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One to one Careers support: appointments

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One to one Careers support: appointments

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Learn more about what to expect if you book a careers appointment. A wide range of one to one support is available and includes:

guidance appointments

practice interviews

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This is your appointment. You set the agenda, the pace, and are totally in control. You will also be doing most of the talking. Careers Consultants are here to facilitate your career choice and development, rather than lead it.

A Careers Consultant will try to make the picture clearer for you and help you to plan your next steps. You may not leave with all the answers - but you should be closer to finding them.

Please bring along a laptop or pen and paper to take notes as you may be directed towards resources for further research to help with your career planning.
A Careers Consultant may try to:

Help draw out your priorities, motivations, values and expectations.

Gently challenge your assumptions.

Encourage you to reflect on what you have already done.

Help you to develop your understanding of your chosen paths.

Help you to weigh up your options.

Make suggestions about potential resources, strategies, sectors or pathways.

Provide answers to some straightforward questions.

A Careers Consultant cannot:

Make a decision for you about which option/path to choose from.

Tell you which jobs you will be suited to or what you will enjoy doing.

Provide you with a list of employers that are recruiting.

Tell you everything you will need to know about your chosen career.

Tell you which employers will sponsor an international student

Give visa advice. The International Student Support Team can provide information relating to visas and immigration.

Tell you what to do.

If you aren't sure if we can help you, please contact Careers before booking. Our Information Team will be able to advise you on appointments and resources.
Meet the Careers Service Team
Each Faculty/School has dedicated Careers Consultant support. When you book a guidance appointment you will be offered one with the relevant Consultant for your course.
How to get the most out of your appointment
At peak times, particularly in October and November, you may not be able to get an immediate appointment or have multiple appointments. So, we want you to get the maximum benefit out of every appointment.

If you just don't know where to start thinking about your career, that's fine. A Careers Consultant can help you with this, especially if you are worrying about how and where to start. Just be aware that each appointment may only help you to move a few steps along.

If you are able and willing to do some preparation you will inevitably find yourself further along the process. The best way to start is by checking out our Careers Service website sections for students and graduates. These cover every stage of career planning and making effective applications. They are worth looking at before you book a guidance appointment, as you might find your question answered with a bit of research.

Even if you don't know what you want to do, there is still some research you can do. Try searching our Career Research resources. You will find advice on your career options, information about different sectors and advice on how to do further research.

Even a small amount of research or reflection may help you to focus the discussion to get the advice that you need.

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Appointments | University of Strathclyde

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This is your appointment. You set the agenda, the pace, and are totally in control. You will also be doing most of the talking. Careers Consultants are here to facilitate your career choice and development, rather than lead it. A Careers Consultant will try to make the picture clearer for you and help you to plan your next steps.

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Careers Service vacancy portal

Work experience

Looking for a Job

Industry-specific resources - I want to work in

HaSS padlet: example graduate programmes and opportunities

Inclusive employers and opportunities

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Google yourself and check that all of your results are work appropriate and make any non-professional Social Media private.

Update your CV, Linkedin profile and any professional websites. Make sure they reflect each other and are tailored to the skills, experience and qualities required for the job(s)

Spend time on applications, make sure they are tailored to each job and company you apply to.

Proof read everything you include in a job application.

Submit applications well in advance of the advertised deadline if that is at all possible.

Do not stop searching/applying while you wait to hear back from an application!

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A graduate scheme is a structured training programme run by an employer to develop future leaders of their organisation. They usually last between one and two years (although they can be longer).

Graduate programmes are typically available in a number of specialisms, or streams as they're also known, ranging from finance, retail and marketing, to HR, management and law.

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Many of the UK's leading employers offer dedicated training programmes for those with a degree - discover the benefits of joining a graduate scheme in 2023, what's involved and how to go about securing your place

What is a graduate scheme?

A graduate scheme is a structured training programme run by an employer to develop future leaders of their organisation. They usually last between one and two years (although they can be longer).

These graduate programmes are typically available in a number of specialisms, or streams as they're also known, ranging from finance, retail and marketing, to HR, management and law.

What does a graduate programme involve?

The scheme may be focused on a job role or split into time-specific placements, such as spending six months at a time rotating across various business functions, teams and possibly locations. This means that a large degree of flexibility is required.

As a graduate trainee you'll benefit from being handed responsibility from the outset, an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop a broad understanding of your chosen profession, as well as receiving support in building key skills.

Schemes are generally oversubscribed each year, with places limited - especially those offered by high profile companies in major industries. You'll therefore have to ensure your application stands out from those submitted by other candidates.

How much will I be paid?

High Fliers' The Graduate Market in 2022 report revealed that the most generous payers from The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers are investment banks, law firms, consulting firms, oil and energy companies, and banking and finance organisations.

These top employers offer salaries of at least £38,000, with investment bankers able to earn £50,000.

Which companies run graduate schemes?

With graduate schemes spanning numerous careers and industries, you'll have plenty of options when it comes to choosing an employer:

Agriculture - Work experience is essential for those looking to enter the agriculture industry, with larger employers such as AB Agri and the National Farmers' Union (NFU) providing training for those seeking graduate opportunities in agriculture.

Charity - While rarer in this sector, some organisations still run schemes. Read more about getting a graduate charity job.

Energy and utilities - The oil and gas industry is always on the lookout for new recruits to work in their manufacturing, technical, commercial and corporate operations, while there's also the option of getting a graduate job in nuclear energy.

Finance - All the major banks, including Barclays, the Lloyds Banking Group and HSBC, have dedicated finance graduate schemes, with finance specialists in demand across all sectors.

Healthcare/management - If you're looking to work in the healthcare sector at management level, you could consider working for the National Health Service (NHS) by joining the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme. General management programmes are also available, including consulting graduate schemes.

Human resources (HR) - Many large organisations including Balfour Beatty, BP and Royal Mail require graduates to work in their busy personnel departments. See HR graduate schemes.

Information technology (IT)/sales - Graduate training programmes are also run by IT and telecommunications companies such as Google, Microsoft, BT and EE in technical and sales-based roles. Read about the UK's IT industry and the companies that run sales graduate schemes.

Law - By following a structured route into the legal profession, you can take advantage of training contracts.

Marketing/media - Another popular and far-reaching field, you could work for a major media company such as the BBC, Sky or Virgin Media. There are also general marketing graduate schemes available across all sectors.

Public services/intelligence - If you're interested in getting a graduate job in public services you'll find a number of schemes are available through governmental departments, the intelligence services and the armed forces.

Retail - The UK's biggest retailers, including Aldi, Boots, Next and Marks & Spencer, train their staff through structured retail graduate schemes typically split across various customer-facing and head office roles.

