Luckily for you, we have a hotline to powerful recruiters across a range of industries and sectors, and we are committed to helping you make key introductions.
Many employers hire graduates that they already know, and you’ll have plenty of opportunity to meet employers on campus through Careers Fairs, employer panels and industry workshops.
Find opportunities to suit you
Whether you are looking for a funded summer internship, a short-term, real-world work project, or to road test a career with work shadowing, we can help you put what you’ve learned on your course into practice, enhancing your CV and graduate prospects. We source and promote employer vacancies and work-related learning opportunities through MyFuture, Queen’s early career management platform. This intuitive system allows you to filter your job search by industry, job function and course. You can also set up job alerts which are sent directly to your student email. There is even a handy app – think of it as Tinder for jobs!
Careers Fairs on Campus
Our Careers Fairs take place on campus twice a year in October and February offering the opportunity to connect in-person with employers offering work experience, placement and graduate opportunities.
We also run the NI Graduate and Recruitment Fair in partnership with Ulster University once a year before summer graduation for final year students and recent graduates.
The Future-Ready Roadmap can help you to develop new skills, explore the right opportunities, build your support network and gain the confidence to realise your ambitions. It’s a framework designed to help you progress your employability throughout your time at Queen’s. Everything we offer is clearly linked to the Roadmap so you can see where your gaps are, chart your progress and plan your future.
DISCOVER
Understand what employability is and combine this understanding with self-awareness to identify your strengths and areas for development.
EXPLORE
Our events and programmes are designed to help you try new things, meet new people and build relevant skills and experience, both at home and overseas.
PREPARE
This phase is all about helping you recognise your potential and understanding how to promote yourself and your skills. Whether applying for part-time work, an internship or a graduate job, we support you through every stage of the recruitment process.
REALISE
Once you know a bit more about your goals, we help you plan how to achieve them. From connecting you with key employers to offering access to graduate and placement opportunities in your target sector, we’ll develop you into a future-ready graduate.
Did you know: Queen’s has the highest percentage (92%) of graduates in employment and further study among Russell Group Universities including Oxford and Cambridge.
As a Queen’s student, we are the secret weapon you need to reach your full potential. Why? Many students leave university assuming their degree certificate is enough to get them where they want to be. But employers want more than the right degree: they are looking for all-rounders with transferable skills like teamwork, communication and critical thinking. These skills can’t be learned in a textbook. This is where we come in.
Firstly, we know employers and the skills they are looking for. What’s more, we can help you develop the most in-demand skills that will unlock exciting opportunities for you. Whether it’s learning from leaders in Boston, completing an employer challenge in Belfast or networking with the tech community in Berlin, we can give you access to powerful experiences that will stay with you. Crucially, we will work with you to sell those skills effectively on your CV or in a future interview – turbo boosting your employability.
No idea where your future lies? We’ll teach you to lean into the power of uncertainty and of staying flexible. We’ll help you use your time at university. to road test a range of career opportunities and help you figure out which direction is right for you. If you challenge yourself to keep an open mind and look at fresh perspectives, we’ll help you improve, grow in confidence and be the best that you can be whatever success looks like for you.
The Future-ready Award is an employability award that allows you to gain formal recognition and a certificate for the extracurricular experience you gain during your time at Queen’s.
You can gain this award by completing an accredited activity.
Added to a CV, the award signals to a potential employer that you have worked hard to develop the skills you need to succeed in the workplace, and enables you to better articulate your skills and experience. In addition, the award gives you the opportunity to receive a certificate at graduation, on top of your degree, with the achievement verified on your QSIS Student Record.
Get Involved, Get Rewarded
We have over 100 accredited activities available.
These include extracurricular work experiences, community and voluntary work, Global Opportunities to work or study abroad, as well as early professional development activities.
Layer Your Skills
From trips to China and the USA to employer-led challenges, there are so many fun and rewarding activities for you to get involved in on campus.
Tailor Your Award
You can complete an activity (or more than one activity), at any time, fitting them in alongside your studies and tracking your Higher Education Achievement Record (HEAR) progress via QSIS.
Added Value
Taking part in the award is free of charge, (although some activities might have costs involved), and allows you to add valuable skills and experience to your CV all while having fun, making new friends or travelling abroad.
