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.

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?

Rachel Graville (mentor) - mentoring case study

Description
Rachel Graville (mentor) - mentoring case study

Raroid

Description
Raroid is an online plant shop importing and selling rare, high-value plants known as aroids. The business has been created by University of Birmingham graduate Eniola Odurinde.

RE:CLO Clothing - Oliver Martin

Description
RE:CLO Clothing is a sustainable clothing brand created by Chemical Engineering student Oliver Martin.

Rebecca Warren (mentor) - mentoring case study (transcript)

Description
Rebecca Warren (mentor) - mentoring case study (transcript)

Recruiting our students to work for you

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Careers Network offers a range of excellent opportunities for employers to promote their graduate and undergraduate vacancies, meet with our highly skilled students and share their expertise.

Reed Graduates

Description
At Reed, our purpose is improving lives through work. We believe in building businesses for the benefit of society and we're proud to make a positive difference to people's lives. Every five minutes, someone in Britain starts a new job through Reed.

Report request

Description
Form for CN staff wishing to request a report

Research and academia

Description
Find out all about careers in research and academia, whether you are just interested in exploring the area, thinking about planning a career in research and academia or you are ready to apply for jobs. This page has information and resources to get you started.
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