Floom Creative is a sustainable and ethical brand marketing agency specialising in nurturing organisations with values rooted in environmental and ethical consciousness.
Harvey, one of Floom’s directors, tells us his story of graduating from the University of Bristol and how his degree inspired him to create Floom as a vehicle for businesses to share their sustainability stories authentically and impactfully.
Can you tell us a bit about your start-up?
Our team offers a unique blend of experience, combining my in-depth sustainability knowledge from completing an MSc in Environmental Policy at Bristol University in 2022, with fellow Director, Fin’s expertise in video production and documentary making.
We specialise in creating narratives for brands that have their values rooted in environmental and ethical consciousness.
In September 2024, Floom became B Corp Certified, a significant milestone reflecting our dedication to meeting high social and environmental performance standards.
Our collaborative approach ensures businesses can access the best of both worlds: striking visuals and data-driven marketing that maximise a brand’s reach and impact.
Perhaps you are a final-year or postgraduate student struggling to secure an interview or progress your application for a graduate scheme. Are you feeling demoralised by rejections and overwhelmed by the demands these applications make on your time?
We know that graduate scheme roles are highly competitive, and there is an expectation for students to meet application deadlines while also managing academic demands, this can all lead to a great deal of stress and disappointment.
Reliable information also shows that most graduates do not secure a Graduate Scheme offer. Instead, they often find immediate hire positions both in small and large organisations.
Before we explore the range of graduate roles, let’s debunk some myths about Graduate Schemes. These roles are only a minority of graduate vacancies, not everyone is offered one, and they do not suit everyone.
Hi, my name is Max. I graduated in 2023 with a Physics BSc. The SME Internship Scheme gave me the opportunity to source a 4-week internship at a small/medium company I found interesting.
In December 2023, I interned with The Education Company as a data analyst. The Education Company provide insights to the education industry – my role was to see how Python could be integrated into their analytical techniques.
Have you thought about getting a part-time job? This blog considers the benefits and things to consider.
Why work part-time?
For many students, the opportunity to earn some extra cash is the main draw of part-time work. However, there are several other benefits. You can:
Student Ambassador working at a University of Bristol open day
Develop your skills and confidence
Gain experience for your CV
Meet new people
Practice job searching, writing applications and interviews
Get first-hand experience of a working environment
Potentially get a “foot in the door”, and make connections with people in a sector that you might want to work in longer term
Things to consider
How much time do you have available? Part-time work mustn’t impact your studies. To get the balance right, the University advises working no more than 15 hours per week in term-time for undergraduates, or 20 hours for postgraduate students.
Regular or flexible hours? Some jobs have set hours, whilst some are more changeable. Weigh up the benefit of a regular wage versus flexibility around other commitments.
What roles would suit me? What skills do you have that might be useful in a part-time job? What would I enjoy doing? See exploring career ideas: understanding yourself for support with these questions.
What do I want to gain or develop? From transferable skills and attributes (e.g. communication, problem solving, using initiative, resilience) to more technical skills, consider roles that may help you to develop in different areas. See top skills employers look for when you graduate. Also, see the researching sectors and employers guide for ways to identify skills relevant to any future career interests you have.
In person, remote or hybrid? The nature of the job may impact whether you need to work in person, or whether working at home is an option.
Employed or freelance? Whilst many students work for an employer, some offer their skills on a freelance basis. This could mean more flexibility and choice in your work.
Any visa restrictions? International students should check their visa’s terms before applying for part-time work. You will also need a National Insurance Number to work in the UK. See the guide for international students for further information.
What adjustments might help me? If you’re a disabled or neurodivergent student, consider whether you might need adjustments. This could be when applying for, or when you’re in a job. See advice for disabled and neurodivergent students to consider what you might need and how to ask for it.
What kinds of part-time jobs could I do?
Here are some common areas for part-time work:
Hospitality, retail and other service-based jobs are common. There are many opportunities in Bristol in these sectors.
Admin jobs can also use skills developed whilst studying. Administrative experience in a professional context could also be useful for future applications for office-based roles.
Education and childcare jobs such as babysitting, nursery worker, tutoring and teaching assistant.
Health and social care such as working in a care home or healthcare assistant roles.
Marketing and social media, such as copywriting and social media marketing. These can be a great way to apply social media skills in a professional context.
Jobs on campus are popular and can come up throughout the year. Examples include: Student Ambassador, PASS Leader, working in Sports Exercise and Health, Global Lounge Ambassador, Telephone fundraiser, Careers Ambassador, BILT Student Fellow, Senior Resident and Sustainability Champion. Many (but not all) roles advertise in Spring to start the following academic year.
You could see if there are opportunities related to a graduate career you are exploring. See our work experience and internships guide for help with finding relevant opportunities.
If they don’t have anything advertised, you can also reach out to employers. This could be with a speculative application or by visiting them at their premises.
Finally, recruitment agencies or reaching out to people in your network (if applicable) and asking if they’re aware of any roles you could apply for.
Know your rights
Make sure you know your rights for part-time work, including pay, tax, holidays and contracts and where to ask for help. See this article on your part-time worker employment rights (TargetJobs) for answers to common questions.
This month, we had 91 Ways on campus to run 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.
