Mineh, Computer Science
This July, I will be graduating with a bachelor’s degree, which feels surreal and unbelievable how fast three years went by. One thing that is for sure, I am leaving UWE with lots of memories and new experiences from all the opportunities I had as a student, a Student Career Coach and an IT Support Assistant.
My recommendation to students is to make use of all the resources available to you. Never say no to new opportunities, this is your chance to expose yourself to new experiences, make mistakes and find what you love to do and what you are best at! You never know where one “yes” might lead, so take the leap and avoid the regret.
Honestly? I don’t have everything figured out yet. I’m actively job hunting, keeping my options open, and trying not to panic about it, which is easier said than done! But working in the Careers Lounge showed me first-hand that most students graduate with the same exact feelings, and that eventually everyone finds their own path.
Besides my personal projects I have been working on for this summer, I am excited to be taking a break to rest, enjoy the summer and prepare for a new stage in life. I am writing this blog with high hopes that by the time you see this I will have secured a graduate role or possibly be pursuing a master’s degree.
Isa, Economics
It’s hard to believe how quickly the last three years studying Economics have passed. As I close this chapter, I am excited about what comes next and proud to be starting a graduate role in audit at a financial services firm in Bristol this September, where I will also be studying towards the ACA qualification to become a Chartered Accountant.
For now, my plan is simple: enjoy the summer, take a well earned break, and recharge after an academically intense final year.
Looking back, I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunities UWE has given me throughout my degree. Securing my graduate role was made possible through the UWE STRIVE internship programme, which I applied for during my first year. The experience not only helped me develop professional skills and confidence but also introduced me to a career path I had never previously considered, giving me valuable industry insight and a clearer understanding of the opportunities available after graduation.
I would also like to highlight my time working as a Student Careers Coach, a hugely rewarding part of my university journey over the last two years. It helped me strengthen my communication skills, connect with students from a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines, and gain a first-hand insight into all the support, programmes, and events available to students.
But my UWE journey is not quite over yet. This summer, I will be travelling to Kefalonia, Greece, with the Go Global team to take part in a conservation project helping to protect sea turtles, an experience I am incredibly excited about and a fantastic way to round off my time as a UWE student.
If I could offer one piece of advice to current students, it would be to stay open minded and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. You never know where a single application, conversation, or experience might lead. Some of the most defining moments of my university journey came from saying yes to something new, even when it felt outside my comfort zone.
Amina, English Literature
I went into my third year of university feeling quite unsure about what I was going to do next. Although I knew I wanted to work in publishing, I was also considering continuing my education and pursuing a master’s degree. I quickly realised I did not want to go straight into another degree after graduation. I decided to hold off on applying for graduate jobs until I had finished all my assignments. Now that I have completed my degree, I feel much more confident and clear-headed about my plans for the future.
This summer, I will continue my volunteer position as an Inclusivity Officer with the Society of Young Publishers South West branch, while also working a temporary summer job here in Bristol. I am working on securing an entry-level role in publishing and continuing to build my creative portfolio.
My role as a Student Career Coach has been fundamental in transforming the way I approach applications and think about my career. It has allowed me to develop skills in coaching, adaptability, and relationship-building, while giving me more confidence in my own career decisions. Upon reflection, the role has had a significant impact on how I approach this next chapter after graduation.