Transform Society’s Hackathon Challenge

“I was looking to reinforce familiar transferable skills, discover new ones and ultimately strengthen my CV”

We recently caught up with third-year Social Policy and Sociology student, Anne, to hear about her experience taking part in the SPAIS Transform Society Hackathon Challenge.

How did you find out about the Hackathon?

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Utsa Mukherjee: The Graduate Route visa has allowed me to do a meaningful job

Utsa attended the University of Bristol as an international student from India, majoring in BSc Social Policy and Sociology.

A picture of Utsa smiling with a city scape behind her

After graduating last year, Utsa used the Graduate Route to secure a job within the university and is now working as an International Scholarship Assistant.

She is one of over 80,000 international students granted a Graduate Route visa since it launched in the summer of 2021.

Utsa spoke to us about her ambitions for working in a role that allows her to make a positive impact on the people and communities around her.

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Looking to find an employer that shares your values?

According to Paul Polman’s 2023 Net Positive Employee Barometer, half of UK Gen Z employees report having previously resigned from a job because their company’s values didn’t align with their own.

Indeed, it’s widely reported that young people today want to make a difference in their job, favouring companies with sustainability plans and policies.

As a university, we understand the importance of sustainability when it comes to our students researching their career options. We also appreciate that reviewing a potential employer’s website and reports for information about their mission, purpose, and social and environmental impact is time-consuming and that each company presents their data in varying formats.

That’s why we’re delighted to be able to point you towards Windō, a great free resource for students to easily access, digest and compare the sustainability plans and progress that employers are making.

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My SME Internship: Julia – Folklore Society

My name is Julia and I am a third year postgraduate student in the Department of History. My area of research is focused into Victorian Britain and includes folklore, so when I learned of the SME Internship Scheme, I contacted the Folklore Society (est. 1878) to ask whether there might be any tasks that could be carried out that met the criteria of the scheme.

The President, Owen Davies, put me in touch with the Society’s Librarian, Dr Caroline Oates, and we quickly agreed upon a project that was valuable to the Society. 

My internship experience

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Get supported as a women founder with the Growth Support Programme

Back in March 2019, HM Treasury and Alison Rose published the ‘Rose Review’. The goal of the Rose Review was to tap the huge unrealised economic potential of women entrepreneurs by making the UK one of the best countries in the world for women to start and grow a new business. 

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Overcoming career anxiety

If you are feeling anxious about career planning or future job prospects, we’re here to help.

At the Careers Service, we understand the importance of seeking support.

We’re here to help you navigate a sometimes daunting path, and help you build confidence in your own decision-making. We know that everyone is different.

Sometimes just talking through your worries can help but we can also recommend some practical tips, and suggestions and set some next steps which can make all the difference.

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Top tips for neurodivergent job seekers

As a student or graduate with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, or another type of learning disability, navigating the job market can feel daunting.

Yet neurodiverse candidates can bring a unique set of talents. These can include creativity, enthusiasm, innovation, “hyperfocus”, and the ability to build in-depth knowledge.

So, what steps can you take to find out more and maximise your chances of success in the job market?

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Reignite your job search in the New Year

For some, the New Year may have brought renewed energy to accomplishing personal career goals in 2023. Read on to find out practical steps to support a successful graduate job search. Our tips will help you prioritise tasks to make the most of the time you have available.

via GIPHY

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5 reasons to get involved with volunteering – from a PLUS Award achiever!

Toby smiling.

Hello! I’m Toby Ferris, chair of the Volunteering and Fundraising Network.

Having used lots of volunteering hours towards my Bristol PLUS Award last year, I’m here to give you five great reasons to consider volunteering, especially during Student Volunteering Week. 

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