Transport - Aer Lingus, British Airways (BA), easyJet and Virgin Atlantic seek graduates for their commercial, finance and IT-related airline graduate schemes. You could also consider road and railway careers.

Where can I find out more about employer programmes?

If you've an interest in working for a specific company, in addition to visiting its website you can also follow it on social media. By engaging with the recruiter through popular channels such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram, you can get a good idea of its culture and values.

By attending in-person or virtual careers fairs and recruitment events while still at university, you'll get to find out about employers you'd be interested in working for and speak to recent graduates about what's involved with a particular scheme.

Sign up to get personalised job alerts and shortlist your favourites

When do graduate schemes open?

In most cases, you'll be able to apply to join a programme from the end of your second year (June-onwards), with deadlines usually set for the November or December of that year.

However, it's advisable to apply as early as possible, as some organisations fill places on an ongoing basis and close as soon as they're full.

How do I apply?

The first stage of applying for a scheme is often similar to applying for graduate jobs - you'll be expected to fill out an online job application. Guidance relating to CVs and cover letters may also still come in handy.

After this, it's worth delving into interview tips, assessment centres and psychometric tests, as these are usually considered key stages of the selection process.

Many employers also now use social media to share helpful and informal advice with candidates about all aspects of your application. For example, at the NHS, this ranges from current trainees giving tips on how they prepared for their assessment centre, to alumni sharing general advice on interviews and the graduate team offering pointers on passing online tests.

For information on setting up relevant accounts and how to go about networking with current graduates, see social media and job hunting.

Can I get on a graduate scheme with a 2:2?

While graduate programmes generally expect applicants to have a 2:1 or higher, some employers may be more flexible - for example, the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme and all of MBDA's graduate programmes ask for a 2:2.

If you get invited to interview, be prepared to discuss your grade with recruiters. Be positive by highlighting your strength in other areas, and by emphasising work experience or extra-curricular activities that demonstrate you've got the skills employers want. To prepare, you can also run through some example questions and answers.

When do graduate schemes start?

Start dates for these programmes are usually set for the August or September following graduation, but this does vary as some employers take on new recruits as soon as a vacancy is available.

Will I be offered a permanent job?

It's quite common for graduates to be offered a permanent role upon completion of the scheme, but this is by no means the case with all employers. Therefore, you'll need to check the programme you're applying for to find out where you'll stand afterwards.

What if I don't like my graduate scheme?

According to the Institute of Student Employers' (ISE) Student Recruitment Survey 2021, the competition for graduate jobs reached a record high (since 1999 when data was first collected), with a typical firm receiving 91 applications for every vacancy they're advertising.

Therefore, due to such a clamour for places, the dropout rate for graduate schemes will understandably be low. However, if you do decide that the scheme isn't for you, take time to reassess the situation.

One of the most common reasons for leaving a scheme within the first year is to make a career change, with conversion courses and professional training offering routes into other industries. Read up on how to find a job.

Alternatively, you could contemplate taking a gap year to think about things and experience a new culture.

As you plan your next move, you might wish to revisit choosing a career and explore what can I do with my degree?

Find out more

Written by Daniel Higginbotham, Editor

Prospects · September 2022

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Many of the UK's leading employers offer dedicated training programmes for those with a degree - discover the benefits of joining a graduate scheme in 2023, what's involved and how to go about securing your place A graduate scheme is a structured training programme run by an employer to develop future leaders of their organisation.

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1. Work through EXPLORE Gaining and Recognising Your Experience in the Undergraduate Careers Module

2. What type of experience are you seeking? Consider:

the type of job(s) you would like

the sector(s) or industries you would like to work in

which location(s) you would like to work in and how far you can commute/would be able to move; or if you would prefer to work remotely.

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This module has been created by the Careers and Employability Service. It draws on content from You're Hired! Graduate Career Handbook by Tristram Hooley and Korin Grant. It also incorporates material developed by our Careers Consultants.

Watch this short video introducing the module

Who is this module for?

It's been developed for all current undergraduate students from 1st year. You'll find it helpful whatever stage you are at.

It focuses on career and employability learning. It provides you with insights into the process of transition, from university to work or further study. This includes an understanding of the processes of career choice and career development. It also includes graduate recruitment processes and the labour market. Find out more about the content using the drop-down sections below.

are you a postgraduate student? We have created a postgraduate careers module tailored to the needs of students studying at postgraduate level. Please enrol on that module instead

are you a graduate? Unfortunately you cannot access MyPlace which hosts this module. However, our Careers Online Toolkit has some fantastic resources that cover many of these topics

are you a student carer? A dedicated version of this module has been created in partnership with student interns who are carers themselves. It takes into account your commitments and responsibilities to ensure more relevant information has been incorporated

are you an autistic student or graduate interested in developing your employability skills? Then this free online course has been created by a team of experts, including autistic graduates, autistic workplace mentors, non-autistic university careers consultants, and non-autistic researchers

What does the module involve?

This module is not credit-bearing. That means you can go at your own pace. You may decide to work through it from start to finish. Or dip into sections and topics that are most relevant to the stage you're at.

We have organised the module content for each topic in a 'book'. Click on the icon to begin working through that topic. Each book contains information, activities, and further resources. These are accompanied by suggestions for follow-up activities.

We have drawn on content from You're Hired! Graduate Career Handbook. We have provided online access to it through the University library. For EXPLORE and PLAN you are encouraged to read a chapter of the book before working through each topic.

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Undergraduate Careers Module | University of Strathclyde

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This module has been created by the Careers and Employability Service. It draws on content from You're Hired! Graduate Career Handbook by Tristram Hooley and Korin Grant. It also incorporates material developed by our Careers Consultants. Watch this short video introducing the module It's been developed for all current undergraduate students from 1st year.

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What is an internship?

Internships are short periods of professional experience. They give you a taste of what graduate work is like and can help you make industry contacts.

Summer Internships develop and enhance your skills and can last between two – twelve weeks and are generally paid.

Most internship opportunities advertised by large graduate recruiters are aimed at penultimate (pre-final) year students. When to apply: many are advertised the summer before the internship is due to start with deadlines from as early as October

Smaller businesses (SMEs) that offer internship opportunities may not specify a year of study. When to apply: closer to the start date/some throughout the year for part-time opportunities

Some companies will also offer Easter or Christmas opportunities (often called spring internships or insight days). These are often targeted at first and second year students, however, there will be a limited number of these opportunities available. When to apply:

There are some unpaid opportunities but these should be very short and not last more than four weeks.

