Explore your options

If you are not sure which career you want to pursue, or you are ready to start exploring your options then you will find support here.

Learn about your options during and after your degree: different career sectors, developing an enterprising mindset, setting up your own business, further study, and working abroad. You might even have recently changed your mind about a career you had been set on pursuing.

Whether you have a rough idea of where you want to be but no idea how to get there, or no idea what you want to do at all, Careers Network offers resources, events and advice to help you get started.

You might feel like you have already done your exploring and are ready for the planning stage. Then take a look at our content for Planners.

1. Help with making career choices

If you are wondering where to begin, take a look at these starter activities. 

If you have more time then you can work through the Canvas careers course or website that best suits you: 

2. Events for Explorers

A great way to inspire your thinking about your future is to come to one of Careers Network's sessions.

Attending will help you to explore your options, access support and ideas, and decide what to do next.

  • Cornerstone Research – Virtual Information Sessions
    Cornerstone Research is a leading economic and financial consulting firm specializing in the analysis of complex economic, financial, accounting, and marketing issues that arise in the context of various kinds of litigation.
    18:30 Thu 10 Oct 2024
    Online
  • THG: Coffee Cart Takeover
    THG are taking over a campus coffee cart, giving away free drinks to the first 100 students! Come and speak to us about careers alongside insights into working for brands such as Myprotein, Lookfantastic and Cult Beauty and more!
    09:00 Mon 14 Oct 2024
    Law Arches (near Old Joe)
  • Introduction to the Postgraduate Professional Development Award (PPDA)
    Find out about the new Postgraduate Professional Development Award and how to complete it.
    12:00 Mon 14 Oct 2024
    Online
  • Working in the UK After Your Studies - An Immigration Law Perspective
    UK immigration solicitors, Paragon Law, will discuss the main visa routes available to international students after their studies to work or set up in business.
    12:30 Mon 14 Oct 2024
    Online
  • ICAS Virtual Careers Fair
    Join the virtual ICAS Careers Fair on Tuesday 15 October to hear about job prospects and earning while you learn.
    13:00 Tue 15 Oct 2024
    Online

3. Careers advice appointments

Current student

Quote about a careers appointment

“The adviser was so helpful and provided the exact information and guidance I required to see what doors are open for me. I feel a lot less overwhelmed with the idea of my career and feel like I actually know where to start looking now!”

If you feel ready to talk to one of our careers advisers then book a short appointment for a one-to-one chat.

Even if you have no idea where to start or what you want to do with your future, our advisers can help.

You might even have a few ideas that you need help exploring but this is not essential. The most important thing is to get started.

4. Co-curricular and extra-curricular programmes to enhance your employability

If you are ready to commit to something a little more in depth then you could look at applying for one of these programmes and opportunities available to students: 

  • The Birmingham Award (formerly the Personal Skills Award) - for undergraduate students
  • Postgraduate Professional Development Award - for postgraduate taught students
  • Work Experience & Internships
  • Mentoring
  • The Birmingham Project

5. Insight Into career sectors

Explore your options and gain an insight into industry sectors by browsing resources, researching work experience and job opportunities, or by attending an Insight Into event.

Insight Into events enable you to hear from professionals from a range of sectors via speaker panels, Q&A sessions and networking.

6. Options

Three slightly different options you might be considering:

  • Further study
  • Working abroad
  • Starting a business

Not found what you're looking for?

A quick guide to a CV for a PhD application

Description
Whilst it may include a lot of the same information, a CV for a PhD can be slightly different from a CV for a graduate job. This page describes some key things to consider when writing a CV for a PhD application.

A3DP

Description
A3DP is re-inventing the management of physical and functional limitations by reclaiming raw materials and repurposing them through the development of Prosthetics and Orthotics to improve patients lives

Aaron Lakhanpal

Description
Video story from Aaron Lakhanpal, a 2021 Biomedical Sciences graduate who took part in Alumni Leadership Mentoring Scheme. Aaron was mentored by Professor Alan Boyd.

Abdihakem Ahmed

Description
Abdihakem Ahmed, an Economics student, who took part in the 10K Black Interns programme.

About Careers Network

Description
Find out about Careers Network, the University's careers and employability department.

About Reverse Mentoring

Description
Reverse mentoring is one of many innovative activities being piloted as part of Transformation West Midlands, funded by the Office of Students, to make a positive change to the West Midlands region, increasing opportunities of local jobs for local graduates.

About Transformation West Midlands (TWM)

Description
Transformation West Midlands is an OfS funded project between University of Birmingham, Newman University and University College Birmingham, to support local students and graduates into local employment by building a diverse graduate talent pipeline for West Midlands employers.

Academic Adjacent careers

Description
Information on academic-adjacent career areas: careers that are closely linked to academia but don't involve directly undertaking research or teaching.

Academic publishing

Description
Information and useful links for careers in academic publishing.

Access Careers Network services over the holiday period

Description
Looking for careers support during the break? We still have plenty of services available, including CV checker and LinkedIn Learning.
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