Author: Careers Service

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

Posted on by Careers Service

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

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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

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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

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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

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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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Future Skills Series: get ready for the jobs of tomorrow

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The world of work is moving fast. Employers are looking for graduates who can adapt, think creatively, and use new technologies with confidence. That’s where the Future Skills Series comes in. It’s a brand new employer event programme designed to help you build the skills employers say will matter most for the future.

Why Future Skills?

We’ve worked with employers and looked at the Bristol Skills Profile to find out what’s really in demand. Two areas stand out:

  • Green Skills – skills that help you work sustainably, tackle global challenges, and make a positive impact.
  • Artificial Intelligence – skills that help you understand how AI is shaping the workplace and how you can use it responsibly.

By joining the series, you’ll not only boost your knowledge in these areas but also develop the confidence to talk about your skills when it comes to applications, interviews, and networking.

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Law Fair sponsor spotlight: find out more about Birketts LLP

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Two students talk in the Wills Memorial building

The University of Bristol Law Fair is just around the corner!

The Law Fair will take place on Thursday 9 October, from 12:30 pm to 4 pm and will be held at Wills Memorial Building.

This is the perfect opportunity for those of you interested in law to explore a career in the legal sector. This year, we’re pleased to welcome Birketts LLP as our fair sponsor. Representatives from the firm will be coming along to the fair to speak with students, and they’ve also kindly contributed a blog post about their company and shared top tips on applying for their vacation scheme.

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The best questions to ask at the Employer Showcase 

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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

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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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