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Written by Jemma Smith, EditorProspects · September 2023

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Search for internships on the site and discover everything you need to know including, why you should do one, how long they last, if you’ll be paid and how to apply.

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Careers and Employability Service resources for every stage of the application process

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Careers and Employability Service resources for every stage of the application process

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Making applications | University of Strathclyde

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The first step in making any application is your CV and cover letter.

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‘Graduate job’ is a wider term than ‘graduate scheme’. It describes employment for which you won’t be hired unless you have an honours degree. But a graduate job doesn’t necessarily mean the employer enrols you onto a defined programme of structured professional training – so it might not have the ‘scheme’ element.

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Use our guide to understand the difference between a graduate job, a graduate scheme and an entry-level job, and help you make decisions about your career.

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What is a placement?

A placement may form part of your course. If it is credit-bearing you are not required to be paid

Your academic or placement adviser will provide you with information about the requirements for your placement and possibly advise you of opportunities posted directly by employers to your academic department.

Many Strathclyde courses don’t include an industrial placement year as part of the course. However, it is possible to interrupt your studies for one year, with support from your academic department, to complete a year long work placement.

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An essential part of some degrees, work placements have a number of benefits. Completing one will help you to increase your skills, expand your networks and clarify your career goals

Work placements explained

Usually completed during term time, work placements are a compulsory element of some degrees.

They can be taken as part of a 'sandwich' year and are also known as a 'year in industry' or 'placement year'.

If you're on a sandwich course, you'll typically complete the placement between your second and final year of study. You'll be assessed and receive academic credit for the placement.

The difference between work placements and internships

People often confuse work placements with internships, but the two types of experience are different. While internships are usually undertaken over the summer months or after graduation to gain experience in a particular field, work placements are taken as part of a degree. Students on a placement year are completing a module and receive academic credit for the year.

Arranging a placement

If you're studying for a course that includes a work placement, you may find that the organisation is simply allocated to you.

If this isn't the case then you should arrange your own placement. Your first port of call should be your university careers service, as they will have a huge database of employer and alumni contacts. Careers advisers will also be on hand to help with applications. Take advantage of work experience fairs to make contact with employers and search for suitable placements online. You can also target employers speculatively to find and secure work placements.

If you're arranging your own work placement, ask for the terms to be agreed in writing beforehand, as placements aren't covered by employment legislation. If you're in any doubt about the organisation or the activities, you should seek further advice from your careers service.

If you struggle to arrange a placement there are a variety of things you can do to build your skills and gain experience. You could apply for virtual work experience, get involved in online volunteering opportunities or apply for temporary or part-time roles. All these activities will build your transferable skills and demonstrate to employers your tenacious, proactive, outside-the-box thinking.

How to apply for placements

If the placement is part of your course some universities may organise opportunities on your behalf, while others will assist you in identifying and applying for placements yourself.

Alternatively, if you're arranging your own placement - one that isn't an essential element of your course - companies may require you to complete a formal online application, detailing what you could bring to the role. Applying for a work placement can be as competitive as applying for a permanent job, with many companies holding formal interviews and assessment centres. It's therefore essential that before you apply, you thoroughly research the company and the role.

Length of programmes

This varies depending on your course and the type of placement you're undertaking.

Some work placements are arranged for during the holidays, and so last between one and three months. Other placements involve working one day a week over a longer period of time. In the law sector, one or two-week schemes are available in the form of vacation placements and mini-pupillages, which you can apply for at any time of the year.

On some degree courses you'll need to spend a year in industry. These industrial placements are commonly found in engineering, science and construction-related degrees. Social work degrees and those in healthcare and teaching also typically include longer placements. Most universities have a placement tutor to help you arrange your year with an employer.

Assessment methods

If the work placement is a compulsory part of your course, it's likely that it will be formally assessed or accredited. Assessments vary and might include the completion of specific tasks or projects, writing a report or reflective log, or using the learning from a work placement in another assignment or course activity.

If the placement isn't a compulsory element, then it's a good idea to write about your learning in a personal/professional development portfolio (PDP). This will help you if you need to call upon your experience later to answer interview questions.

Wages

Whether you receive a wage during your work placement will depend on the type of placement you undertake and the length of time you work for.

It's unlikely that you'll be paid for short-term work placements and for placements that you have arranged yourself. As 'sandwich placements' last longer and are a requirement of your course, they usually come with a reasonable wage. Salaries range widely, but generally fall between £11,000 and £25,000.

Always discuss matters of payment with the organisation you'll be working for and be clear where both parties stand before starting your placement.

7 reasons to do a work placement

There are a number of advantages to completing a work placement. For example, they:

let you apply your knowledge and skills in a work setting

increase skills and competencies highly sought after by employers

give you an insight into the way organisations operate and the challenges they face

help you to understand a particular job or industry

provide you with networking opportunities

enable you to attend training courses

clarify your career goals.

The benefits include:

finding a supervisor who may be able to act as a referee for you in future job applications

attendance at in-company training courses

payment (more likely in longer work placements)

subsidised travel or meals.

Search for opportunities

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can provide students with fantastic practical experience; so don't discount them when it comes to work placements. They're often overlooked, but small businesses are great for allowing you to act on your own initiative and develop your own way of working. What's more, they provide superb opportunities for networking. If you're a confident, creative and motivated team player, you could quickly become an asset at an SME.

Find out more

Written by Jemma Smith, Editor

Prospects · August 2021

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An essential part of some degrees, work placements have a number of benefits. Completing one will help you to increase your skills, expand your networks and clarify your career goals Usually completed during term time, work placements are a compulsory element of some degrees.

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Most employers recruit from any degree discipline.

UK employers value experience gained from a wide range of experiences. This can include:

Previous employment prior to university

Part-time jobs

Internship or placement

Being a parent or a carer

Responsibilities eg babysitting

Spending a semester or year abroad/travelling

Volunteering

Hobbies/interests/side projects (e.g. music, writing, your own small business)

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Deadlines to be aware of for graduate opportunities

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Deadlines to be aware of for graduate opportunities

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Graduate training schemes: applications open in the summer for start dates the following year

Public Sector: graduate schemes tend to open in January

Small Companies, direct entry graduate roles: advertise all year round - start applying 3-4 months before you graduate

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Learn more about further ways to gain experience, including:

part-time jobs

casual vacation work

volunteering

insight days

working virtually

international experience

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Work experience | University of Strathclyde

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Working while you study full-time may be an economic necessity. But, you can turn it to your advantage in many ways:

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Other opportunities at Strathclyde to enhance your employability

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Other opportunities at Strathclyde to enhance your employability

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Explore employability opportunities and read about how other students have developed their employability while studying at Strathclyde.

