Author: Student Communications

My career top tip

Author Student Communications | Posted on

by Isa

Mastering interview skills: your quick student guide

Interviews can feel intimidating. Sweaty palms, racing thoughts, and the pressure to say the right thing. But here’s the good news: interview skills can be learned and sharpened.

Whether you’re applying for a part-time job, summer internship, or graduate scheme, strong interview skills make all the difference. Here are seven key tips to help you walk in confident, calm, and prepared.

Understand the format

Find out whether the interview is over the phone, via video, in-person, or a panel. Knowing the format helps you prep effectively, test your tech for video calls or plan your journey if it’s face-to-face.

Research the role and company

Get to know what the company does, its values, and recent projects. Check their website, LinkedIn, and news. This shows genuine interest and helps you tailor your answers. Employers value commercial awareness!

Prepare for common questions

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure clear, confident responses. Expect questions like:

  • Tell me about yourself.
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • Why this role?
  • Tell me about a time you worked in a team/dealt with a challenge.

Highlight transferable skills

Think you lack experience? Think again. Group projects, part-time jobs, volunteering, and society roles all count. Showcase your communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time-management skills.

Ask thoughtful questions

Always say “yes” when asked if you have questions. Ask about the team, role expectations, or company culture, it shows curiosity and helps you decide if it’s the right fit.

Practice, practice, practice

Mock interviews with friends or your uni’s careers team can boost confidence. Speaking your answers out loud helps with timing and delivery.

Body language counts

Smile, sit up straight, and make eye contact (or look at the camera lens for video interviews). Natural gestures and active listening (nodding, affirming) make a great impression.

Interviews aren’t about perfection. They’re about preparation and authenticity. Every interview is a chance to grow. So, stay kind to yourself, reflect after each one, and keep going.

You’ve got this!

My career top tip

Author Student Communications | Posted on

by Mohamed

Starting university was an exciting milestone, but stepping into my first law lecture felt like diving headfirst into a whirlwind of information and challenges. From exploring potential career paths in the legal sector to understanding the strategies needed to break into this competitive field, I quickly realized the importance of preparation, networking and confidence.

The legal sector is notoriously competitive, demanding not only academic excellence but also a strong professional network and self-assurance. I understood early on that building a solid network would significantly improve my chances of succeeding in my degree and future career. A key factor that has contributed to my growing confidence and networking ability is my experience working in the careers team at UWE.

This role has been transformative. By engaging in continuous conversations with students seeking career advice, I have honed my communication skills. Working in a supportive team environment has taught me the value of collaboration and how to build strong professional relationships. Furthermore, my managers, in particular, have played a key role in my development, providing guidance and creating opportunities for me to improve both my confidence and networking abilities.

One example of this was creating social media content to support students seeking employment. I was tasked with producing a video that would be viewed by over 3,000 people at my university. Initially, I found the task daunting, but after several takes, I realised that all I needed was a little encouragement. One of my managers provided exactly that, reassuring me that there was no pressure to complete the video if I didn’t feel comfortable. This supportive approach transformed what seemed like an overwhelming challenge into an exciting opportunity. By the time the video was finished, I had not only completed the task but also gained confidence in my ability to step outside my comfort zone.

Another part of the job that significantly improved my networking skills was interacting with employers who visited the careers lounge. I remember speaking to a representative from CCUSA, an organization that offers camp work opportunities in America. Initially, I hesitated to approach her, assuming she might be too busy for a quick chat. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how welcoming and engaged she was when I introduced myself. She shared information about the opportunities they offer and even encouraged me to apply, noting that my outgoing personality would make me a great fit for a camp environment. This interaction not only boosted my confidence but also highlighted the importance of taking initiative and being open to new conversations.

Through these experiences, I have learned that confidence isn’t something you’re born with; it’s something you develop over time with practice and perseverance. Regularly interacting with students and professionals has helped me overcome initial hesitations and become more comfortable in professional settings.

Networking, much like confidence, is a skill that requires effort and intentionality. Attending events, reaching out to professionals, and actively engaging with peers are all crucial steps. My time in the careers team has reinforced the importance of being proactive and genuine in building connections.

5 Ways to Manage Motivation

Author Student Communications | Posted on

By Student Experience Coaching

As the flowers and sunshine are brightening our days it’s a good time to think about what matters to you, and how tapping into this for motivation can help your student life and studies.

No matter what your goals are, there are strategies you can use to harness your motivation to keep on track as we move into the last few months of the academic year.

