So, you’ve made it to university! A new environment, new people, new opportunities and, of course, the big question: what comes next?
Whether you’ve got your future career mapped out or you’re still figuring things out, one thing I want you to know is that you don’t have to do it all alone. Your time at university isn’t just about getting your degree; it’s also about discovering your interests, developing your skills and preparing for life after graduation. Let’s be honest, getting your first job can be difficult when every employer seems to want experience. So, why not start building yours while you’re still at university?
That’s where Roehampton’s Careers Service comes in.
UR Jobs provides students with access to flexible, paid work opportunities. Becoming a Student Ambassador is a great way to start preparing for the world of work without having to put your studies on hold, you earn money by representing Roehampton and helping prospective students learn more about university life, which makes it valuable experience and skill to add to your CV, which will come in handy when applying for future jobs.
Get connected with Handshake
First things first, have you downloaded Handshake yet?
Think of it as your go-to app for all things careers. From job alerts and career support to employer connections and on-campus employer events, Handshake helps you explore opportunities while you’re studying. You never know what might catch your eye whether it be an opportunity to gain some work experience, an employer event that sparks a new interest or a role that gives you that first step towards your dream career.
The best part? You can download it through the App Store or Google Play. So, why not have a look and see what’s out there? Your next opportunity could be closer than you think!
Meet LaunchPad – Become an entrepreneur in the making
Have you ever had a business idea that you couldn’t stop thinking about? Maybe you’ve always wanted to start your own brand, develop a service or turn your passion into something bigger. Roehampton’s LaunchPad Competition offers an opportunity to develop your entrepreneurial skills, access start-up resources and make valuable networking connections to help bring your business ideas to life.
And if you need a little inspiration, take a look at the success of Roehampton alumnus Humphrey.
He launched LionHeart Football in 2016, discovered Liverpool FC’s Fabio Carvalho and went on to win Roehampton’s LaunchPad Competition in 2018.
It’s a reminder that university can be a place to explore ideas, develop your ambitions and start building something of your own.
You don’t have to wait until graduation to start working towards your goals. Sometimes, all it takes is that first step!
Career advice
Sometimes, talking things through with someone can help you see opportunities you hadn’t considered before. You might discover a career path that suits your interests or identify the skills you need to develop to reach your goals.
As Indie, our Careers Advisor, puts it:
“Your time here is not just about academic success; it’s about preparing for a fulfilling career. Start planning now to make the most of the internships, placements, and industry connections available.”
So if you’re unsure about your next steps, need help with an application or want to practise for an interview, you can book a career appointment with a Careers Advisor.
They can support you with planning your future, preparing job applications and developing your interview skills. Remember, you don’t have to have all the answers right now. You just need to be willing to explore your options.
Placements and internships
Career development week consists of guest speakers, workshops, networking and employer events for career insight. In 2024, one of our guest speakers was Sir Trevor McDonald, who attended to do a speech on the power of journalism and its role in shaping society. Our workshops offer a range of lectures and 1-2-1 to help boost skills with sessions on CV writing and interviews.
“The Placement and Internships team helps students dive into real-world experience alongside their studies. From the moment they join Roehampton, students can book an appointment with us and start discovering exciting opportunities waiting for them” Bev, our Head of Placements and Internships.
Sometimes the best way to find out whether a career is right for you is to try it out.
Graduation
Finishing university is a huge achievement, but working out what comes next can feel like a whole new challenge. The good news is that Roehampton’s graduate careers service offers support beyond graduation, helping you navigate the move from university into working life. Support includes online workshops, a monthly newsletter, a mentoring scheme and one-to-one graduate careers appointments.
Whether you’re applying for your first graduate role, exploring a different career path or trying to work out how to use your degree, these resources can help you think about your next move. Graduation doesn’t mean you have to figure everything out overnight. It’s simply the beginning of another chapter, and it’s okay to ask for guidance along the way.
“You’ll benefit from online workshops, a monthly newsletter, an industry mentoring scheme, and one-on-one graduate careers appointments to support your success.” – Ross, Graduate Support Manager
Your journey from here!
If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this, it’s that your university experience is about more than your degree. It’s about the connections you make, the skills you develop, the opportunities you explore and the confidence you build along the way.
Meet Alister, who studied BSc Marketing and went on to complete a placement at BMW Group Financial Services UK. He said, “Roehampton’s careers service helped me land a placement where I got real-world marketing experience, discovered my career goals, and built connections to stand out in the job market.”
So whether you’re searching for part-time work, considering an internship, thinking about starting a business or simply trying to figure out what comes next, there are opportunities and support available to help you along the way. You don’t need to have your entire future planned out from day one. Start somewhere, stay curious and make the most of what’s available to you. After all, your future is yours to shape!
Ready to take your next step? Explore Roehampton’s Careers Service and discover the opportunities, resources and support available to help you become career-ready.