Ever wished you had a career mentor?

Posted on by Careers Service

Bristol Mentors is now open for applications for home UK students returning for study in 2025/26.

We caught up with Elena (Politics and Sociology BSc), one of two Bristol Mentors Student Associates, about her experiences as a mentee on the programme.

Read more: Ever wished you had a career mentor?

“I was delighted to gain a place on Bristol Mentors last year. As the programme got closer, I knew I didn’t have a clear vision for how I wanted my future to look, and in truth I hoped someone would tell me exactly what I was supposed to pursue. The beauty of having a mentor is that whilst they can’t make those decisions for you, they can do a great deal to help you figure it out.

As I got to know my mentor, we discussed interests and avenues I was considering, allowing her to help me consider relevant opportunities and ideas. Throughout the year, I attended networking events and applied for summer programmes. If ever I felt I was out of my depth or imposter syndrome kicked in, I knew I had my mentor to guide me and cheer me on.

Elena is pictured in animated talks with two students at a mentoring event.

After my year as a student mentee, I had the chance to join the project team and help the running of the programme as a Student Associate. This gave me an even greater appreciation of mentoring as I was able to see so many other students benefitting and the work that goes on behind the scenes.

From where I am now, I see mentorship as a journey like a trail of falling dominos; one connection, one opportunity, one piece of guidance, can set off a chain reaction that keeps you moving towards your potential. To any fellow student reading about this opportunity I would highly recommend you make the time to apply.”

Bristol Mentors provides successful student applicants with an alumni mentor working in the professional sector they are aiming to break into.

Visit the Bristol Mentors webpage to check if you are eligible for a place on the programme and to get your application started.

If you have any questions or queries, contact the team on alumni-mentoring@bristol.ac.uk

The art of networking: making the most of the Get Hired careers fair

Posted on by Careers Service

Curious about networking and discovering career paths you’ve never considered? Get Hired, our spring careers fair, is happening on Wednesday 19 March from 12:30 pm to 4 pm at Bristol Beacon.

How to make the most of Get Hired?

Hi, I’m Dirthaa Karunanidhi, a Careers Ambassador for almost two years, and I understand the excitement and uncertainty that comes with career planning.

I’ve heard students say, “I just leave careers fairs with a tote bag full of pens.” Job hunting can feel frustrating. But what if it didn’t have to be? 

(more…)

Overcoming imposter syndrome during your graduate job search

Posted on by Careers Service

Hi there, I’m Caitlin, a recent graduate and a Careers Support and Graduate Engagement Intern. As I navigate my own career journey, I’ve come to realise that self-doubt can be a common experience especially when stepping into something new. One of the most challenging aspects of this is imposter syndrome – that nagging feeling that you don’t truly deserve your success, or that you’re not as capable as others might think.

If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re certainly not alone. Research reveals an estimated 70% of people have experienced some form of imposter syndrome in their lives, including highly successful individuals. The positive news is that there are practical strategies available to help you manage these feelings and approach your job search with renewed confidence. 

(more…)

Student Money Week – mythbusting around part time work

Posted on by Careers Service

It’s National Student Money Week Monday 3 March to Friday 7 March! The perfect time to talk openly about money, budgeting, and any money worries you have. 

Looking for part-time work for the first time can be daunting. Luckily, the Careers Service is here to help!  

Check out the support and resources available to you for finding part-time work from where to look, to CV and application help and prepping for interviews!  

There are a few common misconceptions that we hear alot from students around working part-time at university.  

So, let’s do some myth busting to help you feel more confident about money and work!

“There are only part-time jobs in retail and hospitality”  

Don’t disregard part-time work just because you don’t fancy working in a cafe or bar. There are plenty of other roles that you can do alongside your studies, including ones they will help you in your future career.

Explore part time roles and filter your preferences on mycareer, for example, try searching for remote roles for more flexibility or for ones based at the university itself! 

“I can work as many hours as I want”  

The University recommends, for all students, no more than 15 working hours a week, so as to not interfere with your studies.

It’s important to strike a balance that is effective and manageable for you.   

If you are an international student hoping to work alongside your studies, you should check the specific requirements of your Visa. Often there is a maximum number of hours that you are permitted to work under the agreement. You can find out more information about working whilst studying as an international student on the Student Visa Services website and this guide on mycareer.

“I don’t need a National Insurance number”  

Everyone who works in the UK needs a National Insurance (NI) number.  

If you have had to apply for a visa you may have a National Insurance (NI) number printed on the back of your biometric residence permit (BRP). You don’t need to apply for a National Insurance number if you already have one, or one is printed on your BRP.  

If you don’t have a National Insurance number, you must apply. You can only apply for it once you’re in the UK and you must apply by phone. 

“I will get my first pay cheque immediately”  

While students often turn to part-time work when they are in need of some extra cash, it isn’t an immediate solution. The reality of part-time work is that you are often paid ‘a month in arrears’ which means you are paid for the work you have completed the previous month – so you may not see your first pay cheque for 4 to 8 weeks after starting your role.  

If you are in a financial situation that needs resolving quickly, you can get in touch with the Money Advice Team at the University.  

