Meet Rose, a current finalist and Career Ambassador at the Careers Service, studying Politics and International Relations.
Your university years fly by faster than you think – but the best part? You have those years to cultivate the career you want. Your first year is the prime opportunity to start exploring those options. Here are the tips I wish I had, to begin building those foundations in my first year.
Explore!
It can be easy to get overwhelmed at the start of your university journey. Some have lots of exciting ideas about career prospects, other are not sure at all!
I found that a great place to start was mycareer’s guide on ‘Exploring Career Options’. This guide can help you gain more information on your interests. It is also a great option in first year, to ensure you keep all doors open. Now is the time to explore all the possibilities that come your way and make the most of them!
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.
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.
“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
Curious about networking and discovering career paths you’ve never considered? Get Hired, our spring careers fair, is happening onWednesday 19 March from 12:30 pm to 4 pm atBristol 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?
At the University of Bristol, we strive to create meaningful opportunities that prepare students for the future while fostering a positive impact. The Berkeley Square Challenge, a collaborative initiative between the School of Education, Transform Society, and the Careers Service, is a positive example of this in action.
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.
With your winter vacation coming up, have you considered how you might spend the break from University?
The Winter vacation, and the addition of Preparation Week this year between Monday 6 and Friday 10 January, present a valuable opportunity to invest in your future career before your studies restart.
Preparation Week is your chance, reflect on your skills, come to an event, or start making future career plans.
To kick things off, why not sign up for one our intro talks:
Make the most of the careers service during our opening hours which change slightly as we approach the Winter break. Live Chat and opening times for walks-ins are:
9 to 13 December: 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm (Monday to Friday)
21 December to 5 January: Closed
From 6 January: 10 am to 4.30 pm (Monday to Friday) – Back to normal!
Read on for our top tips on how to maximise your time during the break and preparation week.
Alex graduated from Bristol with a Biochemistry degree and now works at EY as an Audit Associate. We recently caught up with Alex to hear about his experience working for EY and advice about working in the finance sector.
You’ve been working hard for years, and now, during your studies at university, you’re facing one of the biggest decisions of your life, choosing a career
Whether you’re looking for insight days, internships, placements, or a full-time role, the competition is fierce. When it feels like everyone is chasing the same opportunities, standing out comes down to your values.
Your principles and purpose can set you apart, even when many other candidates have similar qualifications.
Davitt Jones Bould, the largest specialist real estate law firm in the UK, have opened their Undergraduate Placement applications. They have written for us about their placement opportunities and provided some application advice too.
The placement is truly like no other as we deliberately don’t put you through a structured programme. Instead, you will be working in line with the real-time demands of the business, giving you experience of what running a business is really like.
You will work directly with a talented team of Davitt Jones Bould people, including colleagues in the Business Services Centre, lawyers based all over the UK and Davitt Jones Bould’s leadership team. You will be given responsibility straightaway for a wide range of tasks – some will play to your strengths, and some will challenge you to learn new skills.
You will be provided with dedicated on the job mentoring and training, as well as access to Davitt Jones Bould’s wider training programmes and courses.
