Tag: Careers advice

What are you up to after graduation?

Author Student Communications | Posted on

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.

How to harness AI to help with your next career steps

Author Student Communications | Posted on

by Careers and Enterprise

We hear a lot from students and graduates about how tricky it is to know when and how to utilise AI in your career development.

This guide will help you recognise where AI can add value and save time and where it’s best to stick with traditional methods!

Use AI to:

Get started

Facing a blank page at the start of making an application, CV or cover letter can be daunting, so using AI to give you a basic structure and template is a good time saver and gets you off the mark.

Edit and review

Most employers use software to score applications/ CVs etc and they will pick up on spelling, grammar and typos which could result in an unsuccessful application. Using AI to check for spelling, punctuation and grammar errors is really helpful, it can also help you stick to word limits and add more impactful language.

Assess suitability for a role

AI can be great to quickly generate options – feed in information about your skills, qualifications, likes, dislikes, interests and values and see if it can provide some ideas on roles that would suit you. Remember it’s just working off algorithms and doesn’t know you personally, so don’t assume it’s got it right, but it’s a good way of generating ideas, then you can continue to hone it if it’s coming up with ideas that aren’t a good fit.

Help prepare for interview

From giving you a schedule of preparation, possible questions and tips on techniques, there are loads of ways AI can help you prepare for interviews.

Perfect the STAR method

If you haven’t heard of this method (also known as the STAR technique) then get on Google right now, as it’s a game changer for both applications and interviews. It’s basically a formula for giving good examples that score well in recruitment processes, but it can be tricky to master – write out a STAR example and ask AI to assess it, or if you’re new to STAR, ask it to help you understand how to utilise this very helpful technique!

Research companies

Company research is key in several areas of careers – from working out which companies you might want to work for, to including company information in cover letters and talking about your fit at interview. Some websites make it easier than others to look into a company, but AI can usually give you a good summary in seconds that will help you assess and demonstrate your fit with them.

Don’t use AI

To do it all

As a graduate (and human being) your experiences, skills and attributes will be so much richer, more interesting and compelling than what AI will come up with. Applications/ cover letters etc created entirely by AI are unlikely to get you an interview or job, as it will be too generic, plus it’s easy for employers to spot where AI has been used.

To cheat technical assessments

Employers are already implementing software to detect use of AI in assessments, so you may get caught, but even if you don’t, getting a job that you can’t do is not a good outcome! Practice assessments and give them a real go yourself to reflect your true skill level.

To get answers in an interview

AI is great for interview prep, but using it in real-time to answer interview questions is not a good idea. At best, you won’t be engaging well with the interviewers if you’re looking at a screen and, as it’s pretty obvious if someone is doing this, you could well be eliminated from the process.

With the assumption it’s right

Although exceptionally clever and helpful, AI is in its infancy and isn’t right all the time!

It basically just summarises a collection of data/ information from across the internet and not everything on the internet is accurate or creditable. Cross-reference information with reputable sources of information such as Career Toolkit and Prospects.

Without thinking about your data

AI platforms hold your data for a period of time and once information is out there, it’s hard to control or get back. Try not to include personal data within CVs/ application checks for this reason, or at least read the platform’s privacy and data handling statements to ensure you’re happy with them before including this information.

How to maximise your uni investment

Author Student Communications | Posted on

Have you ever taken the time to think about the considerable investment you are making by choosing to study at university? We’re not just talking about the money (although we know that’s significant ) – it’s also the time, energy and effort that you are putting into your degree.  

We want you to focus on really maximising that investment, and make some choices which will help you get the most out of your time here at UWE. 

What simple things can you do?

  • Attendance. Your course is the main reason you are here, right? And you are spending a lot of money for this teaching, so it doesn’t make sense to regularly skip classes. We know there might sometimes be reasons why you can’t make it onto campus, but try to plan your week to give you the best possible chance of attending those lectures. 
  • Engagement. It’s not enough to just turn up to lectures or teaching sessions, you need to really BE there. Be an active participant on your course and you really will see the benefits. What does this look like? Ask questions. Get involved in discussions. Do extra reading. Reply to emails. All of this will drastically improve your learning and help you get more out of your studies. 

Other ways to maximise your investment

It’s worth remembering that life as a UWE Bristol student gives you access to a huge range of support services and opportunities and it’s worth making the most of these. You’ve already paid for it, so take advantage of it!  

  • Careers and Enterprise – Start planning for your future now. Your time at uni will fly by, and you want to be in the best possible position when you graduate. Did you know that a careers coach can cost up to £250 an hour on the outside world? Here it’s completely free, so get booking!  
  • Student Money Service – Don’t let your financial situation get in the way of you excelling at uni. We have bursaries and grants on offer, and specialist advisers who can offer support and help you manage your money.  
  • Centre for Sport – The free MOVE programme gives you access to more than 100 weekly exercise classes and sessions, so make the most of this fantastic facility.  
  • Centre for Music – Looking to learn some new skills? Want to make some new friends? Check out the huge range of opportunities available on campus – membership is completely free! 

Hopefully all that info has given you something to think about. Remember, you only get out of something what you put in (it sounds like a cliche, but it’s so true). 

You’ve made a massive investment to be here – make the most of it! 

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.

My career top tip

Author Student Communications | Posted on

By Shurida, Student Careers Coach

As a final year Computer Science student at UWE Bristol and a Student Career Coach, I’ve learned that career development is as much about setting clear goals as it is about exploring diverse opportunities. My journey has been one of curiosity, persistence, and leveraging the right tools to grow both personally and professionally.

In the ever-evolving tech world, adaptability is key. Early on, I identified specific areas of interest that I wanted to focus on; software development and AI.

The one method I swear by is the SMART goals framework – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Breaking down larger ambitions into manageable steps has been instrumental in maintaining focus and tracking progress.

Additionally, tools like mind mapping have helped me visualize connections between skills and career opportunities, fostering a clearer understanding of my goals. For example, securing a placement at The Walt Disney Company was a major milestone, that I approached by utilizing UWE Career Toolkit for tailoring my application, preparing rigorously for an interview, and seeking constructive feedback by booking appointments with the Career Advisors.

How I’ve maximised available opportunities

UWE has been an invaluable support system in my journey. The Placement Support Team was instrumental in helping me secure my placement, while tools like the Career Toolkit simplified creating a standout CV.

Workshops on coding interviews and networking gave me the confidence to engage with employers at career fairs, leading to meaningful conversations and opportunities.

My advice for fellow students

  • Reflect on Your Passion: Take time to explore areas that genuinely interest you. Whether it’s software development, data science, or UX design, curiosity drives growth.
  • Set Clear Goals: Use frameworks like SMART to break big aspirations into achievable steps. For example, aim to master a programming language or contribute to open-source projects within a set timeframe.
  • Leverage Internships: Practical experience is invaluable. Seek support from UWE’s resources to land internships that align with your career aspirations.
  • Network Confidently: Engage with peers, professors, and industry professionals. Networking not only broadens your perspective but often opens doors to unanticipated opportunities.

As a student and a coach, I’ve seen how a proactive approach to career planning can lead to transformative outcomes. By staying open to new possibilities and making the most of available resources, you can craft a career path that’s both exciting and fulfilling.

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