91 Ways are a community-focused social enterprise based in Bristol, inspired by the city’s 91 spoken languages. They believe in the power of food to connect people and aim to create a more inclusive and resilient city.
With their tenth anniversary just around the corner, 91 Ways were in the midst of planning a full year program. This centred around using food to connect young people from different communities and equip them with the knowledge and skills to choose, cook and enjoy more nutritious food; but they needed help!
Working in groups, the students had a morning with the organisation to come up with solutions to the following Challenges:
How do we get young people to engage in projects about healthier food choices/implement changes?
How do we get young people interested in learning about and cooking their own food?
The groups took it in turns to present their ideas to Hannah and Jen from 91 Ways. Here are some of the suggestions that have been taken forward in their planning for next year:
Detailing the money-saving aspect of home cooking by creating a dashboard that shows cost savings compared to buying meals at the supermarket, meal kits and takeaway.
Why gut health is important for well-being via social media short videos.
Quick multi-cultural cooking classes held in local community spaces/the University/schools.
Educational cooking tips via TikTok.
Making it fun to cook with engaging presenters and experts or if in a local community, someone that is inspiring to that audience.
Here’s what Hannah from 91 Ways had to say about how the event went.
Jen and Hannah from 91 Ways join us for the City Challenge.
“We got to receive input from from a demographic that we will be working with in the coming years and they gave very interesting and informative presentations which have allowed us to think in a different way whilst planning our upcoming program.
Hearing directly from the age group we will be serving was invaluable, especially in such a setting…. the students gave up their time to be there and took the questions really seriously, coming up with answers we would never have thought of and allowing us a new perspective.”
Information for organisations:
Organisations can find more information about City Challenges, Bristol PLUS, and other ways to get involved on the Careers Service website.
Students, get involved!
You can find out more about City Challenges for this term and other ways we can help you stand out to employers on the Careers Service website. Make sure you are signed up to the YourCareer newsletter to hear about upcoming events.
So you’ve made the decision to apply for a postgraduate course and have researched the course and the University, what’s next?
A personal statement is your opportunity to showcase what you have to offer and convince the admissions tutor(s) that you have the motivation, relevant knowledge, and academic capability to successfully complete the course and reflect well on the institution.
Remember, when you have finished the first draft you can have it reviewed by one of our advisers via our Careers information and advice appointments. These can be booked via mycareer.
Best of luck!
Jenny Livesey, Careers Adviser
Before you begin
Check whether the University admissions team has written instructions on what to include, word count, etc.
Unless they say otherwise, we recommend you write about 500 words, which is approximately 1 A4 page.
Hi, I’m Olivia. I’m a fourth-year Politics and International Relations student, I am also a Communications Intern at the Careers Service.
For the first three years of my degree I wanted to be a journalist. I spent hours researching schemes, writing for student papers and completing work experience.
But during my year abroad I had a change of heart and although it was hard to admit, I realised that was no longer what I wanted to do. The world of media and reporting didn’t excite me anymore and I decided that I wanted a career that helped people in a more tangible way.
After much deliberation, I chose to go down the path of a career in human rights, but it felt like I was starting from scratch.
Changing your career plans towards the end of your studies can be daunting and overwhelming, but I’m here to tell you why it doesn’t have to be such a scary thing and how you can make the most of this new chapter.
Transitioning from university to securing your first graduate job is an exciting yet sometimes daunting experience. Alumni recently spoke at a panel event, sharing their career journeys, job market tips, and practical advice.
Each panellist offered unique insights, discussed common challenges, and answered participant questions. This blog summarises some key advice to help you land your first graduate job and kickstart your career.
The panel featured alumni from various sectors:
Emma Ansell, Campaigns Executive at The Quarto Group, English Literature
Paige Taylor, Programme Manager at GAIN (Girls Are Investors), Theatre and Performance
Samantha Belcher-Tyson, Technology Product Manager at Morrisons, Experimental Psychology
Hi, I’m Ollie and during my second year studying Politics and International Relations BSc I completed an internship with Rebellious Co in Bristol.
Rebellious Co. operate informal “Rebel Meetup” events for entrepreneurs working all over the world who were born in Bristol. Their aim is to use entrepreneurship as a vehicle to disrupt the status quo. I met the founder Ash at the Bristol chapter, where I suggested the SME Internship idea.
My role was to research, develop, and add a syndicate investment model to the existing community system. This work aligned with my interests in start ups and venture capital and helped me hone my skills.
I also supported Rebel Meetups globally. This included finding event sponsors, editing slides, and joining town hall events with global meetup hosts.
With your winter vacation coming up, have you considered how you might spend the break from University?
The Winter vacation, and the addition of Preparation Week this year between Monday 6 and Friday 10 January, present a valuable opportunity to invest in your future career before your studies restart.
Preparation Week is your chance, reflect on your skills, come to an event, or start making future career plans.
To kick things off, why not sign up for one our intro talks:
Make the most of the careers service during our opening hours which change slightly as we approach the Winter break. Live Chat and opening times for walks-ins are:
9 to 13 December: 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm (Monday to Friday)
21 December to 5 January: Closed
From 6 January: 10 am to 4.30 pm (Monday to Friday) – Back to normal!
Read on for our top tips on how to maximise your time during the break and preparation week.
