It's normal and okay to not know what you will be doing once you graduate. You could identify your values to know what drives you; your strenths to know where you perform at your best. What do you enjoy? There are a number of ways to identify and develop interests, aiding direction and will help learning what you enjoy and perform well at. You'll also build transferable skills and capabilities. Casual or temporary jobs are a good way to gain experience while looking for something more permanent. Never underestimate any work experience you have gained already too. Continue to build on what you have. There are short courses or oneline/face to face short programmes available through organisations such as Uprising, Bright Network Generation UK and Screen Skills. Further study could be an option. Identify what stopping you that could affect progression. Make an appointment with the relavant person/team. You could also talk through your options by booking an Advice and Guidance session with the careers team.
Recruitment Agencies
Due to their close connections with employers, recruitment agencies give graduates access to the latest available jobs. By signing up with one in your industry, this could help you get your foot in to the job area or company for you. There are four main types of recruitment agency: specialist, location-based, generalist and short-term vacancies. Some examples include Reed, Hays, Michael Page, Robert Half (generalist roles and most industries); Silicon Milk Roundabout, Huntress Group, Nolan (specialist). A good way to start, is to visit the websites of recruitment agencies with opportunities in the sectors you’re interested in. Create a shortlist of ones that you will approach (we suggest 4-5) to arrange an appointment and discuss vacancies.
Connect with a recruitment agency: Katie Bard specialise in the recruitment of office staff starting at graduate entry level. Based in Birmingham, their clients range from blue chip multinationals to small businesses, and the agency has a dedicated team helping finalists and graduates. For personalised support, you can call 0216 334 443 or email, asking for Verity or Alix.
Graduate internships
Internships aren’t only for students. In fact, they’re a great way to find out what you're interested in whilst gaining skills and experience that increase your chances of securing a graduate job with more seniority. Often stepping stones to specific fields of work, the value of internships and other work experience should not be underestimated. Interns typically benefit from extra support in the form of buddies, mentors and / or learning and development teams. From summer internships to year-long schemes, the key is to make the most of your time by taking advantage of development opportunities, networking with a range of people, and keeping an eye on upcoming vacancies.
You can find and apply to internships the same as any other roles. When using online job boards make sure to filter the job type, and in your applications make it clear when you will graduate.
Some University of Birmingham experiences you can apply for now or in the coming months:
- B-Experienced internships are a mix of in-person, hybrid, and remote internships available exclusively to UoB students and graduates
- Careers Network run a range of internships throughout the year for students and graduates. Keep checking our website for availability, dates and eligibility criteria
- The University’s Graduate Management Trainee Scheme is exclusive to UoB graduates and aimed at ambitious individuals who want an entry point into higher education (HE) management and leadership. The two-year programme includes a rotation of placements across different areas of the University’s Professional Services complemented by a tailored training and mentoring from a senior University director
- Interested in gaining international experience? Your options explained