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.

  • Discover Gowling WLG sector series - various sessions
    Virtual Open Mornings spanning six weeks covering six of the firm's key sectors - come and hear from senior leaders, trainees and the Early Talent team about the exciting world of the sectors they operate in.
    16:00 Wed 16 Oct 2024
    Online
  • Coffee and Chats with Newton's Consultants
    Come and meet our consultants on campus and grab a free coffee! We’ll be available to answer all your questions about our graduate roles, life at Newton, and the application process. We look forward to meeting you!
    10:00 Thu 31 Oct 2024
    Law Arches (near Old Joe)
  • Slaughter and May - A world of difference
    Find out more about Slaughter and May and the training contract and work experience opportunities available. Join us for an in person presentation from 6.30pm on 11ht November. You will have the opportunity to network with us after the presentation.
    18:15 Mon 11 Nov 2024
    Edgbaston Park Hotel, 53 Edgbaston Park Road
  • You’ve Graduated: What Next? find out with AGCAS/National Careers Service
    A live, interactive webinar to support recent graduates to boost their job search, access graduate employers and graduate job opportunities, and ignite their careers.
    10:00 Tue 12 Nov 2024
    Online
  • Dentons Milton Keynes Office Spotlight webinar
    In this webinar we’ll share insights into our Milton Keynes office, our innovative work, and the diverse clients we serve. Discover how we are driving success in this vibrant city and delivering exceptional results across various industries.
    12:00 Tue 12 Nov 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

7. Resources

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