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Employability opportunities | University of Strathclyde

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Did you know?

Employers do not expect graduates to have all the workplace skills they need at entry point.

However, below are skills they tell us that graduates need to work on (or be better at evidencing in recruitment processes):

Self-awareness

Resilience

Work-appropriate written communication

Dealing with conflict

Awareness of the wider context:

commercial awareness

diversity and inclusion awareness

SOURCE: ISE Development Survey 2024, pages 30-35

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Search graduate jobs, graduate schemes, internships and work experience opportunities from a huge range of graduate employers. Filter by sector, salary, location and more.

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Are you searching for a graduate scheme in the UK? Visit targetjobs online to discover your dream role.

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Work through:

Section 4 - Enhance your employability - understand what we mean by employability at Strathclyde. Identify opportunities you can get involved with that will help you further develop your employability. And connect with students from other disciplines

Section 5 - Develop your job search strategy - this section will enable you to achieve a better understanding of the UK and international labour markets. You will also learn how to job search effectively. And find opportunities relating to your career goals

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This module was created by our qualified Careers Consultants. It supported the career development of postgraduate taught students.

It will enable you to make the most of your postgraduate experience at Strathclyde. This is through engaging with content and activities that support you to:

explore where your masters could take you. It also helps you to understand the processes of career choice and development

enhance your employability through engaging in opportunities that will also build your network

build your confidence in searching for opportunities and making applications

access the support available to you during your studies and after graduation

The module is not credit-bearing and does not include any assignments. There are activities that we encourage you to engage with. You may decide to work through it from start to finish. Or, dip into sections and topics that are most relevant to the stage you are at.
Enrol now
Further information

MSc students in the Business School: you are already enrolled on Mastering Your Career, a dedicated resource specifically for Masters students in SBS. Find it on your list of courses on MyPlace or click Mastering Your Career

Undergraduate students: please enrol on the undergraduate careers module instead. This has been developed for all current undergraduate students from 1st year onwards

Graduates: unfortunately you cannot access MyPlace which hosts this module. Our Careers Online Toolkit has some fantastic resources that cover many of these topics

Autistic students and graduates: if you're an autistic student or graduate, there is a free online course. Employability Skills for Autistic Students and Graduates has been developed by a team of experts. This team includes autistic graduates, autistic workplace mentors, non-autistic university careers consultants, and non-autistic researchers

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course you'll be able to:

explain the role of your postgraduate studies in developing subject-specific knowledge and abilities in relation to career choice

research and describe typical degree-related career options using a range of information sources

show knowledge of trends in graduate employment related to your postgraduate qualification. And identify your development needs in relation to this

identify the key elements of effective career decision-making. Share knowledge of your strengths and weaknesses, values, and interests. Understand their significance in relation to your career choice

recognise specific skills, qualifications, and experience requiring further development in relation to your career choice

devise an action plan for short to medium-term career research/development. This will be informed by your self-awareness and effective career research

apply an understanding of recruitment and selection methods. Tailor your written and verbal self-presentation to meet the requirements of opportunities

Topics covered

The module is divided into 10 sections:

1. Student support at Strathclyde - we want to ensure you are aware of our excellent student support services and how to access them. This section also highlights the support and opportunities that are available to you through the Careers Service. This includes information, resources, and advice for international students

2. Why are you doing a masters? - this section supports you to reflect on your reasons for choosing postgraduate study. It also explores where your masters could lead you

3. Make career decisions - this section is about career decisions and career planning. It includes activities that support you in taking control of your career

4. Enhance your employability - understand what we mean by employability at Strathclyde. Identify opportunities you can get involved with that will help you further develop your employability. And connect with students from other disciplines

5. Develop your job search strategy - this section will enable you to achieve a better understanding of the UK and international labour markets. You will also learn how to job search effectively. And find opportunities relating to your career goals

6. Prepare for recruitment processes - this section is all about the importance of doing your research. Research can help you to understand jobs, organisations, and sectors. It will help you make decisions about your career. Ultimately it will help you to stand out during a recruitment process

7. Make applications - a closer look at key stages of the recruitment process: CVs, cover letters, application forms, psychometric testing, and interviews

8. Build and use your network - this section is all about building, maintaining and using your network to support your career development

9. Thinking of a PhD? - are you considering continuing your academic studies after your current course? This section will help you to understand what postgraduate research is and whether it's right for you. It includes activities that prepare you for making applications for a PhD/doctoral study

10. Support after graduation - learn more about the support available to you after you have graduated

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Postgraduate Careers Module | University of Strathclyde

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This module was created by our qualified Careers Consultants. It supported the career development of postgraduate taught students. It will enable you to make the most of your postgraduate experience at Strathclyde. This is through engaging with content and activities that support you to: explore where your masters could take you.

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Work through PLAN Effective Career Research

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This module has been created by the Careers and Employability Service. It draws on content from You're Hired! Graduate Career Handbook by Tristram Hooley and Korin Grant. It also incorporates material developed by our Careers Consultants.

Watch this short video introducing the module

Who is this module for?

It's been developed for all current undergraduate students from 1st year. You'll find it helpful whatever stage you are at.

It focuses on career and employability learning. It provides you with insights into the process of transition, from university to work or further study. This includes an understanding of the processes of career choice and career development. It also includes graduate recruitment processes and the labour market. Find out more about the content using the drop-down sections below.

are you a postgraduate student? We have created a postgraduate careers module tailored to the needs of students studying at postgraduate level. Please enrol on that module instead

are you a graduate? Unfortunately you cannot access MyPlace which hosts this module. However, our Careers Online Toolkit has some fantastic resources that cover many of these topics

are you a student carer? A dedicated version of this module has been created in partnership with student interns who are carers themselves. It takes into account your commitments and responsibilities to ensure more relevant information has been incorporated

are you an autistic student or graduate interested in developing your employability skills? Then this free online course has been created by a team of experts, including autistic graduates, autistic workplace mentors, non-autistic university careers consultants, and non-autistic researchers

What does the module involve?

This module is not credit-bearing. That means you can go at your own pace. You may decide to work through it from start to finish. Or dip into sections and topics that are most relevant to the stage you're at.

We have organised the module content for each topic in a 'book'. Click on the icon to begin working through that topic. Each book contains information, activities, and further resources. These are accompanied by suggestions for follow-up activities.

We have drawn on content from You're Hired! Graduate Career Handbook. We have provided online access to it through the University library. For EXPLORE and PLAN you are encouraged to read a chapter of the book before working through each topic.