  1. Reconnect with Your ‘Why’ – Remind yourself why you started your course and what excites you about your subject. Keeping your long-term goals in mind can help boost motivation when you’re feeling stuck.
  2. Break It Down – Big tasks can feel overwhelming. Split them into smaller, manageable steps and celebrate progress along the way. This makes studying feel less daunting and more achievable.
  3. Create a Study Routine – Motivation often follows action (not the other way around!) Set a regular time and place to study, and use techniques like the Pomodoro method (25-minute focus sessions with 5-minute breaks) to stay on track.
  4. Make It Enjoyable – Find ways to make studying more engaging. This could be through study groups, changing locations, using colourful notes, or rewarding yourself for completing tasks – it really works!
  5. Be Kind to Yourself – Motivation naturally fluctuates. Instead of being hard on yourself during low-energy days, focus on what you can do and take small steps forward. Progress, not perfection, is key.

The Student Experience Coaching team is here to discuss your challenges and support you to find ways forward.

  • We can help you tap into what motivates you and help you weave that into a plan to succeed.
  • We can explore, unpack and reduce feelings of stress, overwhelm and procrastination providing a safe space, to really look at what’s going on and develop a plan of action.
  • We can future plan with you to grow those feelings of excitement and help you gain clarity around your next steps.

Find out more about us and book an appointment here

What does Netflix’s Adolescence tell us about male loneliness and mental health issues? 

Author Student Communications | Posted on

If you’ve watched the hit Netflix show Adolescence you’ll know the very real consequences of getting drawn into extreme misogynistic content online. 

These influencers and chatroom communities prey on people’s vulnerabilities, offering answers and solutions to complex issues that are so common amongst young people today.  

Loneliness. Low self-esteem. Anger issues. Depression. These sorts of feelings are completely normal and there is a wide range of support available to help you manage these without turning to potentially harmful content on social media. 

Loneliness and building your confidence 

Meeting people, making friends, forming relationships – all this can feel tricky, especially when you’re at university. The social skills needed to build a community around you aren’t always something that comes naturally to everyone. In fact, it can feel impossible at times. 

Getting out and about is key to making those connections, even if this means pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. If you experience social anxiety, or don’t feel confident in social situations there are some small steps you can take to overcome this and feel more confident.  

We’ve pulled together some top tips on how you can embrace the small talk when meeting new people. If you’re feeling lonely at the moment then don’t struggle without help. We have lots of information and support to help you. 

Too much time on social media 

If you’re starting to feel depressed, angry or frustrated about your life then it’s natural to seek out support online. 

So much of our life is now spent online, and social media and chatrooms can feel like an easy way to find like-minded people if you’re struggling with your in-person friendships and relationships. 

The risk is that some of these online communities can lead you to more extreme content, and before you know it your algorithm is feeding you videos that play on your anxieties and insecurities. 

If it’s starting to become a problem for you then take a step away. Speak to people in real life, reset your recommendations and actively protect yourself from content which is designed to make you feel worse in the long run. 

Mental health support 

We know that some men find it hard to reach out for mental health support, and that stereotypes and expectations can be really harmful.  

There are a number of support options available both through UWE and across the community, which cater specifically to men and their mental health. We’ve pulled together the best of these resources including local groups which offer a space for men to talk openly and support each other.  

You can also access the UWE Wellbeing Service for more structured mental health support if you’re suffering with anxiety, depression, feelings of low self-esteem and many other issues.  

There’s support for students with specific learning differences, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and autism, through the Access and Learning Strategies team.  

We also understand the additional pressures or challenges you might experience at university, if you have little or no family support, or if you are caring for ill or disabled family members. If this is you, UWE Cares can support you in a number of ways, from providing information and guidance, to specialist careers support and finance through our bursary and accommodation support. 

Whatever it is you are struggling with, there are support options available to you, both here at UWE and within our Bristol community. 

My career top tip

Author Student Communications | Posted on

by Abi

Making the most of the break

At the start of last summer, I was faced with two months of potential relaxation. However, as a soon-to-be final-year university student, I felt the need to make the most of this time. I reframed the summer as an opportunity to learn, grow, and develop skills to move closer to my professional goals.

Gaining Experience and Practicing Mindfulness In July, I sought various work experiences to build transferable skills for future applications. Using LinkedIn, Bright Network, RateMyPlacement, and UWE InfoHub, I secured five roles, including work with immigration law firms and advice organisations.

These experiences improved my communication, problem-solving, and organisational abilities. Despite the productivity, I recognised the importance of rest and took time to recharge during a trip to Jamaica. This balance reinforced that rest is essential for maintaining mental well-being and long-term productivity. Simple stress-relieving activities, like walks or listening to music, have since become part of my routine.

