Hi, my name is Nicole a third year studying Marketing BSc. I am also a Careers Ambassador and a Communications Intern at the Careers Service.
As a Black student at the University of Bristol, Black History Month holds a special significance for me. It’s a time to reflect on the rich cultural heritage, achievements, and contributions of Black communities in our academic family, not only in the UK but around the world.
More than that, it’s an opportunity to have our voices heard, our experiences valued, and to celebrate the diversity that makes our university such a vibrant place.
The Careers Service’s approach to this celebration is embedded in a genuine desire to empower Black students with resources being available for students all year round, not just during the month of October.
Careers support for students from minority-ethnic backgrounds
The resources guide for students from minority-ethnic backgrounds
On mycareer, you can find information, advice and targeted opportunities for students from minority-ethnic backgrounds. Beyond the Careers Service, the guide also provides you with sectors and organisations who recognise that more proactive steps are needed to increase the diversity of their workforce and provide targeted opportunities.
One-to-one support
Through mycareer, you can book time in with a trained Careers Advisor. There are also a limited number of longer appointments for career guidance (e.g. exploring your career direction) or interview practice (for upcoming interviews) available. These can be booked via Live Chat or speaking to the team in-person at 5 Tyndall Avenue. The team prioritises students by their graduation year and will offer you support based on your needs.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion opportunities and events
You can find opportunities and events for underrepresented groups via mycareer.
If you are a student of Black African, Black Caribbean, Black British, or mixed Black heritage, 10,000 Black Interns provides paid internships for both current students and graduates. The internships span a range of UK industries including accounting and finance, civil engineering, law, marketing, and real estate.
“Enhancing social mobility is becoming more important to employers. As well as being the right thing to do, diverse workforces are more effective” – McKinsey & Company
The Flying Start newsletter
Flying Start is a Careers Service term-time newsletter that promotes equality, diversity and inclusion. It aims to support your career planning and increase your confidence. Flying Start also promotes targeted opportunities from sectors where certain groups are under-represented.
Read more about the Flying Start newsletter here, and look out for it in your inbox!
The Horizons newsletter
Horizons is a monthly newsletter for students of colour, keeping you up to date with relevant opportunities, events and information throughout the year.
They love hearing from students so if you would like to contribute to this newsletter by sharing your stories, please get in touch.
The SME Internship scheme
The funded SME Internship Scheme enables you to gain quality, paid work experience from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK, including charities, social enterprises and start-ups. It’s a unique opportunity to grow your professional network and help you stand out in the selection process.
Read student experiences in our My SME Internship blog series.
Black History Month at the University of Bristol is a time for celebration, reflection, and advocacy.
For me, it acts as a reminder that we are part of a community that strives towards diversity, inclusivity, and progress. We are part of a university which recognises that the job market can advantage some students over others and is actively working to break down barriers, create opportunities, and support Black students in all aspects of their career journey.