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Undergraduate Careers Module | University of Strathclyde

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This module has been created by the Careers and Employability Service. It draws on content from You're Hired! Graduate Career Handbook by Tristram Hooley and Korin Grant. It also incorporates material developed by our Careers Consultants. Watch this short video introducing the module It's been developed for all current undergraduate students from 1st year.

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Work through section 6 - Prepare for recruitment processes

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This module was created by our qualified Careers Consultants. It supported the career development of postgraduate taught students.

It will enable you to make the most of your postgraduate experience at Strathclyde. This is through engaging with content and activities that support you to:

explore where your masters could take you. It also helps you to understand the processes of career choice and development

enhance your employability through engaging in opportunities that will also build your network

build your confidence in searching for opportunities and making applications

access the support available to you during your studies and after graduation

The module is not credit-bearing and does not include any assignments. There are activities that we encourage you to engage with. You may decide to work through it from start to finish. Or, dip into sections and topics that are most relevant to the stage you are at.
Enrol now
Further information

MSc students in the Business School: you are already enrolled on Mastering Your Career, a dedicated resource specifically for Masters students in SBS. Find it on your list of courses on MyPlace or click Mastering Your Career

Undergraduate students: please enrol on the undergraduate careers module instead. This has been developed for all current undergraduate students from 1st year onwards

Graduates: unfortunately you cannot access MyPlace which hosts this module. Our Careers Online Toolkit has some fantastic resources that cover many of these topics

Autistic students and graduates: if you're an autistic student or graduate, there is a free online course. Employability Skills for Autistic Students and Graduates has been developed by a team of experts. This team includes autistic graduates, autistic workplace mentors, non-autistic university careers consultants, and non-autistic researchers

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course you'll be able to:

explain the role of your postgraduate studies in developing subject-specific knowledge and abilities in relation to career choice

research and describe typical degree-related career options using a range of information sources

show knowledge of trends in graduate employment related to your postgraduate qualification. And identify your development needs in relation to this

identify the key elements of effective career decision-making. Share knowledge of your strengths and weaknesses, values, and interests. Understand their significance in relation to your career choice

recognise specific skills, qualifications, and experience requiring further development in relation to your career choice

devise an action plan for short to medium-term career research/development. This will be informed by your self-awareness and effective career research

apply an understanding of recruitment and selection methods. Tailor your written and verbal self-presentation to meet the requirements of opportunities

Topics covered

The module is divided into 10 sections:

1. Student support at Strathclyde - we want to ensure you are aware of our excellent student support services and how to access them. This section also highlights the support and opportunities that are available to you through the Careers Service. This includes information, resources, and advice for international students

2. Why are you doing a masters? - this section supports you to reflect on your reasons for choosing postgraduate study. It also explores where your masters could lead you

3. Make career decisions - this section is about career decisions and career planning. It includes activities that support you in taking control of your career

4. Enhance your employability - understand what we mean by employability at Strathclyde. Identify opportunities you can get involved with that will help you further develop your employability. And connect with students from other disciplines

5. Develop your job search strategy - this section will enable you to achieve a better understanding of the UK and international labour markets. You will also learn how to job search effectively. And find opportunities relating to your career goals

6. Prepare for recruitment processes - this section is all about the importance of doing your research. Research can help you to understand jobs, organisations, and sectors. It will help you make decisions about your career. Ultimately it will help you to stand out during a recruitment process

7. Make applications - a closer look at key stages of the recruitment process: CVs, cover letters, application forms, psychometric testing, and interviews

8. Build and use your network - this section is all about building, maintaining and using your network to support your career development

9. Thinking of a PhD? - are you considering continuing your academic studies after your current course? This section will help you to understand what postgraduate research is and whether it's right for you. It includes activities that prepare you for making applications for a PhD/doctoral study

10. Support after graduation - learn more about the support available to you after you have graduated

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Postgraduate Careers Module | University of Strathclyde

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This module was created by our qualified Careers Consultants. It supported the career development of postgraduate taught students. It will enable you to make the most of your postgraduate experience at Strathclyde. This is through engaging with content and activities that support you to: explore where your masters could take you.

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Sign up for job alerts from companies you want to work for, follow them on professionally appropriate social media such as LinkedIn or twitter.

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While social media platforms have become integral to our personal lives, they're also a powerful recruitment tool - discover how building a personal brand could be the key to successful job hunting

High Fliers' The Graduate Market in 2023 review has confirmed that nearly all (95%) of the UK's leading recruiters listed in The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers are using social media as a means of finding graduate talent. Indeed, over a quarter (27%) of these organisations determined their 2022/23 recruitment campaigns to have been 'very successful'.

It's easy to see why social media platforms are becoming so popular for recruiters - Digital 2023: The United Kingdom, a joint survey between We are social and Meltwater, found that over 84% (57.1 million people) of the UK population is active on social media (January 2023).

With nearly 50 million users aged 18 and above using social media in the UK, it's no wonder that advertising jobs through this medium is fast becoming the quick, accessible way of reaching graduates as well as those who'd like to make a career change.

Online data portal Statista revealed that nearly 50 million UK-based internet users watched online videos in 2021, with digital video audiences expected to reach just under 54 million by 2026.

The growing impact of videos can be seen in the social media statistics for dedicated sites such as YouTube and TikTok. On average, users have spent 15 hours and 30 minutes and 27 hours and 18 minutes per month respectively engaging with these two platforms.

The survey revealed that the most used social media site is now WhatsApp, with over 73% of internet users aged 16 to 64 using the platform each month.

This is followed by the more traditional names of:

Facebook (70.7%)

Instagram (56.4%)

Facebook Messenger (55.3%)

Twitter (42.8%).

With over a quarter (27.1%) of internet users spending time on LinkedIn each month, this shows how a significant proportion of users are engaging in networking for work purposes.

So, where your career is concerned, it's time to consider how you set up your various profiles for a selection of the leading platforms.

Building a personal brand

When applying for jobs, remember that potential employers are likely viewing your social profiles, so you need to give a positive representation of yourself and your 'personal brand'.

Create a strong online profile that's integrated across the most popular platforms, and you'll be well-positioned to reap the career rewards, both in terms of your current job search and for future openings.

Use a consistent username and appropriate image for each account, which should be made publicly visible. Also, link to other platforms that you're using professionally.

Bear in mind that social media is a creative medium, so it's fine to show off your personality, putting forward your ideas, opinions and interests outside of academia and work - for example, if you're into sport, fitness, gaming or fashion.

What you detail in your profiles will let employers know more about you as an individual, providing an insight into your personality that will hopefully impact positively on your job applications.

LinkedIn is a social network for professionals and with 35 million UK members, it's the easiest way to make connections in your industry from the comfort of your home. LinkedIn also advertises vacancies, so it's a great place to search for jobs as well.