We’re located right at the heart of campus in One Elmwood Student Centre. We host a lot of our development workshops, information sessions and leadership programmes in The Cube, on the 1st floor (just take a right at the top of the first flight of stairs). Meanwhile our bigger events, such as our Spring and Autumn Recruitment Fairs, are held in the Mandela, Whitla and South Dining Halls. We also host pop-up events in the Foyer of One Elmwood throughout the academic year. Stop by our stand and meet our guest employers, or chat to our team about what’s coming up this semester.
On the University website
We have lots of self-help resources on our website. From personality tests to our free work values tests, get online and find out what truly motivates you. You can research careers options by School or sector, get interview and CV tips and get inspired by alumni career advice. You can also browse and book our broad range of events and programmes.
On the MyFuture app
Every Queen’s student has free access to MyFuture, our early career management platform which has its own app. There are loads of free tools in there.
Use it to:
Search and apply for jobs • Discover employers
Access 1-2-1 careers guidance
Book events
Check your CV
Online
You can opt to have an online careers consultation. Just select the online option when you are booking your appointment via MyFuture and you’ll be sent joining details for your online appointment. Alternatively, you can book a 15-minute online appointment with one of the Global Opportunities Team to hear more about study and work abroad opportunities. The drops ins take place every Tuesday and Thursday, 12-1pm.
In person
You can book a 1-2-1 appointment to speak to one of our team in confidence. Our consultations take place in the guidance rooms at the rear of the 1st floor of One Elmwood, opposite the Student Information Point. Book your appointment via MyFuture, then check in for your appointment via the Student Information Point.
In your School
We deliver workshops in your School to help you discover career options relevant to your degree. We also bring employers into your School for bespoke talks and events. Our annual Stock Market Challenge and the Accountancy Business Games are just some of the exciting games and challenges we run in Schools across campus. You’ll also find us on Canvas, the University’s virtual learning platform. Our free Future- Ready Skills Course will help you develop the personal and professional skills that major employers are looking for.
On location
Fancy a tour of top law firms in Belfast? How about a visit to leading public sector and not-for-profit organisations? We organise workplace visits to employers’ offices in Belfast and beyond. We also host challenges off-campus, such as the annual Real-World Challenge: Inside the Prison System, held at Hydebank Wood Young Offenders Centre and Prison.
Every year over 900 Queen’s students take the opportunity to go outside Northern Ireland to study or gain work-related experience. Why not be one of them? There are loads of options and we can help you research them – from studying in Europe or Canada to interning on Capitol Hill.
Take advantage of a period of study at an overseas university or an international work placement as part of your degree. Some degrees (especially those with a language element) include a compulsory year abroad. These are generally four-year courses, during which you’ll spend a year either studying at a partner university or on work placement with an employer. Many other degrees offer the option of participating in a study exchange scheme for one or two semesters, usually in your second year. The ‘semester abroad’ option allows you to graduate within the usual three years. There are also lots of summer options available, when a longer period abroad is not possible.
Go Global Fair
Our annual Go Global Week gives you the chance to chat to organisations that can offer you an experience of a lifetime to study, work or volunteer abroad and to hear from other students who have already taken part.
Funding Options
If a semester or year studying abroad is a recognised part of a degree programme, whether compulsory or optional, you should still be entitled to a student loan whilst overseas. Government or University travel bursaries are also available for a range of international programmes, to help with the additional costs of your overseas travel.
Confidence Boost
Whilst overseas, you’ll load up on confidence and independence. What’s more, you’ll be eligible to apply for your period overseas to be considered towards the Queen’s Future-Ready Award (DegreePlus). The Award provides official recognition of your improved employability skills, global and cultural awareness and increased self- confidence and motivation.
Do you want to be an integral part of maintaining national security now and in the future, whilst developing your skills and career within the Nuclear industry? Would you like the opportunity to have an exciting and varied career working with the most cutting edge technology? Then this Defence STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) Undergraduate Sponsorship (DSUS) Scheme could be the opportunity you are looking for! This is a genuinely exciting time to join the Ministry of Defence (MOD) if you want to be at the heart of real Defence issues. You will get to work on a high profile and distinctive portfolio which is rarely out of the news and have a unique insight into the captivating world of nuclear. You will require an eagerness to learn, an inquisitive mind with a logical approach to problem solving, self-motivation, and the ability to learn from practical and theoretical studies. The scheme requires dedication from you to complete the remainder of your STEM degree and commit to work in the DNE for a minimum of 3 years after you graduate. If this sounds like you, then we want to hear from you!