Tools and Strategies for Success Networking played a key role in my success. By categorising connections and following up with tailored messages, I secured valuable opportunities and strengthened professional relationships. Reflection tools like SWOT analysis and the GROW model helped me identify areas for improvement and set clear goals. Additionally, I used UWE’s resources, including CV360 and Interview360, to refine my applications and build confidence in virtual interview scenarios. These tools helped ensure my CV and cover letters stood out, showcasing my skills effectively.

My advice

  • Plan Early: Begin exploring opportunities aligned with your interests to build valuable skills.
  • Network Proactively: Use LinkedIn, insight days, and alumni connections to uncover hidden opportunities.
  • Leverage Resources: University career services offer tools that can enhance your employability and confidence.
  • Balance Work and Rest: Maintain a healthy balance to avoid burnout and ensure sustained productivity.

Looking ahead to next summer, I plan to build on these experiences by pursuing a paralegal role, further enhancing my confidence and problem-solving skills. By staying open to new challenges and leveraging proven strategies, I aim to continue making meaningful progress toward my goal of becoming a solicitor.

Summer is a time for intentional growth

By setting goals, using available resources, and balancing work with rest, you can transform the break into a period of meaningful progress for your personal and professional development.

UWE Bristol adopts the term ‘Global Majority’

Author Student Communications | Posted on

What does Global Majority mean?

Global Majority is a collective term that refers to people who are Black, Asian, Brown, Mixed Heritage, Indigenous to the Global South and/or are not racialised as White.

Did you know that people from Global Majority backgrounds represent around 85%1 of the world’s population? Using ‘Global Majority’ moves the focus away from Europe and whiteness.

Why is UWE using an umbrella term for people from Global Majority backgrounds?

We understand the limitations of umbrella terms: they can be problematic, grouping diverse communities into a single category and not recognising nuance in the lived experiences of diverse communities. Umbrella terms are useful up to a point. They help us recognise that racism is a common experience that harms many Global Majority people.

Umbrella terms can also be helpful when analysing the data we have, and to help illustrate and describe the barriers faced by Global Majority people compared to similar groups of White people. This data helps us to plan initiatives that improve the experience of students who experience barriers at UWE, for example Global Majority students.

Why are we making this change?

Previously we were using the term BAME (Black Asian and minority ethnic). Global Majority students and staff have told us (via surveys) that they would prefer we say Global Majority. This term can be seen as empowering. It brings the contributions, perspectives and demographic realities of the majority of the world’s population to the foreground.

Our choice of language is important, particularly in discussions about race and racism. The words we use have the potential to cause harm but also hold significant power in challenging injustice and promoting positive change. Language plays a powerful role in shaping how we see the world, our university and each other.  This transition reflects our commitment to building an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone and ensures that our language better aligns with our values and our goal to work towards becoming anti-racist.

As a White student, does this mean I’m a minority?

It’s about context. White people made up the majority of the population of England and Wales in the 2021 census: around 82%. In a global context, around 15% of people are White. Ultimately, it’s about equity. Speaking about Global Majority helps us recognise the scale of the impact of racism and the urgency of addressing it in our university.

What else is UWE doing to tackle racism?

Language is a start, but language won’t end racism on its own. UWE Bristol is developing an anti-racism strategy. In the early stages we aim to equip staff with the tools they need to do the work, including language, anti-racism training, and guidance on how to work with people who experience racism to make positive collective change (co-production), to prepare staff for their part in the systemic change to come.

We acknowledge that language is constantly evolving and if we are to be a leading anti-racist university it’s important to acknowledge and challenge our own part in perpetuating racism, including reframing how we refer to Global Majority students and staff.  

Can I still use my own words to describe my own identity?

Yes, definitely. Global Majority replaces previous terms and acronyms like BAME. This change doesn’t affect how you refer and speak about yourself, your ethnicity, culture, colour, nationality or citizenship, or national origins.

We want to avoid taking a one-size-fits-all approach to language that overlooks the nuances of individual experiences, strengths, preferences and identities. We are conscious that your language will vary when it comes to the words you use to describe yourself and others. That’s great! We need to ensure we value the diversity of perspectives and preferences within our community. Taking a person-by-person approach is an important aspect of our journey towards anti-racism.  

What can I do?