Your profile should detail relevant professional information including your previous experience, skillset and education history, which you can then use to connect with companies and individuals and start building a network of contacts.

You'll be recommended jobs based on your interests and the companies you follow, so by signing up you could come across opportunities that you didn't know existed.

Make sure your profile is ready to be seen by recruiters by:

Utilising your biography - this is the first thing recruiters see when looking at your profile, so make it count. Let them know what type of roles you're looking for and share your current location, as well as your course, key modules, dissertation, work experience, interests, hobbies and key accomplishments - but be selective, as some part-time jobs may not be relevant.

Following relevant companies - they'll post company and sector-wide updates, so this is a great way of staying clued up on what's happening in the industry.

Looking to people you admire - thanks to the 'Experience' section of LinkedIn profiles, you can see the steps taken by people in the roles you're aspiring to enter.

Once you've got it all set up, you can follow Prospects' LinkedIn profile.

Search for jobs on Facebook

According to the survey, Facebook is the nation's second most popular platform. What's more, it can reach over 34 million of the UK's population through advertising.

As the majority of Facebook's audience logs in for personal use, it may not seem like the obvious place to look for jobs. However, with the number of active users at their fingertips, employers are now listing opportunities on their accounts.

In terms of making your own Facebook profile look professional, fill out the 'Work and education' section, adding any notable achievements (such as promotions and travel opportunities) to your 'Life events' timeline.

Avoid making rude or negative comments about previous employers on your profile, even in jest, and don't share anything that would be deemed unprofessional - whether or not you've applied for a position through Facebook. This is because employers often look to candidates' profiles to gauge whether they'll be a suitable fit for the company.

Take a look at Prospects on Facebook.

Find a career on Twitter

Twitter offers a more relaxed approach to social networking, where users discuss their interests through likes, retweets and sharing 280-character updates, although Twitter Blue users are now able to post 4,000-character updates. With over 23 million Twitter users in the UK, it's fast becoming a place for employers to find passionate, ambitious graduates.

To use this to your professional advantage:

Get inventive with your bio - you'll have to be snappy, as Twitter only offers 160 characters for this, but it should be enough to introduce yourself and state the types of roles you're looking for. Tag your location here and link a website (this could be your LinkedIn profile, a blog or portfolio) to give employers easy access to your work.

Engage with others in your industry - following someone you admire on Twitter is a less personal process than connecting with them on LinkedIn. By joining in conversations, which you can find by searching relevant hashtags, you'll gain access to a range of voices, opinions and opportunities to inspire you.

Stay up to date with current affairs - tweets take seconds to post and are quick and easy to digest, meaning organisations use them to report breaking news and make announcements. If you're following the right mix of professionals and companies, your Twitter feed should be a real-time account of what's happening in your industry, as it happens.

Get to know your employers - it works both ways. Search and follow employers to find out what projects they're currently working on and to get a feel for the company.

Include your Twitter handle in job applications. It's a great way to show employers your personality, and having the confidence to invite others in will make a great first impression.

Be sure to follow @Prospects.

Here are some ways you may also be able to find a job through social networking:

By building contacts on social platforms such as LinkedIn and Twitter, you can keep up with the latest industry developments and may even get recommended for roles.

Attend online and in-person networking events to discover what your peers and mentors are doing. Get some ideas on networking and finding a job.

At university, keep up with careers fairs, podcasts and other events that can boost your job prospects.

Discover what graduate schemes are actually like by reading what current and previous graduates think of the programme. Get involved with Q&A sessions that provide an insight into the work culture of that organisation. This allows you to make a more informed decision on whether the company is the right fit for you.

Find out more

Written by Daniel Higginbotham, Editor

Prospects · July 2023

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Discover how by using online platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, you can impress employers and boost your chances of landing a job.

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TIP: Read job descriptions and person specifications carefully

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TIP: Read job descriptions and person specifications carefully

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Look at the skills and experience required in the job descriptions and person specification. Do you have these skills? Is there anything key you are missing?

If you are missing key essential criteria consider what you can do to address this - perhaps applying at a lower level?

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Events run throughout the year online and on campus.

Attending events is a great way to learn more about what different organisations do, the types of roles they have for students and graduates and what it is like to work there.

Recent graduates are often involved in presenting and there is usually an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the session.

Recordings of past events are available via the dropdown menu on the Events web page (linked to above).

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The Careers Service offers a variety of careers sessions and employer-led events. They are advertised on the Careers Events Calendar.

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Research the application process used by your chosen employer

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Research the application process used by your chosen employer

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Most employers provide detailed information on their website about their recruitment processes.

Ensure you read all the information they provide, which may include video case studies of recent graduates speaking about their experience.

Read the About Us section of their website and any information they provide about their Values.

Practice for pre-screening tests such as psychometric tests as appropriate.

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When looking for work in niche areas or with small to medium sized companies you don’t always have to wait for a vacancy to be advertised, a speculative approach can be effective if you do your research and make a well-informed approach.

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Making speculative applications | University of Strathclyde

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This is called making speculative applications i.e. you approach an employer about the possibility of working with them even though there is no advertised vacancy.

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MyPlus Students’ Club provides students with disabilities with the advice and support they need to navigate the recruitment process and achieve their career potential.

Register for free with MyPlus Students’ Club for advice on openness, requesting adjustments and access to many more resources

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MyPlus Students' Club advice and resources provides you with essential advice, templates, FAQs and more to support you through the recruitment process, and into the workplace, enabling you to realise your career potential.

Disability Careers Guides

Templates

Blog

FAQs

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Advice and resources - MyPlus Students' Club

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For individuals who have a disability, including learning difficulties or mental health concerns, it's important to ensure that you receive the correct support both during the recruitment process and in the workplace itself.

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Careers and Employability Service website

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Careers and Employability Service website

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The Careers and Employability Service website provides a comprehensive range of resources on a range of topics that include:

choosing a career

work experience

looking for a job

making applications

further study

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NEW: Enhanced careers support for disabled students and graduates

Through our partnership with EmployAbility you have access to individualised advice and support about adjustments for recruitment and in the workplace, information about your rights and additional support with your application.
Register now with EmployAbility, to access free support and advice.

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Through our partnership with EmployAbility you have access to individualised advice and support about adjustments for recruitment and in the workplace, information about your rights and additional support with your application. Register now with EmployAbility, to access free support and advice.

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Recruiters are struggling to find candidates with the right skills despite the large number of applications for each job. Discover what skills employers are looking for and how you can sell them on your CV

Your degree will have provided you with subject-specific and transferable skills. It's important to be able to reflect on what they are, and where you gained them.

