Learn how Birmingham students use career support like Careers Network, Worklink, and internships to boost skills and employability.
The University of Birmingham has ranked number one for the most UK targeted university by graduate employers for two years running. So, it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of opportunities and careers support available while studying here.
As a final year Business Management student, these opportunities and support have massively shaped my experience at university. I’ve met so many amazing people, developed many transferrable and technical skills, discovered new passions and most importantly, had fun along the way.
Here is how I’ve made the most out of career support while studying at Birmingham:
I couldn’t write this blog without highlighting our incredible Careers Network at the university. Each of the university’s five colleges has a dedicated Careers Network team, composed of careers consultants, advisers and internship officers.
For every job, internship and placement I applied to, the Careers Network supported me with workshops, one-to-one appointments, tailored feedback and resources. They are incredibly friendly, encouraging and understand firsthand how competitive employment opportunities are, so their expertise allows them to help you in a bespoke and approachable way.
When I started university, I knew I wanted a part-time job to support my living costs and build my employability skills. Worklink is the university’s casual recruitment agency, dedicated to helping students find flexible, part-time work on campus. They offer jobs that fit around student life and pay well!
I work part-time as a Student Ambassador for the Recruitment & Outreach teams, a Student Content Creator and a Welcome Assistant on Aston Webb reception.
Worklink regularly advertise opportunities on their website and Instagram (@worklinkuob).
If you don’t have much or any work experience, the B-Experienced internship programme is for you. This programme offers a mix of in-person, hybrid and remote internships exclusively to undergraduate students, postgraduate student or those who graduated within the last 2 years, with little work experience. The university partners with businesses and social enterprises across the West Midlands so you can undertake a paid 70-hour or 140-hour internship. Depending on the organisation, this can be done part-time around your studies or full-time.
Do you have a business idea or like the sound of self-employment? B-Enterprising helps you to make this a reality. In my second year at university, I secured a £500 start-up fund from B-Enterprising to kickstart my freelancing journey in digital marketing. In addition to start-up funds, the team also run UoB Elevate (a start-up incubator), one-to-one appointments, competitions and events, where you can hear from successful student and alumni entrepreneurs.
Lastly, if your course offers the opportunity to undertake a placement year between second and final year, I highly recommend it. This is when you work full-time in an organisation for a minimum of 33 consecutive weeks, typically 12-months and many companies will pay you a full-time salary. A placement year is an incredible opportunity to develop your skillset, make an impact on an organisation, own projects and initiatives and meet so many new people.
I did a placement year as a Marketing Intern at LOOKFANTASTIC, Europe’s biggest online beauty retailer, and it’s been the highlight of my entire degree.
If you want to know how to find your dream placement, read my blog on this.
Hi, I'm Eleanor, a final year BSc International Business student. I love travelling, hiking, reading, culture and langua...