  • If you hear outdated language being used, we want you to feel empowered to point people to this message, and to use the term Global Majority. Staff have been asked to do this too. This will help reinforce the change and encourage widespread adoption. 
  • Continue to use the language you prefer to describe your own identity. Respect people’s choices when they speak about their own identity and use more specific terms where appropriate (e.g. South Asian students, African staff). If you’re not sure, ask what words they’d like you to use. Use their preferred words when referring to them and don’t contradict or correct them. Also, understand that sometimes people’s identities change, for example if someone learns more about their own heritage, they may ask you to change the words you use when you speak about them.

International Women’s Day: becoming an ally for the women in your life

Author Student Communications | Posted on

by Emma, BA (HONS) Media Communications

International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality and women’s rights. This year I’m wondering what small changes everyone can make to be a better ally. Being an ally to me involves listening to women’s experiences, challenging gender stereotypes, and fighting against discrimination and violence. Allies should aim to create spaces where women’s voices are respected and celebrated.

Allies need to listen, learn, and consistently advocate for women, even when it involves confronting difficult issues like misogyny and sexism. For me, having supportive peers at university who encourage and recognise my potential makes all the difference. It improves my mental wellbeing and boosts my confidence when someone makes me feel heard and reinforces my capabilities as a woman, especially in fields like PR where women dominate but may not be as celebrated.

Allyship celebrates qualities like resilience, strength and connection, helping to break barriers and support progress despite the challenges. It’s important to make women feel comfortable by addressing uncomfortable comments, catcalling, and inappropriate behaviour, in public and especially in the workplace. I find it useful and comforting when someone speaks up in an uncomfortable situation; one where I may feel too small to react in. We need more allies to ensure women’s safety and comfort are prioritised, just as they are for men.

Having allies that relate to my struggles and understand me makes me feel part of a community and understood. Women should support each other, though this isn’t always the reality. Women can sometimes bring each other down, but small acts of kindness like a compliment or even a smile can brighten someone’s day and make someone feel seen. Personally, I’m working on complimenting others first more often – I want to make the effort to uplift others.

Becoming an ally

Becoming an ally means supporting women every day and creating a more inclusive and empowering environment. To help, start by:

Educating yourself

Feeling listened to as a woman allows me to have the confidence to share my experiences and educate others on what past situations have made me feel uncomfortable, or if something didn’t sit right with me. Read books, listen to podcasts by women, and ensure the women around you feel safe and valued.

Speak up

When you witness inequality, say something! Having been in many situations where nothing was done, I can confirm it’s so disheartening to experience as a woman. Support women’s achievements, share their work, and give credit where it’s due. This is a big one – women deserve the same song and dance that men get.

Mentorship

Women are wise and strong. We should all try a little bit harder to offer guidance and support to other women, whether professionally or personally, to help elevate each other. Lastly, support women-owned businesses by investing time, money, and resources into their success.

These everyday actions are simple but powerful ways to be an ally and make a meaningful impact on women’s lives.

International Women’s Day is a reminder that empowering women benefits everyone. Achieving true gender equality requires the collective effort of women, men, and non-binary people. This year, let’s celebrate women and remember that we can all be allies.

Happy International Women’s Day!

Student Experience Coaches on LGBT+ History Month

Author Student Communications | Posted on

More and more students identify as LGBTQ+. Each year, 40,000 LGBT+ students1 apply to UK higher education. Many take the opportunity of being at university to come out and explore their identities more broadly than they have felt able to do before.

This year’s theme for LGBTQ+ History Month is Activism and Social Change, and we can take this opportunity to remember all the incredible activists who have worked tirelessly to ensure that LGBTQ+ people enjoy the rights that they do today, without losing sight of all the work there is left to do.

Exploring a new identity and community can be an exciting time and it can also be a time of confusion and uncertainty. How do you connect with a new community to develop your sense of belonging?

Coaching can be a great opportunity to unpack your experience in a safe and confidential space, knowing that your identity will be respected and affirmed.

It can take a long time to find what feels like it fits, and that’s how we can help you to explore this further. Find out more about what coaching is, how we can help you and how to book a coaching session Student Experience Coaches – Study support | UWE Bristol.

  1. Next steps: UCAS report on LGBT+ students ↩︎

Why You Can’t Focus (And What to Do About It)

Author Student Communications | Posted on

By Dr. Aaliyah Khan, Senior Student Experience Coach

Do you ever sit down to study, only to find yourself scrolling through your phone, staring out the window, or suddenly remembering that you really need to clean your desk? You’re not alone. Staying focused can feel impossible, especially when distractions are everywhere. But before you blame yourself for a “lack of willpower,” let’s break down why focus is so hard—and what you can do to fix it.

