I failed my medical degree at Bristol University in 1988.
At the time it felt like the end of the world but now, looking back, I can see what I have learnt and gained from this.
I want to share my story with you, not because it is extraordinary, but rather because failure is often viewed as something shameful that needs to be hidden, potentially isolating those experiencing it. If you are a student at Bristol, in any subject, feeling the weight of failure or fearing it, I hope this helps.
It’s no secret that the graduate job search can be tough. Whether you’re applying to competitive graduate schemes or direct-entry roles, setbacks are common.
You aren’t alone though – most graduates face barriers when starting their careers, many of which are outside your control.
However, what you can control is how you respond to these setbacks. With the right mindset and tactics, you can overcome these barriers and help you move closer to the role you want.
This blog features a collection of alumni case studies highlighting ‘what made the difference’ in overcoming barriers in their career journeys. If you’re feeling stuck or unmotivated, read on for practical advice and inspiration for your own job search.
There’s nothing more encouraging than hearing from someone with a similar background who has successfully navigated the UK job market. We recently invited five international alumni from various sectors to share their experiences of securing graduate roles in the UK.
We were joined by Adil Shaikh from India, a Computer Vision Engineer at DeGould Ltd; Livia Iriawan from Indonesia, an Auditor at KPMG; Linlu Ye from China, the Equality, Liberation and Access Officer at Bristol SU; and Rose Sharon Chin from Malaysia. The event was a full house! If you couldn’t make it, don’t worry, here are the key takeaways that might help you on your own journey:
Don’t underestimate the skills you have gained as an international student
Every international student has a unique story. Adapting to a new education system, adjusting to cultural differences, and navigating day-to-day life builds far more than academic knowledge. Our alumni reminded us that these experiences develop adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, the teamwork and communication skills gained through societies, group projects, and part-time work.
Customise your CV
Every speaker emphasised the importance of a well-crafted, tailored CV. Especially from Rose, who has worked in HR, saying that if your CV isn’t tailored to the role, it’s unlikely to get through. Rather than sending out dozens of generic applications, put time into researching the role and company, and show clearly how your experience aligns with what they’re looking for. We also offer detailed CV guidance and 1:1 appointments with our advisors to help you stand out.
It’s okay not to have it all figured out
Not knowing your exact career path after graduation is completely normal. In fact, most of our alumni felt the same way. Trying out short-term experiences like internships, volunteering, or university programmes, such as City Challenge, Bristol Skills Accelerator, or working towards the PLUS Award, helped them explore options and gain clarity.
Rejections are part of the process
Every alum we heard from had their fair share of rejections. The key is to focus on what you can control: improving the quality of your applications, developing your skills, and staying proactive.
And remember, it’s a two-way street. Employers are not just assessing whether you’re right for them; you’re also figuring out if the job and company are right for you. So be humble, stay curious, and don’t let setbacks shake your confidence.
Landing a job isn’t easy, but with the right guidance and advice, the journey can feel a lot more manageable. If you’re interested in hearing more inspiring stories from our international alumni, keep an eye on upcoming events on mycareer. Just filter by ‘International’ under event type to find sessions specifically designed for international students.
Hi there, I’m Caitlin, a recent graduate and a Careers Support and Graduate Engagement Intern.
As I navigate my own career journey, I’ve come to realise that self-doubt can be a common experience especially when stepping into something new. One of the most challenging aspects of this is imposter syndrome – that nagging feeling that you don’t truly deserve your success, or that you’re not as capable as others might think.
If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re certainly not alone. Research reveals an estimated 70% of people have experienced some form of imposter syndrome in their lives, including highly successful individuals. The positive news is that there are practical strategies available to help you manage these feelings and approach your job search with renewed confidence.
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?
Floom Creative is a sustainable and ethical brand marketing agency specialising in nurturing organisations with values rooted in environmental and ethical consciousness.
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.
Can you tell us a bit about your start-up?
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.
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
Luke graduated from Bristol with a Mechanical Engineering degree and now works at INEOS on the Commercial Graduate Programme. We recently caught up with Luke to hear about his experience working for INEOS and his advice for students who are starting their career.
Hi I’m Luke,
I graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, but it didn’t take me long to realise that a traditional engineering career wasn’t quite what I was aiming for. While I was at Bristol, I explored various fields through different internships. Each role gave me a new perspective and showed me how the engineering world operates beyond the technical aspects. By the time I finished my degree, I knew I wanted to combine my engineering background with a focus on business and strategy.
University of Bristol alumnus Will Booth, graduated in an MEng in Aerospace Engineering in 2022 and is now working for Airbus Defence and Space. We recently caught up with Will, to hear about his journey from graduating to working in the space industry.
Hi I’m Will,
As I reflect on my journey from the University of Bristol to my current role at Airbus Defence and Space, I appreciate how important my time at university was in shaping my career in the space industry. The exposure I gained during my studies, particularly through my fourth-year group design project (AVDASI4) and my third-year independent research project, simulating reusable launch vehicle landings, solidified my passion for working in the space sector. Through these projects, I discovered my love for complex spacecraft design and developed key contacts at Airbus, which would prove invaluable later on.
