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.

Sector-specific job profiles on Prospects

Accountancy, backing and finance (33 related job profiles)

Business, consulting and management (24 related job profiles)

Charity and voluntary work (9 related job profiles)

Creative arts and design (40 job profiles)

You may have a career idea in mind which you would like to explore further. Our career videos give you a valuable insight into the realities of working in particular industries and roles.

Watch a relevant industry film

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.

Placement & Graduate Careers Fair (Tuesday 29 October 2019)

Science and Engineering Placement & Graduate Careers Fair (Wednesday 6 November 2019)

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.

Working freelance

If you would like more independence and variety in your career, then taking on freelance or contract work may appeal to you. In order to be successful you will need to develop your business acumen in order to build a client base and manage your finances.

There is a wealth of information on the different types of freelancing options and factors to consider in order for you to decide if self-employment is right for you.

Research self-employment options on Prospects

Starting up your own business

If you have the ambition and drive to bring your ideas to life, going self-employed could be the key to your success.

Take part in Autumn or Spring FLUX

This is our exciting and fast-paced competition for any student with an interest in the business sector. Along with gaining commercial awareness, you will develop idea generation skills and explore the concept of pitching a business idea to a panel of experts.