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?

Zaap

Description
Zaap is a community building tool for content creators and online brands.

Zainab Rao

Description
Story from Zainab Rao, an English and Classical Literature and Civilisation student who took part in the Alumni Leadership Mentoring Programme. Zainab was mentored by Gareth Neame OBE, CEO of Carnival Films and the creator of Downton Abbey.

Zebon Ltd

Description
Zebon ltd is a remote controlled car business aiming to introduce augmented reality into the world of remote controlled cars.

Zoe Boor case study

Description
After completing an undergraduate programme at the University of Birmingham, Zoe studied MSc Urban and Regional Planning, graduating In December 2015. Her current role is as an Assistant Planner in CBRE's Birmingham planning team.
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