During your studies:
If you are accepted onto this sponsorship scheme, whilst you study for your degree, we will:
Pay your tuition fees (up to £9,250 each year for the remainder of your studies, to a maximum of 3 years).
Pay you a bursary of £5,000 each year for the remainder of your studies.
Organise paid work placements for you in a variety of locations across the UK – these placements are crafted to give you experience of the DNE that will be of value to your future career and to your development
Upon graduation:
On successful completion of your degree, we will appoint you to a permanent job within the DNE. Your contracted hours will be 37 hours per week. You will initially start as an Executive Officer (EO) (current minimum £27,080). At the 2-year point there may be an opportunity for you to re-grade (promote) to Higher Executive Officer (HEO) (current minimum £33,830). Roles are available in a variety of locations across the UK. We will continue to support you with professional development in order to maintain your skills and professional accreditations.
Who is eligible?
You must be studying for a degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) approved by the Engineering Council (engc.org.uk) OR be studying a degree from the list in the relevant advert. You can apply for this scheme at any stage of your studies from first to final year. You must be able to undertake paid work placements for up to 45 days during the summer. You must commit to work within the DNE on graduation and for a minimum of three years. Please note that this is an undergraduate scheme – so if you have already graduated, you will not be eligible.
Where are the opportunities?
The Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) is made up of several government and industry organisations that sustain the UK’s nuclear deterrent. This includes the organisations, programmes, and people within government and industry that help deliver the UK’s nuclear capability. There are opportunities in Portsmouth, Bristol and Reading, each advertised under a separate reference number.
How to apply
Civil Service Jobs: civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk
Queen’s Master’s student Mohit Khandare visited Graham Construction as part of our Work Shadowing programme – an experience which eventually helped land him a graduate role as an Assistant Planner with the company. Here, he shares his story.
Every year the Careers, Employability and Skills team at Queen’s run a Work Shadowing Week 2023. The programme is an opportunity for students to get a taste of what it’s like to work in their target industry. Students spend a day shadowing professionals which helps bring a job to life and helping students to decide if a particular career is right for them. Observing professionals in the work place not only provides an early career insight, it also serves as a valuable networking platform – as Master’s student Mohit Khandare discovered when he visited Graham Construction during Work Shadowing Week.
‘I was impressed with the team’s commitment to quality
“I had the pleasure of visiting the GRAHAM Interior Fit-Out division working on the Belfast City Quays 3 site doing interior fit-out for Microsoft, B-Secur, and Aflac Northern Ireland and was thoroughly impressed with their project management and attention to detail.
“I was fascinated by the 360° view from the 12th floor, where one could see GRAHAM’s projects, which are either completed and running or in the completion phase. From partnering with global technology giants to household names in fashion, GRAHAM listens to its clients to deliver cost-effective outcomes, no matter how challenging the project may be. “I was particularly impressed with the team’s ability to creatively implement solutions that reduce cost, drive efficiency, and ensure timely delivery. Their commitment to quality and attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the interior fit-out projects I observed.
“Additionally, GRAHAM Group’s focus on structured growth and developing its interior fit-out scope indicates that they are constantly looking for ways to improve their operations and overcome any obstacles they may encounter. The visit also highlighted the importance of coordination and communication among the different trades to ensure a successful outcome.”
‘The team were happy to share their experiences and insights with me’
Having been impressed with the company, Mohit used the opportunity to make vital connections with the professionals he was shadowing. “During my visit, I had the opportunity to speak with members of the GRAHAM’s interior fit-out team and who took time out of their busy schedule to share valuable insights about the company, and on the division’s operations. They were knowledgeable and passionate about their work, and they were happy to share their experiences and insights with me. They also highlighted the importance of innovative design, value-added construction, and on-time completion, which
are all hallmarks of GRAHAM’s approach to project management. I learned a lot about the interior fit-out industry and the challenges and opportunities that come with it.
“My visit to the GRAHAM was a truly enlightening experience and an excellent opportunity to learn about the complexities of construction projects and the skills required to manage them successfully.”
“Thanks to Careers, Employability and Skills at Queen’s for giving me the opportunity to learn and gain this wonderful experience under the shadow of elite construction industry professionals.”
Taking the next step
Armed with an insight into the company, it’s values and operations, Mohit was in an advantageous position when it came to applying for a job as Assistant Planner with the company.
