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.

  • Top Tips for using LinkedIn
    Find out how to create your profile and learn top tips to get you ahead when using this social media tool in your job search.
    11:00 Fri 04 Oct 2024
    Online
  • Meet BCG: Intro to Consulting for Medics & PhDs
    Are you a PhD, medic, or postdoc, and thinking about your options for the next stage of your career? Join us for our informal presentation on 4th October to see what management consulting—and more specifically BCG—can offer!
    12:00 Fri 04 Oct 2024
    Online
  • Deloitte On Campus
    Join us outside the Law Arches on the 7th October for an immersive video experience and discover how Deloitte can help you turn your aspirations into reality. You'll also have the chance to meet Deloitte colleagues and ask them your questions.
    10:00 Mon 07 Oct 2024
    Law Arches (near Old Joe)
  • Introduction to the Postgraduate Professional Development Award (PPDA)
    Find out about the Postgraduate Professional Development Award and how to complete it.
    13:00 Mon 07 Oct 2024
    Careers Network, Employer Training Room, G30 Aston Webb
  • Imagine What's Next with Llloyds Banking Group
    On Tuesday 8th October, Lloyds Banking Group will be bringing their award winning AI chatbot activation on campus at the University of Birmingham. This exciting pop up will be at the Law Arches for one day only from 10am-Come enter the cube!
    10:00 Tue 08 Oct 2024
    Law Arches (near Old Joe)

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?

Dame Cilla Snowball

Description
Cilla may be of interest to students with an interest in creative careers or working in advertising.

Daniella Marston - Work Experience Bursary

Description
Daniella, a student from the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, used the International Work Experience Bursary towards working as a Researcher at Operation Wallacea.

David Streather - video transcript

Description
David Streather - video transcript

Decoding the job/internship search in another country (outside the UK) (26/02/24): Video Transcript

Description
A talk to decode the job/internship search in another country (outside the UK), delivered by Student Circus, held on Feb 2024.

Destination Dog

Description
Destination Dog is an online retailer of bespoke pet grooming products created by founder Hannah Osei. The business is rooted with a family connection with Hannah's siblings Matthew Osei and Naomi Osei completing the trio behind the brand.

Development Coordinator - Jack Renshaw

Description
Jack is a Development Coordinator at The Open University and studied BA History at University of Birmingham in 2018.

Diana Nicuțari case study

Description
Story from Diana Nicuțari, a Journal Specialist at Frontiers. Diana graduated in 2020 with a 2:2 in the College of Medical and Dental Sciences..

Divergent Diagnostics

Description
Divergent Diagnostics improves corporate workspaces by providing bespoke diagnostic, analytical and advisory services focused on workplace discrimination.

Dr Andrew Vallance-Owen

Description
Andrew may be of interest to Medical students, or those with interest in careers in health.
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