“It’s normal to be asked for my financial details when applying for a role”

In short, no! If a company asks for financial details during the application process it is likely a scam. No reputable organisation will ask you to pay to secure a job. Read our blog for more tips on how to spot job scams.  

No one else worries about money at university  

group of students laughing

Most students feel concerned about their finances at some point in their university career. Try speaking to your friends about what’s on your mind, they might be in a similar situation.

Alternatively, you can speak to a trusted money advisor or read more on the money worries webpage.

You’re not alone. 

The most important thing to remember is not to worry about your finances alone. The University can help and discuss what options are available to you. 

If you are worried about money or debt it’s best to speak to one of the University’s money advisors who can give you some extra support.  

Find out more on the University’s Money Advise webpage,  

There are two main hardship funds that can support you during your time at the University of Bristol; The Financial Assistance Fund provides a safety net if you find yourself in financial difficulties during your studies and the Digital Support Fund provides financial help towards the cost of IT equipment needed for your course. 

Hopefully, you are now going into National Student Money Week feeling more confident about part-time work and talking about money than ever. The University is always here to support you with whatever concerns you may have.  

For more help with part-time work, visit our part-time work webpages, speak to us on Live Chat or visit us on campus at 5 Tyndall Avenue.

How do I know if ‘sustainable’ companies are just Greenwashing?

Posted on by Careers Service

Blog post written by Emma Quekett

woman peeking over green leaf plant taken at daytime

When large companies have teams of people creating the ‘perfect’ image, they can appear eco-friendly without putting in the work. In fact, only 5% of the largest 100 public companies in the UK have credible net-zero 2050 plans. A survey by Prospects shows that three-quarters of graduates said they would be more likely to apply to a company with strong sustainable practices. With a bit of critical analysis and knowing where to look, you can quickly spot Greenwashing.

(more…)

Creating a Climate-Conscious Legal Career 

Posted on by Careers Service

Hi, I’m Joely and I’m studying Law, with study in Continental Europe.

A photo of Joely, smiling to the camera.

I’m a Sustainability Champion for the Law School. In this role I want to try and integrate sustainability into the curriculum and encourage as many students as possible to consider climate-conscious careers. 

From intense rainstorms, severe droughts, and tropical cyclones to extreme heat waves, rising sea levels and biodiversity loss, the impacts of climate change are felt, mainly by the global South, on an almost daily basis.  

What can lawyers do about it? 

“law firms play an integral role in the evolution and outcome of our world’s climate crisis. Including transactions that finance fossil fuel development and litigation that prevents climate accountability.”  

(more…)

Bristol City of Sanctuary runs a City Challenge event

Posted on by Careers Service

This month we had Bristol City of Sanctuary on campus to host a City Challenge with us.

City Challenges are a programme of events providing students with the opportunity to engage with charities and social enterprises and support worthwhile organisations, whilst developing skills to improve employability. By taking part in a City Challenge, students gain experience in group working, problem solving, public speaking and presentation, innovative thinking, and community engagement.  

Bristol City of Sanctuary

The Bristol City of Sanctuary logo. 
(more…)

Five ways EmployAbility can support disabled and neurodivergent students with their career

Posted on by Careers Service

The University of Bristol is proud to be a Next Generation Inclusive University in partnership with disability organisation EmployAbility – together we strive to put disability inclusion at the heart of what we do.

 

EmployAbility supports disabled and neurodivergent students looking for employment or internships, both during their studies and after they graduate.

They support them to get reasonable adjustments in place, to enable them to perform at their best at all stages of the recruitment process, and in the workplace.  

We’re here to tell you a little bit more about the services EmployAbility offers and how they can support you.  

One-to-one appointments to discuss your questions and needs  

If you think you could benefit from talking to one of EmployAbility’s expert advisors, you can book a one-to-one session at a time convenient to you. In these fifteen-minute meetings, you can get impartial advice about things like disclosing at different stages, reasonable adjustments and your rights.  

(more…)

From idea to reality – the resilience of starting Exekias Games

Posted on by Careers Service

Sam is the co-founder of Exekias Games, a board games company making historical games that encourage interest and curiosity in the ancient world. They started the business with course mates, from a university project that inspired their first game, ‘Escape From Pompeii’, which will be launching on Kickstarter in May 2025.

I applied for the first stage of the New Enterprise Competition, Ideation, back in late 2023 on the recommendation of a friend, not really knowing what I was in for. At the time, the idea of ‘Escape From Pompeii’ becoming a real board game that I could share with other people was unlikely, if not impossible. But over the course of the next few months, I was inspired by the confidence and ambition of the speakers and other entrepreneurs to consider it could be a reality.

(more…)

Engineering a Greener Future: Your Guide to Sustainable Careers

Posted on by Careers Service

Blog post written by Ain Zolceffli

The urgent need for climate action is clear. From the Paris Agreement to Net Zero goals, sustainability is now a global priority. Breakthroughs like electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and vertical farming highlight how engineering is driving innovation for a greener future. This blog explores how engineering is evolving to address sustainability and the skills needed for this change. 

(more…)