Hi, I’m Caitlin – a recent graduate and Careers Support and Graduate Engagement Intern here at the Careers Service.
I’m also neurodivergent and, to be honest, the idea of ‘networking’ has always felt a bit confusing to me.
What actually is it? Who is your network? Is it something you do, or something you build? For many of us – especially neurodivergent students and graduates – the word can come with a lot of pressure.
It might bring to mind images of busy careers fairs, fast-paced conversations, or having to ‘perform’ confidence on demand. That version of networking doesn’t suit everyone, and it doesn’t have to.
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
The University of Bristol is proud to be a Next Generation Inclusive University in partnership with disability organisation EmployAbility – together we strive to put disability inclusion at the heart of what we do.
EmployAbilitysupports disabled and neurodivergent students looking for employment or internships, both during their studies and after they graduate.
They support them to get reasonable adjustments in place, to enable them to perform at their best at all stages of the recruitment process, and in the workplace.
We’re here to tell you a little bit more about the services EmployAbility offers and how they can support you.
One-to-one appointments to discuss your questions and needs
If you think you could benefit from talking to one of EmployAbility’s expert advisors, you can book a one-to-one session at a time convenient to you. In these fifteen-minute meetings, you can get impartial advice about things like disclosing at different stages, reasonable adjustments and your rights.
Each year, the Bristol SU elections are a chance for you to choose a student leader who represents you and the change you want to see on campus.
You can vote to elect the people you trust to represent your community and make a positive impact. Over 900 student leaders are elected, playing vital roles in amplifying student voices.
You can vote from Monday 10 to Thursday 13 March. Make sure you vote and make your time at Bristol the best it can be.
However, you can go one step further…
Are you the person to make a difference?
Are you passionate about improving the wellbeing services or making changes to the food options on campus? If so, do more than just vote, and run for an SU-elected role today. The SU elections are the perfect way for you to make a positive change for you and your fellow students.
Hi, my name is Nicole a third year studying Marketing BSc. I am also a Careers Ambassador and a Communications Intern at the Careers Service.
As a Black student at the University of Bristol, Black History Month holds a special significance for me. It’s a time to reflect on the rich cultural heritage, achievements, and contributions of Black communities in our academic family, not only in the UK but around the world.
More than that, it’s an opportunity to have our voices heard, our experiences valued, and to celebrate the diversity that makes our university such a vibrant place.
The Careers Service’s approach to this celebration is embedded in a genuine desire to empower Black students with resources being available for students all year round, not just during the month of October.
Researching potential future employers is important to ensure their values align with yours, but where do you start?
We recently chatted with Ken Janssens, Co-Founder & Head of Social Impact at Windō, who are on a mission to connect you with LGBTQIA+ employers.
Windō is a free platform for students to easily access, digest and compare the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) progress and plans that companies are making to drive positive change across diversity, equality and inclusion, sustainability, and employee wellbeing.
We talked to Ken about researching LGBTQIA+ friendly workplaces using Windō’s LGBTQ+ Transparent value filter, which tracks over 500 major employers based on their diversity and inclusion efforts.
In collaboration with the Careers Service, the University of Bristol Latino Society held a panel event where BBC Journalist Laura Garcia shared her career journey as a Latinx in the world of journalism. Keisy Fong, President of the Latino Society, shares some of her takeaways from the talk:
The journey to your dream job doesn’t have to be linear
Laura worked various jobs throughout her career before becoming a journalist, including ones that didn’t initially seem to align with the journalist field. Yet in hindsight, she found that whilst not necessarily related, they yielded useful transferable skills that she could apply to future jobs. She explained that whilst it was not the job title she wanted, it gave her skills that helped her when applying to be a journalist.
Expanding your job search beyond a specific job title can help you learn more about your interests and preferences, and also add experience to your CV that showcases your abilities for future jobs. When applying for jobs, Laura explained the importance of showing how you fit well into the position as a candidate. She also reflected on how the ideal job could be one that fits your lifestyle and allows you to earn and learn at the same time.
With just one week to go, Bristol Mentors is still open for applications for home UK students returning for study in 2024/25.
Bristol Mentors provides successful student applicants with an alumni mentor working in the sector/industry they are aiming to break into.
Mentorship can be an enriching experience and our student mentees are always happy to tell us more about the range of benefits they have gained whilst on the programme.
Some people have more experience of professional networking through personal contacts, but where do you start if you don’t have these existing connections?
Carlos is a second year Law student and Co-President of The 93% Club (UoB’s State School Society). In this blog, Carlos shares his experiences and advice for developing professional networks at university as a state school student.
“It wasn’t until my second year at university and my role as co-president of The 93% Club that I truly grasped the importance of networking. For students like me, who don’t have family connections in high places, networking offers a crucial opportunity to connect with employers, learn about companies, and expand future career prospects.
