The first year of university is an exciting, liberating time full of new opportunities and experiences. Many university students are living on their own for the first time, often in a new city. Fresher’s week offers a chance to let loose and meet some new friends before exams and assignments start piling up.
These may all sound like cliches, but such experiences are a quintessential part of university life. While it’s important to immerse yourself in the full “uni experience”, don’t lose sight of why you’re studying in the first place: to get the career you want.
A little bit of planning and forward thinking will come in handy on your student career development journey as you progress into your second and third years.
Here are 8 ways you can improve your employability while you’re studying – and have some fun doing it!
Student career development tip #1: Get involved
Sports, clubs, and societies allow you to make new friends with similar interests. Volunteering and working with charities is a fulfilling way to give back to your community while also enhancing your CV.
Extracurricular activities can also help you improve employability by developing soft skills, including working in a team, communicating, and planning.
Pro tip: Seek out societies and clubs that match your interests and meet regularly throughout the year. Narrow down a couple of opportunities that will interest you enough to be an active participant and perhaps even take responsibility for some of the activities.
Student career development tip #2: Take advantage of university career services
Your university’s careers services will be invaluable for your academic journey, offering myriad resources from general advice and CV writing tips to industry-specific guidance and access to job boards.
Check the career services event calendar at the start of each term for information on workshops, career fairs, and events sponsored by local employers. Give yourself plenty of time to plan ahead so you can attend student career development events.
Pro tip: Understand how your university’s career service supports international students. If you’re assigned a specific advisor, consider researching them to find out more about their background and specialties. This will put you in touch with an advisor who has professional experience and contacts in your industry, ensuring you receive the most relevant advice and opportunities.
Student career development tip #3: Meet regularly with your tutor
Students are usually assigned a tutor, most often a lecturer but sometimes another member of faculty, to assist them during their time at university.
Your personal tutor can work wonders for improving your employability. You’ll likely ask them to write a reference in support of your future job applications. Tutors can also help you grow your professional network and even give advice on studying and coursework.
You’ll want to develop a close professional relationship with your tutor. Not only can they assist you with adjusting to uni life and improving your grades, but they may even become a lifelong mentor.
Pro tip: Consider seeking out additional tutors, perhaps lecturers of your core modules. You can never have too many professional contacts!
Student career development tip #4: Find a part-time job
Although university work can be demanding, it’s in your best interest to get a part-time job whilst at university. At the very least, it will give you some work experience and allow you to earn a little extra pocket money.
Your part-time employer can also provide you with a reference for future career applications, be they internships, vacation schemes, or graduate careers.
Part-time jobs are especially important for international students, as they offer a unique chance to integrate into British culture and gain confidence in a new country.
Pro tip: Check the online career resources your university offers to find information on work-study programmes. Many universities employ students as baristas at campus coffee shops, workers in the food hall, and librarians.
Student career development tip #5: Network
University is the optimal time to form lifelong friendships and relationships with future potential business partners. The unfortunate truth about the workforce is, sometimes it’s more about who you know, rather than what you know.
Pro tip: Branch out and make an effort to make friends beyond your usual circle of flat mates, fellow students on your course, and the members of your clubs and societies. Attending a wide variety of university events can help you step outside your comfort zone.
Student career development tip #6: Explore entrepreneurship opportunities
Even if you don’t plan to start your own business, entrepreneurship skills are transferable and go a long way toward improving employability.
Attend an introductory entrepreneurship awareness workshop to learn more about enterprising activities. If you find you’re interested in entrepreneurship, put your newfound knowledge into practice at a business competition or join an entrepreneurship club.
Pro tip: Focus on expanding your entrepreneurship knowledge during the first year of university so you can apply those skills in your second and third years. We’ve broken down 4 top tips for budding entrepreneurs in another post.
Student career development tip #7: Look into vacation schemes
Some sectors, particularly law, operate on a career timeline which starts in the first year. Timelines often include holiday work experience opportunities available to first year students.
Pro tip: Find out whether your sector offers holiday work experience opportunities, and make sure you don’t miss the deadline to apply. Need tips on applying for internships and work placements? Check out our resources page.
Student career development tip #8: Do not neglect academics
Balancing society meetings, career events, and a part-time job all whilst studying can be daunting. But don’t get so caught up in the extra stuff that you lose sight of the most important part of your academic journey: your coursework.
Ultimately, your marks will affect every aspect of your employability, from your eligibility for scholarships and work placements to your final degree result.
As you approach the end of your first year at university, you’ll want to ensure you’re on track with all the mandatory modules you’ll need to secure the career of your choice.
Pro tip: Choose elective subjects that align with your interests and career plans. International students should ensure the mandatory modules of their course meet the qualification requirements in their home country.
Student career development in a nutshell
One of the most valuable skills you’ll learn at university is how to balance work and play. Your first year is will be a learning curve for sure, but your personal and professional development depends entirely upon the amount of effort you put in. Luckily, student career development isn’t all about work — there are plenty of ways to have fun while sharpening your skills.
But don’t wait until you move in to your university flat to start improving your employability. Be proactive, take initiative, and plan ahead. You’ll thank yourself later. (Trust us – we’re speaking from experience!)
Need more guidance? International Student Pathfinder: The Essential Guide on UK Universities and Careers is just the book to get! It is simply the most comprehensive guide on all things university, written for international students by a former international student, covers all aspects of student life from orientation to graduation and beyond.
