Graduates

Careers and employability support for graduates
Graduates

As a graduate, you might be concerned about how the coronavirus pandemic could affect your job-hunting and/or you are thinking about your next steps. The great news is that Plymouth graduates - you - are highly sought after.

Our support does not end when you leave the University. We are here to help you gain the competitive edge by continuing to provide information, advice, individual guidance, skills development and events. You will also still have complete access to our extensive digital 24/7 resources and our graduate jobs board. If you are no longer in the local area, we can offer support by telephone, Zoom or email. Don't forget to look out for our webinars too!

If you’ve not been on myCareer before click the link and request an alumni account.

Log in to myCareer

myCareer will give you access to:

  • Advice and support from the Careers Service after you graduate either face to face, over the phone or via Zoom
  • The latest graduate job vacancies
  • Events such as Career Fairs and Networking Evenings to help expand your professional network and explore your career options
  • Online resources to support your job search and career development.

 

Are you unsure what to do next? 4 top tips to help you in your career decision-making.

1. Use the Prospects Career Planner that matches your skills, motivations and desires. This is linked to the Prospects job profiles which will give you a window into hundreds of different graduate occupations and it’s completely free!

2. Explore your career options using our new Where could your degree subject take you pages. This resource takes an in-depth look at all of Plymouth's degree subjects and gives you information on the knowledge and skills acquired during your degree, career options based on where University of Plymouth graduates have gone before and lists graduate employers. Alternatively, you can also use the “What can I do with my degree” section on the Prospects website.

3. Book a one to one careers guidance interview with one of our qualified career advisers. To contact the Careers team you can complete the online form via MyCareer or email us at careers@plymouth.ac.uk

4. Attend one of our online skills webinars range from Job search strategies, LinkedIn Masterclass and interview techniques.  Discover more on our events and skill development page.

 

5 amazing online tools to help you secure your dream job

CV Builder

3 stages; plan it, write it, and check it. This tool will help you with style structure and format; all you need to do is work through the sections following the advice provided.

CV Builder 

CV360

Score your CV with over 50 checks to boost your chances of getting to interview. Checks include presentation, structure, content, skills and language. In each section there is further advice so you can improve it and re-submit it.

CV360 

Interview 360

This tool gets you ready for your interview and allows you to experience a huge range of interview questions in a lucky dip style, auto-generated mock interviews or pre-built interviews curated on the actual job you are applying for. Once you have taken a mock interview you will be presented with a personal report based on feedback by artificial intelligence analysis of you video responses.  These are based on your responses , body language , how you communicate, positioning on screen , the quality of your video and even how much you smiled, giving you a sense of how you are coming across to the interviewer. The system also points you to a library of very handy hints and tips.

Interview 360 

Assessment Centre Aptitude Tests

Employers use psychometric, personality or aptitude testing to assess the suitability of candidates during the hiring process - they are often used in assessment centres. Unlike psychometric or personality tests, aptitude tests do have a right or wrong answer, so practising them can make a big difference to your chances of being hired. This is where you can practice a wide variety of commonly used assessments to improve your chances of performing well in the real thing.

Assessment Centre Aptitude Tests 

Industry Reports

Providing valuable information, including analysis, trends, top companies and key facts , to help you evaluate career options within a specific industry and help you prepare for the interview process. 15 occupational areas are covered from Accountancy, through Healthcare and Charities, to Travel and Tourism.

Industry Reports 

 

Graduate skill shortage areas

Since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, the graduate labour market has witnessed significant change, but rest assured that many graduate recruiters are still recruiting.

Many key graduate employment sectors such as health, social care, IT, professional services have been much less affected than other areas of the economy. In addition, the following professionals are highly sought-after in the UK.

  • Nurses and medical practitioners
  • Human resources and industrial relations officers
  • Social workers and housing associate professionals
  • Programmers and software development professionals

Some of these professions and the broader sectors within which they are situated are in fact open to graduates with a variety of degree subject areas who would consider either a one or two year postgraduate qualification.

For more information relating to this have a look at our “Where could your degree subject take you?” pages. Alternatively, have a look at the Prospects job profiles.

Although, the labour market is challenging in some sectors, there are opportunities and we are here to help you to secure them. We have a range on online resources you can access and you are welcome to make an appointment to speak to one of the careers consultants via MyCareer.

Considering further study

Undertaking postgraduate study could give you the competitive edge in a turbulent job market, along with providing you with the opportunity to specialise in your chosen field.

Discover different types of postgraduate study and factors to consider in order for you to decide if postgraduate study is right for you. Also as a finalist from the University of Plymouth, you may be entitled to our alumni 20% discount.

Find out more about further study


Next Step support website 

NextStep Support is an open collaboration between a number of organisations that provide support and services to students. 

Visit the NextStep Support website for a wealth of material on graduate recruitment, news and employer updates in the current COVID-19 crisis.


Are you thinking about becoming self-employed or working freelance?

The Cube services are open to graduates and offer advice, funding and support at every stage of your entrepreneurial journey. 

They also offer a range of activities designed to further develop both your creative skills and business acumen.


University of Plymouth Alumni

Graduating from Plymouth means you are now part of a thriving alumni community with a range of fantastic benefits including reunions, networking, a digital magazine and access to a whole range of university services.

For more information go to our Alumni pages and join the community.


Visas for working after study

Find out about the options for switching within the UK from a Student Visa (formerly Tier 4) to a work visa. 

There are some upcoming changes and key dates for students who want to work in the UK after their studies. We will incorporate the changes into the information on this page as the full details become available.

Plymouth Connect

Plymouth Connect is an exciting way to stay connected to your fellow Plymouth graduates around the world and support current students:

  • share your career expertise and knowledge through becoming a Career Champion
  • reconnect with your old university friends 
  • search for graduates around the world
  • update your details simply and easily

Our exclusive alumni platform is a great way to give back to the Plymouth community.

Register now at Plymouth Connect.

Graduate Outcomes

The Graduate Outcomes survey is the biggest annual social survey in the UK. The survey is important because your opinions will help current and future students gain an insight into career destinations and development and the University to shape our programmes for students who are following in your footsteps. The survey contacts graduates:

  • 15 months after graduation,
  • by email or phone,
  • to learn about your activities and views.

Please keep your details up to date and respond if HESA contacts you to complete the survey.