Thinking about careers can easily slip to the bottom of the list when you’ve got other things on. The uncertainty of “what next” can be de-motivating and sometimes it can be simpler to just not think about it.
(more…)Tag: Career options
Get Hired careers fair sponsor: Third Bridge
Get Hired, our spring careers fair, is happening on Wednesday 19 March from 12:30 pm to 4 pm at Bristol Beacon. Third Bridge who are sponsoring this year’s fair have kindly provided a blog that is written by a Bristol alumni.
Hi I’m Amelia, when I graduated from the University of Bristol in 2020 in the midst of the pandemic, I put my travel plans on hold and started looking for a graduate job in London with no real idea of what I wanted to do. I had studied Russian at Bristol, and loved the exposure to different cultures through the department and my year abroad in Tomsk, so all I knew was I wanted to work in a multicultural environment where I could meet people from different backgrounds.
Ever wished you had a career mentor?
Bristol Mentors is now open for applications for home UK students returning for study in 2025/26.
We caught up with Elena (Politics and Sociology BSc), one of two Bristol Mentors Student Associates, about her experiences as a mentee on the programme.
Read more: Ever wished you had a career mentor?“I was delighted to gain a place on Bristol Mentors last year. As the programme got closer, I knew I didn’t have a clear vision for how I wanted my future to look, and in truth I hoped someone would tell me exactly what I was supposed to pursue. The beauty of having a mentor is that whilst they can’t make those decisions for you, they can do a great deal to help you figure it out.
As I got to know my mentor, we discussed interests and avenues I was considering, allowing her to help me consider relevant opportunities and ideas. Throughout the year, I attended networking events and applied for summer programmes. If ever I felt I was out of my depth or imposter syndrome kicked in, I knew I had my mentor to guide me and cheer me on.
After my year as a student mentee, I had the chance to join the project team and help the running of the programme as a Student Associate. This gave me an even greater appreciation of mentoring as I was able to see so many other students benefitting and the work that goes on behind the scenes.
From where I am now, I see mentorship as a journey like a trail of falling dominos; one connection, one opportunity, one piece of guidance, can set off a chain reaction that keeps you moving towards your potential. To any fellow student reading about this opportunity I would highly recommend you make the time to apply.”
Bristol Mentors provides successful student applicants with an alumni mentor working in the professional sector they are aiming to break into.
Visit the Bristol Mentors webpage to check if you are eligible for a place on the programme and to get your application started.
If you have any questions or queries, contact the team on alumni-mentoring@bristol.ac.uk
The art of networking: making the most of the Get Hired careers fair
Curious about networking and discovering career paths you’ve never considered? Get Hired, our spring careers fair, is happening on Wednesday 19 March from 12:30 pm to 4 pm at Bristol Beacon.
How to make the most of Get Hired?
Hi, I’m Dirthaa Karunanidhi, a Careers Ambassador for almost two years, and I understand the excitement and uncertainty that comes with career planning.
I’ve heard students say, “I just leave careers fairs with a tote bag full of pens.” Job hunting can feel frustrating. But what if it didn’t have to be?
So you want to get into wildlife TV?
Guest post by Liz Bell
Bristol is a great place to be if you want a career in television production. It’s renowned for the wildlife and factual programmes made by the BBC and the many independent companies based here, and with its close-knit professional community it’s an excellent alternative to the sometimes cut-throat London scene.
But if you’ve done your research, you’ll know that it’s not easy to get your foot in the door. Competition is fierce, jobs are rarely advertised and everybody wants someone with tons of experience (which you haven’t got because no one will give you a chance).
As a former TV producer, I get a lot of questions from people wanting to break into the TV industry. So here are my top tips to answer that perennial question: as a recent or soon-to-be Bristol graduate, how can you make yourself stand out from the crowd and get a job?
(more…)Graduate stories: my reflections on stumbling into the Civil Service Fast Stream
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.
Explore the Expansive Futures careers series
Are you interested in hearing from professionals who have built interesting and fulfilling careers in arts, humanities and social sciences?
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!
What is the Expansive Futures series?
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.
Think outside the scheme
Perhaps you are a final-year or postgraduate student struggling to secure an interview or progress your application for a graduate scheme. Are you feeling demoralised by rejections and overwhelmed by the demands these applications make on your time?
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.
(more…)How to navigate changing career aspirations at university
Hi, I’m Olivia. I’m a fourth-year Politics and International Relations student, I am also a Communications Intern at the Careers Service.
For the first three years of my degree I wanted to be a journalist. I spent hours researching schemes, writing for student papers and completing work experience.
But during my year abroad I had a change of heart and although it was hard to admit, I realised that was no longer what I wanted to do. The world of media and reporting didn’t excite me anymore and I decided that I wanted a career that helped people in a more tangible way.
After much deliberation, I chose to go down the path of a career in human rights, but it felt like I was starting from scratch.
Changing your career plans towards the end of your studies can be daunting and overwhelming, but I’m here to tell you why it doesn’t have to be such a scary thing and how you can make the most of this new chapter.
(more…)Alumni insights: top tips for landing your first graduate job
Event overview and panellists
Transitioning from university to securing your first graduate job is an exciting yet sometimes daunting experience. Alumni recently spoke at a panel event, sharing their career journeys, job market tips, and practical advice.
Each panellist offered unique insights, discussed common challenges, and answered participant questions. This blog summarises some key advice to help you land your first graduate job and kickstart your career.
The panel featured alumni from various sectors:
- Emma Ansell, Campaigns Executive at The Quarto Group, English Literature
- Paige Taylor, Programme Manager at GAIN (Girls Are Investors), Theatre and Performance
- Samantha Belcher-Tyson, Technology Product Manager at Morrisons, Experimental Psychology