Helping you get to where you want to be when you graduate
My name is Tom, and I work as a strategy officer in the government’s Ministry of Justice, as part of the Civil Service Fast stream. Here I am, outside the Victoria rooms in August 2023, graduating with a degree in chemistry.
This day was marked with smiles in the pictures, but a heavy heart. I was sad to be leaving behind my university years and making the step into the world of work.
Do you want to know how the arts, humanities, and social sciences develop crucial skills that allow you to thrive in the modern world?
If so, the Expansive Futures series is just what you need!
The series takes place between 11 February and 18 March and consists of 14 events to help you explore the career options available to you with a degree in arts, humanities and social sciences.
These events will give you an opportunity to hear from expert professionals on career opportunities and pathways in particular fields of work. No matter what year you are in or how much you thought about your next steps, the Expansive Futures series will have something for you.
These will allow you to network with professionals working in industries linked to your degrees.
However, some words will always strike fear into hearts – and ‘networking’ is one of them. Speaking to professional people you’ve never met before can be intimidating – particularly with lots of other students and staff around.
So, what is networking, why do we do it, and how can you make the most of it?
(more…)Often referred to as a “taught masters”, these degrees usually take one year full-time (or two years part-time). You will typically attend lectures and seminars for about nine months, leaving another three to research and write up your thesis.
Some choose to do a Master’s because it is advantageous or required for their chosen career, whilst others want to challenge themselves or enhance their knowledge of a subject.
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Harvey, one of Floom’s directors, tells us his story of graduating from the University of Bristol and how his degree inspired him to create Floom as a vehicle for businesses to share their sustainability stories authentically and impactfully.
Our team offers a unique blend of experience, combining my in-depth sustainability knowledge from completing an MSc in Environmental Policy at Bristol University in 2022, with fellow Director, Fin’s expertise in video production and documentary making.
We specialise in creating narratives for brands that have their values rooted in environmental and ethical consciousness.
In September 2024, Floom became B Corp Certified, a significant milestone reflecting our dedication to meeting high social and environmental performance standards.
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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We know that graduate scheme roles are highly competitive, and there is an expectation for students to meet application deadlines while also managing academic demands, this can all lead to a great deal of stress and disappointment.
Reliable information also shows that most graduates do not secure a Graduate Scheme offer. Instead, they often find immediate hire positions both in small and large organisations.
Before we explore the range of graduate roles, let’s debunk some myths about Graduate Schemes. These roles are only a minority of graduate vacancies, not everyone is offered one, and they do not suit everyone.
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In December 2023, I interned with The Education Company as a data analyst. The Education Company provide insights to the education industry – my role was to see how Python could be integrated into their analytical techniques.
Have you thought about getting a part-time job? This blog considers the benefits and things to consider.
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:
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.
In person, remote or hybrid? The nature of the job may impact whether you need to work in person, or whether working at home is an option.
Employed or freelance? Whilst many students work for an employer, some offer their skills on a freelance basis. This could mean more flexibility and choice in your work.
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.
Here are some common areas for part-time work:
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.
Visit the part-time work page for sources of part-time jobs.
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.
City Challenges are a programme of events providing students with the opportunity to engage with charities and social enterprises and support worthwhile organisations whilst developing skills to improve employability. By taking part in a City Challenge students gain experience in group working, problem solving, public speaking and presentation, innovative thinking, and community engagement.
91 Ways are a community-focused social enterprise based in Bristol, inspired by the city’s 91 spoken languages. They believe in the power of food to connect people and aim to create a more inclusive and resilient city.
With their tenth anniversary just around the corner, 91 Ways were in the midst of planning a full year program. This centred around using food to connect young people from different communities and equip them with the knowledge and skills to choose, cook and enjoy more nutritious food; but they needed help!
Working in groups, the students had a morning with the organisation to come up with solutions to the following Challenges:
The groups took it in turns to present their ideas to Hannah and Jen from 91 Ways. Here are some of the suggestions that have been taken forward in their planning for next year:
“We got to receive input from from a demographic that we will be working with in the coming years and they gave very interesting and informative presentations which have allowed us to think in a different way whilst planning our upcoming program.
Hearing directly from the age group we will be serving was invaluable, especially in such a setting…. the students gave up their time to be there and took the questions really seriously, coming up with answers we would never have thought of and allowing us a new perspective.”
Organisations can find more information about City Challenges, Bristol PLUS, and other ways to get involved on the Careers Service website.
You can find out more about City Challenges for this term and other ways we can help you stand out to employers on the Careers Service website. Make sure you are signed up to the YourCareer newsletter to hear about upcoming events.
A personal statement is your opportunity to showcase what you have to offer and convince the admissions tutor(s) that you have the motivation, relevant knowledge, and academic capability to successfully complete the course and reflect well on the institution.
Remember, when you have finished the first draft you can have it reviewed by one of our advisers via our Careers information and advice appointments. These can be booked via mycareer.
Best of luck!
Jenny Livesey, Careers Adviser
