Careers Advice

 
Great graduates don't need to go it alone - there's heaps of free, independent information, advice and guidance out there to give you the competitive edge.
 
Becoming a graduate opens up a number of possibilities for you, including further postgraduate study, starting your own business, a graduate scheme, graduate job or paid graduate internship - or even the gap year you never had!
 

Postgraduate study

Postgraduate study is open to anyone with a good first degree, and there are a huge number of courses available - whether you are looking to increase your knowledge in your chosen field, specialise or change direction there will be a variety of options open to you.  Take a look at our guide to postgraduate study.

Looking to do postgraduate study in south west England? Take a look at our postgraduate Open Day information.

Alternatively, keep in mind CPD - continuing professional development - to give yourself the skills you need now and throughout your career. There are literally hundreds of courses and training providers out there. 

Getting a graduate job 

You're not short of graduate job options - from paid graduate internships, graduate jobs with SMEs, larger organisations and graduate schemes with well known companies. 

The best advice we can give you is to apply! It might sound obvious but recruiters in the south west sometimes struggle to find a good field of candidates so you should grasp the nettle and put in an application.

When employers write job adverts, they are defining their ideal candidate. Chances are the successful candidate will be the best fit and won't have everything they ask for. There is wriggle room! If you can meet most of the criteria and can demonstrate that you are enthusiastic and quick to learn, you are in with a chance. So take it. Apply, apply, apply.

Here are a few pointers for when you do:

  • CVs and Covering Letters - How can you convince recruiters that you're great? We offer some guidance and tips.
  • Interview Tips - This is your big moment. We outline what to expect and how best to prepare.
  • Job Sector Insights - Want to work in the south west? Check out the key sectors in this part of the world.
  • Online Career Tools - Whether you want to find out more about your graduate career options or get familiar with some of the tools recruiters use, there's a host of information.

Starting your own business

Your University Enterprise team can support you in creating your own business - contact them and see what they can do to help! The University Careers Service can point you in the right direction.

A gap year

Try your hand at something new, volunteer, travel, broaden your horizons, or simply earn some money whilst you decide what you want to do! A post-graduation gap year can provide you with space and time to plan your future.

Further help is at hand

University and College Career Guidance - Did you know that the careers and employability teams at your university or college can help you with advice and guidance for up to three years after graduating? 

News - The latest news and views on the graduate recruitment market.