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.

  • Oxford University Hospitals MPCE Scientist Training Programme Open Day (virtual)
    The Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering department at Oxford University Hospitals are hosting our annual Open Day for the Scientist Training Programme for Medical Physics, Clinical Engineering, and Scientific Computing.
    10:00 Thu 12 Dec 2024
    Online
  • Top Tips for Job Searching
    Join our online session about job search techniques, websites, resources and what employers are looking for when recruiting.
    11:00 Thu 12 Dec 2024
    Online
  • 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 13 Dec 2024
    Online
  • Careers Network Test
    Careers Network Test
    09:00 Wed 25 Dec 2024
    Alan Walters Building – Room 103 (First Floor)
  • Free Coffee and Careers with Teach First
    Join Teach First, under the Law Arches for a free coffee and careers chat! We will be on hand with our free hot drinks cart, ready to discuss our opportunities, share advise and top tips for applying to our graduate scheme and taster programmes.
    10:00 Tue 21 Jan 2025
    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

7. Resources

If you want to find out more, then try these extra sources of information and advice: 

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