Tag: Applications

Advice from a PhD turned uni hiring manager: Applying for jobs after a PhD

Posted on by Careers Service

Dr Chad McDonald completed his PhD in History at the University of Bristol in 2019. He’s now a Senior Academic and Study Skills Tutor at Manchester Metropolitan University. This role has seen him shortlist hundreds of applications and interview dozens of candidates. In this blog he reflects on applying for jobs after a PhD.

Applying for jobs can be a difficult and time-consuming task. It can involve many setbacks, so it takes effort to maintain your resilience in the face of such challenges.

To help make this process easier for those of you looking for work after a PhD, here are my answers to some of the most frequent questions people have asked me about applying for jobs.

(more…)

Top tips for making the most of the University of Bristol Law Fair

Posted on by Careers Service

It was great to see so many of you at our recent Employer Showcase, and hope you enjoyed the opportunity to network with potential employers. Our next big careers event will be the University of Bristol Law Fair.

Join us at the Wills Memorial Building on Thursday 2 November from 12:30 pm until 3 pm to engage with 41 law firms seeking Bristol graduates. The event even includes employer-led talks from leading firms, so come along to find out exactly what top law firms are looking for.

Two students talk in the Wills Memorial building

This is the perfect opportunity for those of you interested in law to explore a career in the legal sector.

If you’re studying law, considering a conversion Masters, or simply wish to explore your options, make sure you don’t miss out.

Attending the fair is only the first step…

It’s essential to keep things moving after the fair and stay in touch with your contacts. Take a look at these quick tips in order to maximise your pre-fair and post-fair experience:

(more…)

AI generated applications – should you, or shouldn’t you?

Posted on by Careers Service

Recent research* shows that 17% of students are already using generative AI tools to assist with writing documents such as CVs and cover letters for applications. By the time you read this, that figure will no doubt be higher. 

It’s hard to avoid the news and frenzy around tools such as ChatGPT that can make light work of even complex tasks. Where we have our limitations in terms of knowledge and resources, AI can instantly draw on comprehensive expertise from millions of data points to help us reduce time spent on admin-intensive work. 

So, whether you feel overwhelmed with multiple applications or just find it difficult to produce the right words, it’s understandable that taking a shortcut can be appealing. 

However, assist should be the key word here.  

(more…)

Writing a PhD research proposal

Posted on by Careers Service

If you’re looking to apply for a PhD program, one of the key requirements is writing a research proposal.

This document is essential, as it outlines your plans and will serve as a roadmap for the next few years. 

You won’t be completely bound to the contents of your proposal if you are successful in your application, there are many reasons your project might change and evolve over time.

You will be expected to stick broadly to what you originally proposed though, especially if you secure external funding.

Read on to find our top tips and advice on how to write a successful research proposal for your PhD application.

(more…)

Unsuccessful applications? Here are some tips on changing strategy

Posted on by Careers Service

Job hunting is a difficult process and unsuccessful applications can be really disheartening, particularly if employers don’t give feedback as to why you were unsuccessful.

But there are all kinds of ways you can change your strategy and hopefully improve your chances of success. Here are some of our top tips to give you a leg up in your job search!

1. Planning, be strategic

When it comes to applications, having a clear plan can prove really useful.

Research the sectors you’re interested in and check out what skills are needed for the specific roles you’d like to apply or aspire to.

Our sector guides are a great place to start or, for more information on individual roles within a sector, take a look at Prospect’s list of job profiles.

An image of someone viewing a wall filled with different mind maps and plans.
(more…)

Top tips for neurodivergent job seekers

Posted on by Careers Service

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?

(more…)

Five reasons why I would recommend the Change 100 internship scheme: Helena

Posted on by Careers Service

Hi, I’m Helena, I am a third-year Psychology student and I also work at the Careers Service as your Bristol Mentors Student Associate Intern.

This summer I took part in Change 100, a programme run by disability charity Leonard Cheshire. It supports students and recent graduates with disabilities to complete an internship. Students apply to the programme and, if successful, are paired with a partner organisation to complete a three-month summer internship.

A picture of the author, Helena, smiling with a cup of coffee

I was paired with IHG Hotels & Resorts in their Corporate Responsibility team.

I was new to the world of Corporate Responsibility and learnt a lot. However, I learnt just as much from taking part in the Change 100 process itself.

My experience of applying to the scheme, and being supported by the team there, was the most accessible I am yet to see in the workplace. They demonstrated how disability inclusivity can – and should – be done:

(more…)

What is the Ideation fund and why should you apply?

Posted on by Careers Service

The Ideation fund is a 7-week experimental learning programme, (running between the 2 November- 14 December), which provides applicants with specialist training, support and funding for founders who want to explore and test out an early-stage start-up idea. This programme is sponsored by The Bristol Grid.

(more…)

Welcome to your new-look mycareer!

Posted on by Careers Service

You may have noticed that mycareer has had a bit of a glow-up! Rest assured it is still packed with all the events, opportunities and information it had before. 

We thought we’d give you some top tips for getting the most out of it:  

via GIPHY

Tailor your profile

When you first log in, you’ll be asked to set up your profile which will take you under 3 minutes (we know, we have timed ourselves doing it!)  This will ensure that you get the most relevant advice and opportunities for you. 

 

via GIPHY

The Career Discovery Feed

Find articles from us here at the Careers Service, as well as other specialists. Personalise your feed by favouriting resources as you go and build your own library.

 

via GIPHY

Get your CV ready pathway

We have lots of pathways for you to discover. This super useful pathway will help you learn to write a winning CV in 3 easy steps. Once you’ve completed it, talk to us on Live Chat and we can book you an appointment to have your new CV reviewed by a Careers Advisor. 

 

via GIPHY

Search opportunities

We have a HUGE range of jobs, work experience and opportunities for you to explore. You can use filters to target your search to find exactly what you want; whether it’s a part-time role to fit around your studies, volunteering, a summer internship, or immediate start graduate vacancies, we’ve got you covered!   

Take a look!

Watch our 3-minute video to walk you through the new features 

via GIPHY

So, what are you waiting for? Head to mycareer now, set up your profile and start exploring! 

 

 

What is the Foundership Scheme and why should you apply?

Posted on by Careers Service

Our summer enterprise programme, The Foundership Scheme is back for a second year, running from 8 June to 6 July.

Maybe you have been tempted to apply but are unsure whether it is suitable for you, or you are not sure if your start-up is ready for this next step? Here are all the things you need to know to work out if the scheme is right for you.

1. It’s funded!

You no longer need to choose between having a summer job or working on your start-up. We will fund £1000 each, for up to two co-founders, to successfully complete the scheme. You can use the money to put towards anything that will support your business idea.

(more…)