According to Manpower Group's The Talent Shortage survey, 77% of global employers are having difficulty recruiting. In the UK, it's 80%. The top five in-demand skills areas were:

IT and data

engineering

sales and marketing

operations and logistics

customer facing and front office.

In addition to these specific areas, employers in the survey reported difficulties in finding employees with these transferable skills:

reliability and self-discipline

creativity and originality

critical thinking and analysis

reasoning and problem solving

resilience and adaptability.

Here are some other skills that employers look out for when taking on new recruits.

We're looking for ambitious graduates

Apply to join one of Europe's leading food processing companies

Effective communication

How clearly you put across your ideas and your ability to listen to others is an important skill for any job hunter to demonstrate. Employers will be keen to see how you build rapport, persuade and negotiate.

Use your CV or application form to outline specific written and verbal examples of when you've put these skills into practice. This might be any public speaking you've done, or writing for a student newspaper, for example. Show how you tailored your message to the target audience.

Resilience

This refers to your ability to deal with setbacks, and is something that graduate employers have increasingly started to consider. How well do you cope with stressful situations or when something goes wrong? How do you react to unexpected changes or problems that occur during a project?

You aren't expected to be unaffected by these events, but you need to be able to show that you react to them positively and are able to develop strategies to deal with them.

Commercial awareness

Also known as business acumen, this is all about understanding how an industry or particular organisation works - where it sits in the market, who its competitors are and having knowledge of current developments in the field.

To exhibit commercial awareness, you'll need to show you've done your research on the company and the sector it sits in. Membership of a professional organisation or relevant work experience can also be used to illustrate this skill.

Take a few minutes to answer the Job Match quiz and find out what careers would suit you

Leadership and management

Even if you're not applying for a management position, you'll still need to demonstrate to employers that you have the potential to motivate and lead others to achieve common objectives. It's also important to evidence the skill of self-management - demonstrating a situation where you've managed your own time successfully.

On application forms, detail situations where you've had the opportunity to plan and coordinate tasks during your degree or in extra-curricular activities such as university clubs and societies. The ability to solve problems and conflicts is always highly valued by recruiters.

Planning and research skills

To accomplish certain work tasks, you may need to come up with a suitable strategy and plan of action. This could involve seeking out relevant information from various sources. How you analyse, interpret and report these findings is what's important here.

Highlight the relevant skills you've developed during your degree - reading around a subject and analysing that information before writing an essay, for instance, or interpreting the results of a scientific experiment.

Adaptability

Organisations want to stay competitive, so it's essential to show employers that you're able to adapt to new situations and learn new skills in the workplace. Possessing this skill also tells employers that you're a good leader who handles challenges well.

To evidence this in your application you could use examples of a time you've learned new skills or processes at university, or an instance when you've adapted to a new or challenging situation in your part-time job.

Teamwork and interpersonal skills

Most graduates will have had the chance to work in teams during their time at university and in part-time jobs or work placements. Employers will be looking at your individual contribution towards achieving common goals.

This isn't just about times when you've led a team successfully, but also when you've been an effective team member taking instructions and direction from somebody else.

Find out how to incorporate these skills into your application forms by looking at example questions and answers.

Relevant work experience

It's not just about showing you have the necessary skills. Having some relevant work experience is also important to help you stand out in a competitive jobs market and demonstrate to employers that you're serious about the role.

For advice on how to secure a placement and make the most of the opportunities available, see work experience and internships.

Find out more

Written by Rachel Swain, Editorial manager

Prospects · June 2023

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Find out what skills you'll need to highlight on a CV, cover letter or job application to make yourself stand out.

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Equality & diversity resources, support and events

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Equality & diversity resources, support and events

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Further information, resources, and recordings of some of the Careers and Employability Service events that have a specific focus on Equality and Diversity are available via the link above.

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The Equality Act 2010 protects jobseekers and employees from discrimination on the basis of certain characteristics such as; age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

The best employers champion diversity in the workplace. Many graduate recruiters go beyond formal legal requirements. They set themselves challenging recruitment targets to build a diverse workforce. To find out who these employers are you can:

check the organisation's website for information on equal opportunities policies, employee support networks, or diversity champions

keep an eye on our events calendar for insight into events aimed at under-represented groups

find out if the relevant professional bodies offer initiatives or events

look out for the Disability Confident logo

MyPlus Students' Club provides students with disabilities with the advice and support they need to navigate the recruitment process and achieve their career potential. Register for free with MyPlus Students' Club for advice on openness, requesting adjustments and access to many more resources

Useful links

TARGETjobs provides further information relating to a range of Equality and diversity issues. It includes guidance for Asylum Seekers and Refugees

Breaking Barriers is a specialist refugee employment charity. We are here to provide one-to-one advice and guidance, education, and training to support refugees to find secure, long-term employment. With us, it's about more than financial independence - we help our clients find purpose and identity through work.

The Scottish Refugee Council has a telephone advice service for anyone in Scotland who is still in the asylum system or have received some form of leave to remain

The Bridges Programme may be able to organise unpaid voluntary placements for asylum seekers. This would be an alternative route to securing work experience while at university.

Use this Citizen's Advice Scotland resource, disclosure and declaring a criminal record, to check the basic rules about when you have to declare your criminal records and which checks can be made by an employer.

Our faculty careers consultants work in partnership with the Disability and Wellbeing Service and other relevant agencies, to help assist students and graduates with their career planning.

Students with a disability* are strongly encouraged to make an individual appointment with a careers consultant as soon as possible on joining their course here at Strathclyde. While graduation may be a number of years away it is never too soon to start to make career plans e.g. for term-time or vacation employment; to do some job sampling; to discuss subject choice issues or how best to present to employers. The Careers Service will always endeavour to meet the needs of our students and graduates, and if you have a specific question you can e-mail us ( yourcareer@strath.ac.uk).
MyPlus Students' Club provides students with disabilities with the advice and support they need to navigate the recruitment process and achieve their career potential. Register for free with MyPlus Students' Club for advice on openness, requesting adjustments and access to many more resources
Postgraduate study

Applying for postgraduate study or research? Guidance for disabled students applying for postgraduate study, designed to help students with a disability apply for a postgraduate course in the UK, has been published by the Disabled Students' Commission and includes a helpful checklist.

