Author: Careers Service

The best questions to ask at the Employer Showcase 

Posted on by Careers Service

Our Employer Showcase is back on Wednesday 1 and Thursday 2 October 2025.

It’s taking place at Bristol Beacon (not Beacon House!), where employers of all sizes and sectors are here for you to talk to throughout the day.

It’s a chance for you to gather insight on potential future employers and ask companies directly what they are looking for in their applicants.

Download the careers fair plus app to stay up to date with details about the event.

Below we’ve complied some of the best questions that everyone can use on the big day. We’ve also got some specific advice for different types of students to make the most of the fair in a way that’s unique to you and whatever stage you’re at of your career journey. 

These are just to get you started; the Careers Service will have its own designated zone on the ground floor of Bristol Beacon where you can speak to a friendly careers advisor who can give you a pep-talk before you head upstairs.  

Questions that everyone can use  

No matter what stage you’re at now, here are a few questions to take with you to the Employer Showcase: 

  • What sort of experience do you value? 
  • What is something you like to see on CVs so I can target my application? 
  • What do you think helped you get your job? 
  • What is the best/ worst part of your job? 
  • Can you tell me some day-to-day activities that your graduate role involves? 
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A step by step guide to sourcing your own SME Internship

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So you’re looking to gain invaluable experience by completing a SME Internship, great news! But what happens if none of the opportunities listed on the SME opportunities page on mycareer appeal to you. 

A photo of two people talking at a desk.

While there is a range of different organisations that are constantly being updated for you to look through, there’s always the option of sourcing your own.

If you can’t find anything that matches the career you are aspiring to, or you have a dream organisation in mind, read this step by step guide on finding your own SME Internship.

While it can be daunting sending speculative applications, the Careers Service are here to help you get that internship offer you are hoping for!

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Meet your future employer: Discover employer events that open doors to your future, organised by your Careers Service

Posted on by Careers Service

Who are we?

We are the Careers Service, and our mission is simple:

We collaborate with employers across the South West and UK to create inclusive and exciting opportunities for Bristol students and graduates. From local start-ups, Small-and-Medium Enterprises (SMEs), to global companies, our partnerships give you access to internships, graduate jobs, and contacts that can shape your future.

What we do for you

Everything we do has one goal; to help you secure the role you want after graduation. Whether it is through working with academics to embed employability and skills development opportunities within your taught curriculum, to hosting one-to-one sessions with employers, our focus is your future.

We:

  • Run careers events – job fairs, networking sessions, panel discussions, and employer drop-ins.
  • Create opportunities – internships, including funded opportunities through our SME Internship scheme, City Challenges, live briefs, and consultancy projects.
  • Build your skills – employer-led application workshops, mock assessment centres, and training.
  • Raise your awareness – introducing you to industries and roles you might never have considered.

Every connection you make could lead to your next role.

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Bristol Skills Accelerator in action: my experience at Streams Learning Hub 

Posted on by Careers Service

Through the Bristol Skills Accelerator, students first complete an online training programme designed to build the skills and knowledge needed for the workplace. They then have the opportunity to put this learning into practice by working on project placements with real SMEs. 

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Amplify ME launch event – experience a world of finance

Posted on by Careers Service
London skyline with AmplifyME logo

Are you curious about what it’s really like to work in global markets or investment banking?

Bristol Trading Society, the Business School and the Careers Service are partnering with AmplifyME to bring you hands-on experience starting here on campus, and open to all students.

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Get a UK job: A timeline for international students

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Getting to know a new labour market and how to navigate it can be difficult. That’s why we’ve put together this handy timeline for international students looking to find a job in the UK.

Start early

If you are an international student studying a one-year degree in the UK, finding a job and finishing your degree at the same time can be an extremely demanding task. While the Graduate Route post-study visa allows for a two-year stay in the UK (three years for those who have completed a PhD) to work or look for employment opportunities, many of you may wish to extend your stay in the UK beyond this period, but may not know how to do so.

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Student story: making the most of my first year

Posted on by Careers Service
Picture of Haseeb on campus

I’m Haseeb, I’m just about to start my third year as a law student at the University of Bristol. I also work part-time at the Careers Service as a Careers Ambassador. Below, I have highlighted some of the ways I made the most of my first year of university. 

Get involved and develop skills

In your first-year of university, I would recommend embracing all the opportunities that are open to you, as any skills that you develop will help with your career. For example, I had a part-time supermarket assistant role. When applying to first-year schemes, this allowed me to evidence my communication skills and my ability to work well under pressure. In addition, any society involvement will not only enhance your university experience, but look great on your CV. Being part of a sports team shows that you are a team player, and all of these experiences highlight your ability to balance extra-curriculars with your university studies, evidencing the key time-management skill employers look for.  

Explore your options

I’d recommend not limiting yourself to career options that you would assume your degree lends itself to. This is the time to explore! For example, I am a law student but I have explored the technology and insurance sectors. Taking part in a range of open-days or career-oriented society events will help you with narrowing down your options when applying to internships or graduate schemes as you will have a better idea of what it is you would or wouldn’t like to do. It will also help evidence why you are interested in a specific career, as you can mention what you enjoyed in your prior experiences, and how that has led you toward your current application. For example, I spoke about my experience working in sales and how that led me toward applying for legal internships. 

Talk to people

Students networking at careers fair

This is the time to start networking, especially with graduates who were recently in your position as a student! They understand your situation and are usually very willing to help, so there is no need to stress about reaching out. This will help with exploring your career options by speaking to those who are currently working in the sector you are considering and completing the type of work you would do if you were on the scheme.

They may also be able to help with any future applications you submit, especially if it is to the same company, as they would have had to go through a similar application process. 

Further support