Career Timeline

Making yourself more employable takes time - start in your first year

Employers take a good degree as a given - you need to use your time wisely at university to make yourself more employable and develop more than your academic ability.

It isn't going to happen over night.

 

Click on the Career Timeline to view a larger image.

 

  • Career Timelins - small

How to get started

Use the Career Timeline to find out what you need to be doing during each year of your studies to achieve your career goals and get that dream job.

If you have not yet completed the tasks that we recommend in an earlier year of study then take a look at those first. 

Click on the Career Timeline to view a larger printable version.

Career Timeline  (PDF 376KB)

 

Conduct a self-assessment

  • Information on self-assesments - know what you currently have to offer an employer and then use your time at university to fill in your skills and experience gaps.

 

Gain work experience

Develop your skills

 

Develop CV/application writing and interview skills
Learn how to market yourself effectively

 

Explore your career options

  • See the Career options section
  • Book a career guidance appointment to discuss your options - we advise you to do some research into different roles / sectors and think about what would interest in you in a role prior to your appointment.
  • Attend careers events, jobs fairs, employer presentations - great opportunities  to find out what options are out there. Speak to employers and people already in the role - a chance to ask what do they do? how did they get into the role?
  • See the Networking section for advice on how to network and why it is important
  • Get yourself a career mentor - take a look at our Career Mentoring Network database - find a professional / graduate in a role that interests you - we will put you in touch - you can gain an insiders guide on the role and how to get your foot in the door. It is as simple as that!

Do your research

  • See Researching employers, jobs and sectors - essential for anyone who wants to understand what jobs are available, what career options there are and what employers want from candidates - get ahead in the graduate job market.
  • Get yourself a career mentor - take a look at our Career Mentoring Network database - find a professional / graduate in a role that interests you - we will put you in touch - you can gain an insiders guide on the role and how to get your foot in the door. It is as simple as that!

Make career decisions and create a career action plan

 

Prepare and apply for your placement year

Think about:

Whether you have an ultimate career in mind? If so what experience and skills do employers expect you to have in that industry? Try to get a placement that will give you the opportunity to develop these relevant skills.

  • Book a career guidance appointment to discuss your career options and career plans.
  • Do your research - find out what experience and skills will employers expect you to develop.
  • Find the Placement unit for your academic school / course.
  • Ensure that you are prepared to market yourself effectively via CV, application and interview - see the Applications process for examples and advice.

  • Gain  professional career guidance on the application process from the Careers and Employability Service. See Appointments, CV / quick query sessions

Applying for Jobs and further study

Start applying for graduate jobs or further study during the autumn term in your final year.

Ensure that all CVs, applications are of the highest standard and that your interview techniques are ready to impress.

See:

 

Attend interviews

You have passed the paper test - now is your chance to shine in person.

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