Useful links

Access to Work is a publicly funded employment support programme. It aims to help more disabled people start or remain at work. It can provide practical and financial support if you have a disability. It can also help you if you have a long-term physical or mental health condition

AccessAble provides extra disability information at the University of Strathclyde

Blind in Business is a national charity that helps blind and partially sighted people into work. They offer free one to one virtual appointments to discuss the support you may need and create a tailored plan of action, helping you become recruitment ready. Email: joe@blindinbusiness.org.uk

British Dyslexia Association guidance on reasonable adjustments in the workplace

Centre for Mental Health is an independent, not for profit thinktank. They seek to eradicate mental health inequalities. They also fight injustice by changing policy and practice

Exceptional Individuals is a social enterprise. It partners dyslexic and neurodiverse job seekers with employers across the UK. They run a wide range of free events for neurodiverse students

AGCAS Disability Task Group Blog provides information, resources, and training for disabled students and graduates

the University Disability and Wellbeing Service offers a wide range of support to students

My Plus Students' Club will provide you with advice on topics such as the benefits of being open, accounting for differences in your CV, asking for adjustments in the recruitment process, and how to position your disability as a positive. Industry updates include case studies in which disabled graduates share their experience of the workplace

See Me is Scotland's national programme to end mental health stigma and discrimination. The resources include factsheets and an online newsletter

British Stammering Association (STAMMA) provides resources to ensure your stammer doesn't hold you back from the job or career you want

Use My Ability provides workshops aimed at helping disabled students boost employability skills. These workshops are informed by research with employers, academic staff careers staff, and disabled students. They are available to anyone

Dyslexia Scotland produces leaflets on a range of topics, including employment and the workplace. They also host events that you may find helpful

Autism Employability Skills is a free online course designed for autistic university students and graduates. It will help develop your employability skills. It may also be useful for any autistic person looking to develop these capacities. The course content has been developed by a team of experts, including autistic graduates, autistic workplace mentors, non-autistic university careers consultants, and non-autistic researchers

*Disability and long-term health conditions include, but are not limited to: visual and hearing impairments, mobility impairments, autism, diabetes, epilepsy, dyslexia, dyspraxia, mental health conditions, speech impairments, and major illnesses such as cancer and MS.

Useful links

TARGETjobs issues advice on a range of key equality and diversity issues

Equate Scotland is the national expert in gender equality throughout the STEM sectors. Make valuable links with the industry via their student network. It's the UK's only student network for women STEM students. They also manage the only UK-wide "women into STEM" job advertising platform

Women in STEM helps employers attract female applicants to their graduate scheme, internship, and placement opportunities. They run events throughout the year

WISE enables people in industry and education to increase the participation of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)

Where Women Work showcases the impressive achievements of women. It shines a spotlight on the organisations supporting them. Jobs board advertises internships, apprenticeships, graduate roles, experienced hires, women returners, executives - full-time, part-time, flexible or contract

AAI Employability run a "Back to work" programme. It supports minority ethnic women to return to the workforce after a career break

Interviews for the Women in Data campaign show women working in data, tech, and related fields in Scotland

The Careers and Employability Service is part of the University's Student Experience directorate. We achieved a Silver LGBT Charter award in early 2020.

Useful links

TARGETjobs advice on a range of key equality and diversity issues

LGBT Youth Scotland is Scotland's national charity for LGBTI young people. They work with 13-25 year olds across the country. Their goal is to make Scotland the best place to grow up for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex young people

Stonewall Scotland supports individuals and organisations to make a difference for LGBTI people. Their Top 100 Employers list identifies the best employers for LGBT people. It's published every year

InterEngineering is a free and inclusive organisation. It's for anyone who believes that LGBT diversity and inclusion within engineering are important

PinkNews Futures is a bi-annual (digital) student and graduate careers conference. It provides support and valuable resources to LGBT+ youth. It connects them with inclusive employers from across the UK. They also host an online Jobs Board

Useful links

TARGETjobs advice on a range of key equality and diversity issues

BEMIS supports the development of the Ethnic Minorities Voluntary Sector in Scotland. It aims to empower Scotland's ethnic and cultural minority communities

Path Scotland aims to address the under-representation of black and minority ethnic communities working in housing and other professions in Scotland

COLORINTECH is focused on making Europe the most inclusive tech hub in the world. They build programmes to create access to some of the most innovative companies for ethnic minorities. Access free MOOCS and events, which will develop your skills and expand your network

AAI Employability run a "Back to work" programme to support minority ethnic women to return to the workforce after a career break

Equality and Human Rights Commission provides guidance for workers on a range of equality and diversity issues

Discrimination - your rights at work is a Government website with information on types of discrimination and advice on what you can do

ACAS advice on equality and discrimination aims to create fair workplaces by promoting equality and diversity

Citizens Advice Scotland provides information on discrimination at work. This enables you to check if you're being discriminated against in the workplace and find out how to solve your problem

Employability Skills for Autistic Students and Graduates

This free online course, Employability Skills for Autistic Students and Graduates, is ideal for you if you're an autistic university student or graduate interested in developing your employability skills. However, it may also be useful for any autistic person looking to develop these capacities.

The course is estimated to take between 2-4 hours in total but you can take as long as you need to complete it.

The videos and activities in this course have all been developed and produced by a team of experts, including autistic graduates, autistic workplace mentors, non-autistic university careers consultants, and non-autistic researchers.

What you'll learn:

skills to help you find a suitable job

skills to help you decode job adverts and interview questions

guidance on sharing or disclosing your autism diagnosis

information about reasonable adjustments

development of an action plan to maximise employment success

This course was funded by The Churchill Fellowship and York St John University. It is supported by the autism organisations Matthew's Hub, Autism Forward, and Living Autism as well as the Association for Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS).

IMAGE Project Employability Toolkit

The IMAGE Project Employability Toolkit - resources to improve the employability of autistic graduates. What's involved:

the steps and challenges involved in choosing a career, applying for a job, and settling into the workplace

"How to..." articles and case studies from across Europe

interactive profile builder that turns strengths, challenges and preferences into templates to print or email

Recordings of some of the Careers Service events with a specific focus on Equality and Diversity are available via the following links:

Equal opportunities monitoring forms

When you apply for a job, you may be asked to complete an equal opportunities monitoring form which is separate to the rest of your application.

Don't worry, this form is not seen by those involved in the recruitment process and will NOT have an impact on your application. HR departments use this information to gather data about how diverse the applicant pool is and can help them change recruitment processes to encourage more applicants from under-represented groups.

Back to top

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Equality and diversity | University of Strathclyde

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The Equality Act 2010 protects jobseekers and employees from discrimination on the basis of certain characteristics such as; age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

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NEXT STEPS: Complete Follow-up Activity 2

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1. What do employers want?

2. Different types of work experience

3. Different types of graduate jobs

4. Job search resources

5. Resources and support for your career research

6. Support for making applications

7. Careers and Employability Service resources and support

8. Follow-up activities