Kickstart your career in 2026: Make the most of the Careers Centre
A new year brings fresh opportunities, and now’s the perfect time to start planning your next steps.
Whether you’re updating your CV, exploring new industries, or considering opportunities abroad, the Careers Centre is here to support you every step of the way. Employers are already recruiting for internships and graduate roles, so getting ahead now can make all the difference. Taking small steps now—such as booking an appointment or attending an event—can lead to big opportunities later.
Part-time, seasonal and volunteering jobs fair 2026
Tuesday 17 February
2pm – 4pm
Students’ Association, 601
Looking to boost your CV, develop valuable skills, and earn while you learn? The Careers Centre is excited to invite you to our part-time, seasonal and volunteering jobs fair.
This is your opportunity to:
✔ Connect with local employers and organisations.
✔ Discover flexible job roles and meaningful volunteering opportunities.
✔ Gain experience that sets you apart in the job market.
No booking required – just drop in! All students welcome.
Key upcoming opportunities
Don’t miss out on important opportunities this semester. Here are some key programmes and schemes to look out for. Keep checking CareerConnect and our website for updates and deadlines.
- Work Shadowing Scheme – A chance to gain real-world experience by shadowing professionals in your chosen field. Open to all students.
- Summer Internship Scheme – Secure valuable work experience during the summer break. Open to second-year undergraduates enrolled on a four-year degree and third-year undergraduates enrolled on a five-year degree.
- Employability Bursary – Financial support to help you access career-enhancing opportunities. Open to all students.
- Postgraduate internships – Paid internships at the University. Open to taught postgraduate students and students studying a one year research Masters degree.
Book an appointment
Sometimes, talking things through is the best way to move forward. Our advisers can help you refine your CV and cover letters, explore career options if you’re unsure about your next move, and prepare for interviews so you feel confident and ready. Log in to CareerConnect, choose a date and time that suits you.
Please note: The Careers Centre building is temporarily closed until February 2026 due to renovation work. Most appointments will be held online until then, though some will be available in person in the Student Services building Eden Court.
Sign up for events
If you want to meet employers, learn about different industries, or grow your professional network, our careers events are the perfect opportunity. These sessions include employer presentations, skills workshops, and networking opportunities that can give you valuable insights and connections. Check the events calendar on CareerConnect and sign up early.
Make use of our free online resources
Wherever you are in the world, you can access our online tools and resources 24/7:
- Psychometric and aptitude tests – practise for employer assessments
- CV and cover letter checker – get AI feedback tailored to your applications
- Working abroad advice – career tips for over 45 countries
- Interview simulators – improve your confidence and technique
- Skills assessment tools – understand and develop your strengths
Find part-time work
If you have the time, finding a part-time job can be a valuable experience that helps you:
- develop practical ‘soft’ skills such as time management, communication, and teamwork
- gain insight into different types of work environments
- earn money while expanding your CV
- make professional connections and references
Check CareerConnect regularly for new job listings. Make sure you have an up-to-date CV ready to share. Visit our part-time local jobs page for further advice.
Explore career sector guides
Not sure where to begin? Need inspiration? Our career sector guides are a great resource. Each guide explains what to expect working in a specific industry, what employers are looking for, the skills you need, and how to stand out in a competitive market. Use these guides to tailor your CV, prepare for interviews, and gain confidence in your chosen field.
What students say
Students who have used our services often tell us how much difference it made to their confidence and career planning. Here are some of their comments:
“My adviser listened carefully to my ideas and offered reassuring, well-thought-out advice. They suggested resources and career paths I hadn’t considered before. Thank you!
“Brilliant advice and great feedback! I left feeling motivated and clear about my next steps.”
“I really appreciated how genuinely interested the CV adviser was in my concerns and how they explained things in a way that worked for me (I have ADHD). Their feedback was clear and constructive, and I now feel more confident about my next steps.”
“The CV review was extremely helpful. The advisers were organised and made the most of the time we had. They gave specific positive feedback and practical changes I could make before my deadline. Their encouragement made a huge difference.”
“The practice interview was very useful. I received tailored feedback after each response, which helped me think about how to use my experience and articulate myself better. It felt like a safe environment to learn and improve.”
“I liked the format of the meeting and the honest feedback on how to improve. It was great to have a choice in how the session was structured.”
“I’m so grateful for the support. My careers adviser shared valuable resources and tools and helped me navigate a stressful time with empathy and practical advice.”
Ready to move forward?