Don’t let deadlines derail you: career planning strategies for Teaching Block 1

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At this time of year, we hear a lot about employers on campus, graduate schemes and summer internships closing imminently.

You may also feel that other students on your course seem more “on it”. This can be overwhelming.

The first thing to remember is that everyone’s career journey is different and we are here to help with yours, no matter where you are starting from.

Here’s our advice about making sense of your career in the busy Autumn graduate employer recruitment season:

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Don’t miss out: your final chance to join a BSA Intro Talk this term 

The Bristol Skills Accelerator (BSA) programme is designed to help students develop the workplace skills employers are looking for. Through four flexible online modules covering topics such as innovation, business models and leadership, you’ll build practical knowledge at your own pace, from campus or home. 

Once you’ve completed the training, you’ll have the chance to apply what you’ve learned through a project placement with a real business or charity. Working in a small interdisciplinary team, you’ll spend around 70 hours across four weeks tackling real-world challenges, gaining valuable experience, and making a meaningful impact.

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Ready to Explore Your Career? Have we got the solution for you!

Thinking about what you want to do after you graduate can be daunting. So we’ve designed a new and exciting interactive course called ‘Explore Your Career‘, to take the stress out of it.

So we enlisted the help of Charlotte O’Brien, a student Careers Ambassador, to put our new course through its paces.

Charlotte smiling at the camera
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Hear from the employer: work experience with a purpose – interning at Not Impossible

Hi, I’m Emma. If you’re reading this, you’re probably looking for work experience.

 

A photo of Emma on campus smiling in her Not Impossible uniform.

And guess what? You’re in the right place. We’re Not Impossible – a work experience matching platform helping 16 – 25 year olds from less-advantaged backgrounds find work that matters to them.

We pair young people with employees who share passions and personality for what we call a ‘microplacement’ – a personalised 1-hour to 1-day experience that builds connections, confidence and clarity about your future.

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‘This is what made the difference’: alumni share how they overcame barriers to secure a graduate job

It’s no secret that the graduate job search can be tough. Whether you’re applying to competitive graduate schemes or direct-entry roles, setbacks are common.

You aren’t alone though – most graduates face barriers when starting their careers, many of which are outside your control.  

However, what you can control is how you respond to these setbacks. With the right mindset and tactics, you can overcome these barriers and help you move closer to the role you want. 

This blog features a collection of alumni case studies highlighting ‘what made the difference’ in overcoming barriers in their career journeys. If you’re feeling stuck or unmotivated, read on for practical advice and inspiration for your own job search. 

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From member to leader: Taking your extracurriculars to the next level 

If you’re part of an SU student group or society, or considering joining one this year, have you thought about taking on a leadership role with the group, as part of the committee? 

SU committee members can use their experience in the role to achieve the university’s employability award, the Bristol PLUS Award. These roles are a great way to build skills and confidence, which all helps you stand out to employers. 

We caught up with some ex-committee members, who’ve all achieved their PLUS Award, to find out more. 

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Lessons from a student’s side hustle: Juggling haircuts and university

A side hustle is a way to make money outside of your primary job or studies. Side hustles are often freelance work but could include taking on short-term jobs or selling products or services online. Hear from recent graduate Keir, on how he ran a side hustle alongside his degree.

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How I got my SME Internship at an award-winning PR agency

A photo of Lottie smiling in front of a bridge over a river.

Hi! I’m Lottie and I am in 4th year studying French and Spanish. I was recently recruited by an award-winning PR agency in London, through the SME Internship Scheme.

I am so excited about my internship because I feel like this will be a great start to my career journey. Not only will I be further exposed to the marketing industry, but I will get my first taste for corporate life in London!

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Graduate stories: my route into the charity sector

A photo of Hannah, smiling, sitting in a restaurant.

Hi, I’m Hannah! I am a University of Bristol graduate and now work in the sector I’ve always wanted to be a part of.

I currently work for the wonderful learning disability charity Hft.

I thought I’d share a bit about how I got into the sector and how the Careers Service helped me.

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Volunteering: Where to start and why it matters

It’s the Student Volunteering Fair this week—a perfect time to explore how sharing your time can enable you to give back and also shape your future. 

As well as helping others, volunteering is a brilliant way to meet new people, boost your CV, and support great causes. It can help you discover your values and what matters to you, which is a great way to kickstart your career thinking and shape your career goals. 

It’s also a great way to build key skills for the workplace, so of course – volunteering can be used towards achieving your Bristol PLUS Award. To inspire you, we’ve asked PLUS Award achievers to share their volunteering stories. 

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