jobs that have been trending on the MyFuture website.
“Im seeing too many jobs that I’m not interested in, how can i fix this issue?”
You can make use of the filter on the website. This will allow you to filter based on characteristics such as graduate roles, work experience, placement year, long placement internships, short insight opportunities, employability, development opportunities, voluntary work.
“Can I set up alerts for any of these opportunities coming our way?”
Once you’ve done that search with the filters that I talked about, you can set an alert. For example, I’m looking for a part time job in the voluntary sector. I can set that filter and then you can see an opportunity to set up an alert.
So what you do is you go in and it sets up an alert for you, and you can tailor it to come to you as often or as less frequently if you like.
For example, you could set that alert to come to you every week, because you really want that part-time role and you’ll get that filtered through to your e-mail so All of the jobs that have been added since you last looked, they will come to you by e-mail and the good news? You can set up as many alerts as you want!
“How can we apply for jobs on MyFuture?”
Once you find that role you can like find all of the things that you expect to find; your candidate criteria, your location, your salary, all of those things. Then you’ll see a big apply button.
Now there’s a couple of different ways the employers will use that apply button. So either you can apply to their external website and you can go directly to that application process or some of the jobs you will be able to apply through MyFuture and it prompts you to add your CV and cover letter.
So you can add your CV, upload your cover letter and then attach that to the application and those documents remain there as well so you know you can use them again. (Although I think the people in the career service would be encouraging you to tailor your cover letter and CV!), but the application process is really, really simple.
“What specific job tools are there for international students?”
So with the filters previously mentioned, you can actually add a filter to look at employers that are willing to take students on with a work visa.
There’s also an option for student circus, which is UK jobs for international students, so if you click on that, that takes you directly through with our login to that resource, where there’s lots of jobs for international students, so that filter with the employers and then the additional menu item of jobs for international students.
“How do you I access work opportunities abroad?”
If you go on to MyFuture and you go on to that jobs menu, you’ll see another menu item. That menu item is for work abroad opportunities and that takes you directly to our go global find jobs abroad.
Do access this through MyFuture because once you get into this resource and If you start looking for jobs again, It will remember your personalisation.
Are you ready to start finding jobs and work experience? Click here
Sometimes in university it can feel like graduation is coming faster than you anticipated and worries about your post-university future are seemingly always on the rise. This can lead to undue stress during university.
But never fear, the QUB careers service is here!
Here are 18 typical frustrations that university students encounter and how the QUB careers service are here to help dispel your worries.
Uncertainty about career goals and interests
Book a 1-2-1 consultation and we’ll help you narrow down your career options based on your skills and interests.
2. Difficulty in finding internships or job opportunities related to their field of study
You can search and find internships relevant to your course in MyFuture
3. Balancing academic workload and career planning activities
We offer events and programmes throughout the year, including during the Easter break so you have as much chance as possible to build your CV.
4. Lack of relevant work experience or skills
Our events and programmes are designed to help you build relevant skills and experience at Queen’s.
5. Financial constraints in pursuing career development opportunities
We offer a number of funded internship opportunities that give you the chance to earn while you learn.
6. Pressure from family or peers to pursue a certain career path
We’ll help you figure out the career that you are most suited to, not what others think you should do.
7. Feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of career options available
We’ll help you narrow down your career options to those most suited to your skills and interests.
8. Fear of making the wrong career choice
Our work shadowing and internship opportunities allow you to try and career on for size to see if it fits.
9. Limited networking opportunities with professionals in their desired field
We host a number of employer events to allow you to build your network.
10. Difficulty in creating a strong resume or cover letter
Book a 1-2-1 appointment for a CV check.
11. Lack of knowledge about industry trends and job market demands
Our Careers support is informed by the latest industry knowledge and job market trends.
12. Difficulty in obtaining informational interviews with professionals in their desired field
We can connect you with industry professionals and give you an insight into professional life in key sectors.
13. Feeling unprepared for job interviews or assessment centres
Book a 1-2-1 appointment to prep for a job interview or assessment centre.
14. Difficulty in balancing career planning with extracurricular activities or personal commitments
You are developing employability skills and personal qualities through those extracurricular activities. We offer flexibility of online or in-person consultations to help you verbalise the skills you’ve been building up.
15. Lack of motivation or direction in pursuing career goals
Early career planning is about building skills, meeting new people and having fun. Our events and programmes can help you.
16. Feeling discouraged by the job search process
We can help you focus your job search by skills and interests.
17. Difficulty in transitioning from student life to the workforce
We will help prepare you for the world of work by developing your workplace skills while at Uni through our Future Ready Skills Course. Internships can further prepare you for the transition to working life.
You can check out upcoming events here, or book 1-2-1 careers consultations here
In our series of four sessions for international students running in both semester one and again in semester two, students discovered how to build their personal brand, craft an effective CV and cover letter for the UK job market and learn all about the nuances and etiquette of the UK workplace – including how to ace that all-important interview!
The final session brought all these skills together in the Assessment Centre Bootcamp.
Missed out? Here is the top takeaway from each session!
Session 1
Key takeaways from Session 1 – UK Recruitment Process
– Get organised, know your application deadlines
– Sell your skillset as an International Student
– Do something outside your degree
– 100% of session respondents are planning to book further CES sessions!
Session 2
Key takeaways from Session 2 – CV’s
– Format matters, make your info easy to find
– If you don’t write it, employers can’t read it
– Change your CV for every job application
– Use VMock for written CV feedback
Session 3
Key takeaways from Session 3 – Interviews
– Know the company and the industry
– Use the STAR technique
– Show you would be a good fit for their team
– Book a mock interview with a Careers Consultant
Session 4
Key takeaways from Session 4 – Mock Assessment Centre
– Keep to time
– Don’t forget to listen
– Put your phone away
Missed this event? Check out other upcoming events here