1. Your brain is overloaded

Between lectures, assignments, social life, and personal responsibilities, your brain is constantly juggling information. When your mental load is too heavy, it becomes harder to concentrate.

Fix It: Give your brain some breathing room by breaking tasks into smaller steps. Use tools like to-do lists or planners to offload information from your mind, making it easier to focus on one thing at a time.

2. Digital distractions are everywhere

Your phone, laptop, and social media apps are designed to grab and keep your attention. Every notification, message, and update pulls your focus away from your work.

Fix It: Set up “focus time” by putting your phone on silent, using website blockers, or studying in a distraction-free environment. Try the Pomodoro technique—work in short, focused bursts with breaks in between.

3. You’re not in the right environment

Your surroundings can make or break your concentration. Noise, clutter, or even the wrong lighting can make it harder to focus.

Fix It: Create a study space that works for you. Whether it’s a quiet library, a tidy desk, or a café with background noise, find an environment where you can work at your best.

4. You haven’t trained your focus

Focus is like a muscle—the more you train it, the stronger it gets. If you constantly switch between tasks, your brain struggles to stay on track.

Fix It: Practice deep work by setting aside time for uninterrupted concentration. Start with just 10–15 minutes and gradually increase your focus stamina over time.

5. Your energy levels are low

It’s hard to concentrate when you’re running on empty. Lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and dehydration can all sap your focus.

Fix It: Take care of your body! Prioritize sleep, stay hydrated, and fuel yourself with brain-friendly foods like nuts, fruit, and whole grains.

Ready to Fix Your Focus?

If you want to understand your distractions and learn practical ways to sharpen your concentration, join our Fix Your Focus workshop. You’ll discover how to take control of your attention and finally get things done.

Date: Wednesday 26th February, 4pm-5.30pm Location: Room 5X102, Frenchay Campus

Limited spaces, book your place on our registration page.

My career top tip

Author Student Communications | Posted on

by Chantel, Student Careers Coach

In my final year at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School studying Production Arts [Stage and Screen], I wanted to transition into a library career.

Many roles required a librarianship qualification, so I explored options and discovered UWE’s MSc in Information Management, which offered the necessary accreditation.

While researching jobs, I found UWE’s Graduate Library Traineeship. This two-year role provided full-time work, part-time study leaves, and sponsorship for the MSc fees. It was the perfect opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build networks, and develop professionally.

The application process

My theatre school experiences positioned me well for the role. A former manager’s advice, “If you’re ever invited to an interview, know that you’ve got the job; it’s just up to you not to talk yourself out of it,” inspired me to craft a strong application. Using the STAR method to structure my responses, I spent hours completing the application and submitted it just minutes before the deadline. It’s incredible to think how differently life could have turned out if I had missed it!

Interviews and preparation for the role and the MSc

The recruitment process included a longlist interview with a customer service scenario and a 10-minute presentation on librarianship. After being shortlisted, I attended a final 45-minute panel interview. I confidently showcased my STAR responses, and my preparation paid off as I was thrilled to be one of two candidates selected from over 120 applicants. The job offer included automatic enrolment in the MSc program, so I didn’t need to apply separately. Even if I hadn’t secured the role, I was committed to pursuing the MSc and would have sought an employer to accommodate my studies.

Reflections on my journey

Although my MSc is taking longer than planned – five years instead of the usual two – it has been incredibly rewarding. The flexibility of UWE’s structure, allowing me to study module by module and resit in the summer whenever needed, has been invaluable. Last year, I faced a setback when I didn’t pass two modules. Initially I was disheartened but I sought support through UWE’s Student Experience Coach service which helped me improve my time management, regain confidence and maintain my mental wellbeing. I’d encourage any student juggling commitments to explore this fantastic resource.

This journey has also opened doors to other opportunities on campus, including my roles as a Student Career Coach, Senior Student Life Assistant and Student Project Developer. Balancing work and study has been challenging but fulfilling, deepening my appreciation for lifelong learning. Each challenge has taught me resilience, self-compassion and the importance of seeking help when needed – lessons just as valuable as the academic knowledge I’ve gained.

Advice for future postgraduate students

Postgraduate study isn’t just about academics – it’s about building a foundation for your future career. Research your options, consider sponsorships or discounts, and use tools like the STAR method for applications.

Take advantage of UWE’s resources, from career coaching to academic workshops. Embrace setbacks as learning opportunities and make time to network and develop skills during your studies.

Conclusion

My journey to postgraduate study has been shaped by determination, happenstance, and great opportunities. Whether you’re exploring postgraduate options or have a clear plan, remember there are many paths to success. Take the time to explore – you never know what doors it might open.

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