Information for students who have some career ideas

Advice and resources for current students who have some ideas about their career direction and still require support
Information for students who have some career ideas

Specific career options

Once you have learnt about yourself you can then start to explore the roles and occupation, which you may enjoy, and are suited to your strengths, skills and personality. You may have a couple career ideas in mind from when you were younger, or from being inspired by a guest lecturer, however before you can begin to focus and make decisions it is a good idea to spend some time investigating them further.

You may be in the position where you have an idea but are unsure how much you may get paid or whether you would need to undertake further study or gain a professional qualification.

There is a wealth of information on the prospects.ac.uk website, which is an excellent starting point to start your research. Once you have knowledge of opportunities you can then begin to focus and start to make a plan.

Where could your degree subject take you?

Relevant programmes and events

Our Careers Service offers a range of employability-related activities to help you to explore your future career ideas and options.


Placement and recruitment fairs

Helping you to meet employers and get the low-down on companies and the roles/skills they are looking for now and in the future.
Each year we hold:

  • Placement & Graduate Careers Fair | perfect for you to meet employers | Rolle Marquee, University of Plymouth Campus | 11:00–15:00
  • Science and Engineering Placement & Graduate Careers Fair | perfect for you to meet employers recruiting from courses linked to STEM | Rolle Marquee, University of Plymouth Campus | 11:00–15:00

Come along to one of our employer in the foyer drop-in sessions. These sessions take in the Careers Hub and are a great opportunity for you to speak to employers and get a feel for what it is like to work in different occupations and organisations.

Consider undertaking a placement or sandwich year

Simply put, it’s a year spent working after you have finished your second year of study. Once completed, you will return for the final year of your course. A placement year is a great opportunity to gain real-world experience and to help you discover whether an industry sector or job role is right for you. Our Placement and Employer Liaison team is here to give you support and help you every step of the way.

Find out whether your programme of study has the option to undertake a placement

The Careers Service offers a daily drop-in, which is ideal for quick queries and there is no need to book. Opening times and where we are

If you would like some information and advice regarding your future career you can come and see one of our Employability Advisors for a 20-minute advice appointment.

The Careers Service offers guidance appointments for queries that are more complex, or if you feel stuck in your career planning and are unsure how to progress. These are bookable by referral only.

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

Consider self-employment, working as a freelancer and/or running your own business 

Being self-employed can give you more flexibility and allow you the opportunity to think creatively, use your initiative and shape your own future. Find out more including the specific support and funding available at the University depending on your stage of thinking.

Find out more about self-employment.

Student competitions and awards

Enhance your CV, raise your profile with employers and gain valuable skills while having fun. Competitions, prizes and awards are a great way to gain experience for your CV and even if you don't win it’s not time wasted, you’ve spent time learning and developing your ideas. The more you participate the better you get.

Browse our listings of national and international competitions open to students.

"Throughout my degree I've built up a vague idea of some career pathways I’m interested in pursuing. The Careers Service has supported me in exploring these based on my personality and skills. Advice and Guidance meetings have helped me to learn about myself and how to progress onto the next steps of my career. I was encouraged to undertake a placement year, which allowed me to identify my passion for conservation biology and marine outreach. If, like me, you have some idea of what career you’d be interested in, I’d recommend checking out MyCareer to participate in placement and recruitment fairs run by the service and consider getting involved in student competitions and awards to gain valuable skills."

                     – Lorraine, BSc (Hons) Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology