Chambers of Commerce are membership organisations which businesses can join to access services to help them grow and play a part in their local business community.

Members come from a wide range of sectors; financial services, the legal sector, engineering, education, manufacturing, marketing, media, property, and many more.

Whilst Chambers of Commerce exist to help their business members, not students or graduates directly, here’s how you can use them to dramatically increase your job or work experience prospects:

1.Access up-to-date sector information

Chambers typically run committees or forums dedicated to different sectors and regularly publish reports or blog posts. You can find a wealth of detail about sectors you’re interested in, wherever you wish to work in the world. Example reports include Detroit’s automotive industry. Subscribe to Chamber newsletters and social media accounts to keep informed on the latest developments.

2. Develop useful relationships

Chamber networking events present an excellent way to make professional connections.  You can attend many of these as a non-member, and they are often free or low cost. Look for events aimed at students or young professionals, or which are more informal rather than those aimed exclusively at business development. If in doubt about whether you would be welcome, contact the Chamber to ask. Although independent of Bristol Chamber, Bristol Young Professionals offer another way to meet people in the city and they are happy for professionally-minded students to attend their events.

3. Find jobs and internships

Many Chambers advertise positions suitable for students and graduates, either within the Chamber itself or with their members. You can also access the “hidden job market” by approaching members speculatively, ideally having first built a relationship with people working for your target employers. See our sample cover letters and advice on making speculative applications.

TOP TIP for international students or anyone wanting to work abroad

Seek out British Chambers based abroad, or similar business organisations which exist to develop trade between the UK and another country or region. Just a few examples are British Chamber of Commerce in Beijing , the UK India Business Council the UK-ASEAN Business Council, and the British African Business Alliance. In Bristol, the West of England China Bureau offers student membership and hosts a range of fun events where you can forge invaluable professional connections.

Members of these organisations will value your knowledge of the UK, and your knowledge of (or at least interest in) the overseas country.

If all products were the same, how would we choose between them?

A unique selling point – USP – is the attribute that makes a product different from and more attractive than its competitors.

Just as big brands need to hook buyers in with their USPs, job applicants need to find ways to catch the eye of recruiters. So, when applying for jobs, this means showing employers what makes you different, ensuring you stand out from the crowd.

Job descriptions and person specifications outline the skills and qualifications required of an ideal candidate, and in some cases additional ‘desirable’ qualities. However, the jobs market is a competitive place, and many applicants will meet the essential criteria, i.e. many people will be equally qualified to do the job.

This can make the shortlisting process quite difficult – between equally competent candidates, who should get the job? Therefore, as an applicant, you need to be able to offer something extra to differentiate yourself from the others and break that tie. You are aiming to tick all the essential boxes and offer additional benefits too!

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Floom Creative is a sustainable and ethical brand marketing agency specialising in nurturing organisations with values rooted in environmental and ethical consciousness.

Can you tell us a bit about your start-up?

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.

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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: 

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.  

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. 

See this list of student jobs you probably haven’t considered for further inspiration. 

Where can I find part-time jobs? 

Visit the part-time work page for sources of part-time jobs.  

• 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. 

Next steps 

• Start your search for part-time work. 
• Learn how to write effective CVs, cover letters and applications. 
• Brush up on your interview skills with these interview guides and interview simulator. 
• Track and reflect on the skills you develop through part-time work with My Skills. 
• Get your experience recognised by completing the Bristol PLUS Award.