“I am excited to begin my journey as an Assistant Planner at GRAHAM Group’s Interior Fit-Out Division, a company known for its exceptional attention to detail and high-quality solutions in the UK and Ireland.
“As I embark on this new chapter, I can’t help but reflect on the challenges I faced during my time at Queen’s.
“It was a pivotal part of my educational journey, providing me with a global perspective that I will carry forward throughout my career.
“However, it was not without its difficulties. Adapting to a new environment, overcoming language barriers, and navigating cultural differences were just a few of the obstacles I encountered. Through determination and resilience, I was able to overcome these challenges and thrive during those tough times.
“As I begin my new role at GRAHAM, I am eager to apply the skills and knowledge I gained during my time at Queen’s and contribute to the company’s success.
“Thanks to the team at Careers, Employability and Skills for their never ending support and motivation throughout the journey at Queen’s.
“As I take on my new responsibilities as an Assistant Planner, I am eager to learn and grow in this role. I am confident that with the support of the team at GRAHAM we will achieve great success together.”
Claudine Sutherland an Employer Engagement Consultant from Careers, Employability and Skills who runs Work Shadowing Week says: “Work Shadowing Week brings students and employers together in a meaningful way which can be so beneficial as Mohit’s story demonstrates. Mohit had a fantastic experiential day and it’s great news that he has now landed a role as an Assistant Planner as a result.”
During Work Shadowing Week 2023, Queen’s University Belfast students had the opportunity to experience a day in the life of professionals in various industries in Northern Ireland. Here are seven top takeaways from our student participants:
Great advice
Criminology student Pamela Stewart had a great day with the British Army: “They were all very encouraging and I came away with great advice both for myself and my son who wants to join when he leaves school.”
Industry insight
2. Physics student Brian Rogers appreciated the preparation session beforehand and found it helpful in getting the most out of the experience: “I really enjoyed learning about Andor and speaking to the people there. It was a very useful experience as I move into my final year and begin to apply to graduate programmes.”
A warm welcome
3. Irma Umair, a Human Resource Management student, expressed her sincere gratitude for the wonderful opportunity provided by a visit to Finnebrogue Artisan: “The way we were welcomed and valued during your good company’s tour, gave me a clear indication that the foundation of the company was laid by great vision and values and it is the driving force behind the success of the organization. I appreciate all the efforts your good team made to make it happen successfully.”
An understanding of working life
4. Megan O’Hara, Law student, said: “I had the opportunity to hear from several of Baker McKenzie’s multi-disciplinary teams…I was able to gain an invaluable insight to the day-to-day workings of these professionals as well as their career pathways to these roles.”
Information on different roles available 5. Law student, Declan Gorman, said: “The day was packed with lots of information and insight into what working in a global law firm is like. I particularly enjoyed learning about the different roles outside the traditional ‘training contract’ route at Baker McKenzie.”
Networking opportunities 6. Sai Chintha, Construction and Project Management student said: “It provided an opportunity to gain first-hand exposure to the day-to-day responsibilities of different roles within the firm, which included getting to know their service lines and projects…This is a valuable networking opportunity as well as a chance to gain insight into potential career paths and the company culture at Deloitte.”
Company background 7. Finance student, Xiaofei SHEN commented: “I learnt about the firm’s welcoming corporate culture, its history of growth, the primary duties of each department, and how the company makes its signature sausage…I would like to thank Finnebrogue Artisan for its warm hospitality and patient explanation.”
What our employer partners had to say
Additionally, here are some comments from the employers who hosted students during the work shadow week:
A varied day
Andor Technology: “Feedback from the students was that they enjoyed the variety of the day seeing Research & Development, Engineering and Production and in particular specialists from their degree pathways.”
We hope we inspired them
2. McAdam Design Ltd: “Hopefully this will inspire them for the remainder of their course and we can see them all in a short period of time out within the workforce helping deliver for our communities.”
A well-structured and informative experience
3. Fibrus: We hosted Queen’s University Belfast students for a work shadowing day across our Marketing, Planning, and IT/Network Engineering departments. The students provided positive feedback, highlighting the well-structured day and informative experience. We’re proud to have given them a taste of life at Fibrus.
Overall, Work Shadowing Week 2023 was fantastic, and we are thrilled that so many students had such a positive experience. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the professionals who opened up their workplaces to our students and provided them with such valuable learning opportunities. We look forward to continuing working with such great employers who provide these kinds of opportunities to our students.
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
