While university shouldn’t always be about getting a job (there is so much more to gain from the experience!), earning a degree in a subject that interests you certainly helps you navigate your future employment opportunities.

As a Geography student, I’m often daunted by the immense number of career pathways available to me. My subject is incredibly broad, and it can be challenging to know where to start looking in terms of my future career. And I know this experience isn’t unique to just me!

This is where the University of Manchester’s Careers Service comes in; throughout your entire academic journey, they’re there to support you in countless ways.

The Careers Service and CareerConnect

Last year, I attended a sustainable careers networking event, which really helped me explore potential career routes, especially given my interest in sustainability and sustainable development. Not only did I get to chat with professionals, recent graduates, and established consultants, but I also gained valuable LinkedIn connections – plus some free coffee and cake!

There are numerous events like this throughout the year. As part of the School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED), I attended another networking event where I heard from experts not just in Geography, but also in Planning, Global Development, Architecture, and Education. It was fascinating to learn about such diverse career paths and get to see what other students in my school were interested in doing in the future.

The Careers Service also hosts major careers fairs, catered towards the entire Faculty, featuring an incredible variety of employers including Manchester-based, nationwide, and international companies. These can be incredibly useful to get an idea of what is available to you as a Manchester student, or, one day, a graduate. The Careers Service also offer a wealth of additional services including CV clinics, LinkedIn advice, one-to-one appointments for placement applications, and mock interviews. As I’m graduating next year, these resources are invaluable, and I will only be using them more as my time here at university continues.

I frequently use Career Connect, the Careers Service’s online platform advertising both university-affiliated and external jobs. It was actually through this service that I found my first-year part-time job, which helped provide crucial financial top-ups and allowed me to better support myself throughout my first year at university.

My Own Experience

The most valuable benefit I’ve received from the Careers Service so far is the Work Experience Bursary. This grant, open to all students, supports those undertaking internships or work experience – it enabled me to complete a volunteer internship with one of the University’s trusted partners, spending my summer doing conservation work in Peru! Without the Work Experience Bursary and the Careers Service, this incredible opportunity wouldn’t have been possible.

As an offer holder, you might be focused on your studies right now, but the Careers Service will be there from day one to help you build your future. Whether you have a clear career path in mind or are completely undecided, their personalised support, extensive resources, and incredible opportunities like the Work Experience Bursary can open doors you never imagined. The skills and connections you can develop through their services can complement your academic achievements perfectly, giving you that competitive edge when you eventually enter the job market. I can’t recommend engaging with them early and often enough – it might just lead to your dream career or, at the very least, an unforgettable summer in Peru!

Photos from my summer internship in Peru, supported by the Work Experience Bursary.

Written by Bo, a current BA Geography student 

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