Applying for jobs, internships, and graduate schemes can be a daunting prospect. Hear from a Geography and Urban Planning Student on how they went about this.
Applying for jobs, internships, and graduate schemes can be daunting, especially when you're trying to balance your studies and other commitments. In this blog, I’d like to share some of the experiences I’ve had on my job application journey, along with helpful tips and resources that can make the process a bit easier.
Where to find support (Internal)
Careers Network
Careers Network Bham is an internal career services platform for students and alumni. You can find job opportunities, book 1:1 CV appointments, attend career events, and even join mentoring programmes and career talks. It's an all-in-one service designed to help you navigate your career journey.
Worklink - Applying for Jobs within the University
As an international student, finding part-time work can be a great way to alleviate some of the financial burdens while also gaining valuable experience. Worklink is a casual recruitment agency in UOB, dedicated to helping students find flexible, part-time work right here on campus. They understand the special needs of students, especially those like us who may be juggling classes, study time, and social life. From Customer Service Adviser at student accommodation to research intern positions in your college, there are a variety of roles you can apply for. I was fortunate enough to secure a position as a Student Mentor through Worklink. So, keep an eye out for their adverts – you never know what amazing opportunity might come up!
External Support
At career fairs, typically hosted at the Great Hall and advertised by the Careers Network, you can meet employers and organizations such as Bright Network, SEO London. Bright Network offers resources to help you find jobs and internships and even provides a career path test to help you discover your ideal career. It's a fantastic platform for job applications and attending in-person networking events. I attended their Diversity event in London, and it was amazing! They also offer virtual Internship Experiences for applicants without any work experience, covering sectors like Technology, Law, Finance, and Marketing.
Similarly, SEO London is another excellent platform for gaining industry experience. They offer events like the Lunch and Learn Series, Insight Days, and Panels. I joined the Women-in-Technology Event at Jefferies and met many like-minded individuals. These experiences have been invaluable for my professional growth.
Community Groups - Professional Networking Group
Guild is a professional networking platform where you can meet professionals and like-minded individuals in the industry that you're interested in. You can join the community groups in different sectors. There are not only university students but also professionals who have been working in the industry for a while. As an urban planning student who's interested in the Charity Sector, I have found that incredibly useful to learn about the career prospects. Some people may post useful tools, events and work opportunities in the group. If you're interested in making a social impact.
LinkedIn is an excellent professional platform for increasing your commercial and industry awareness. It's not just a place to find jobs but also a valuable tool for making connections. I have to admit, that even entry-level jobs can be quite competitive. That's why connecting with like-minded peers is so important – when your peers like and interact with posts, it helps those posts show up in your feed, thanks to LinkedIn's algorithm.
As a student, you can actively seek out Brand Ambassador roles with companies like Hybr and Huzzle (especially start-ups!). These positions not only provide great experience but also help you build a strong professional network and you can earn some cash during your study.
Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteering is an excellent starting point if you don’t have any previous work experience. It not only helps you gain valuable skills but also allows you to give back to the community. The UOB Conservation Society hosts weekly events such as tree cutting, weeding, and river sampling. These activities are a great way to get hands-on experience while making a positive impact on the environment.
Local organisations like Let's Feed Brum and Canal River Trust, based in Birmingham, also offer various volunteering opportunities. You can get involved in different projects that address local needs and make a real difference. Additionally, working as a customer assistant in charity shops is another wonderful way to gain work experience and develop customer service skills.
Research Participant
In addition to traditional work experiences, university campuses often present unique opportunities for students to get involved in research studies. You'll often see recruitment posters around campus calling for participants in various research projects. These opportunities not only allow you to contribute to scientific advancements but also provide valuable experiences and rewards. During my time at the Sports Exercise Science Building, I stumbled upon a poster calling for participants for a blueberry research study. As a participant in the blueberry research study, not only did I get to enjoy free blueberry drinks, but I also received cash vouchers and research hours as compensation. More importantly, I gained firsthand experience in participating in scientific studies, learned about research methodologies, and contributed to a meaningful scientific investigation.
Conclusion
As an international student, I find it particularly challenging to land a job but you can get ahead of others when you find the right resources and strategies. Remember every small experience counts! In my next blog post, I'll dive into how to effectively use LinkedIn for interview preparation. Stay tuned for more advice on how to excel in your job search and make a lasting impression on potential employers!
BSc Geography and Urban and Regional Planning student at the University of Birmingham.
