Career Zone Podcast

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In our final episode of our Career Support for Graduate series, Sunny Lalli, Employability and Careers Consultant, continues his conversation with Dr. Hannah Collis, an honorary lecturer in Leadership and Organisational Behaviour in the Exeter Business School, and now academic at the Henley Business School.

In this episode they explore strategies to negotiate challenging workplace settings and how to respond to people and scenarios that prevent our thriving. Hannah and Sunny explore ways to cultivate resilience and connections to protect wellbeing and how job crafting can help employees in times of dissatisfaction.

Useful links:

If you are experiencing significant workplace stress or mental health concerns, do consider speaking with your GP, contacting a mental health professional or reaching out to employee assistant programmes if available in your workplace.

Mental Health Support:

Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/ (24/7 helpline: 116 123)
Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/ (Infoline: 0300 123 3393)
NHS Mental Health Services: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
Mental Health Foundation: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/
University of Exeter Wellbeing Services: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/wellbeing/

Workplace support and advice:

ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service): https://www.acas.org.uk/
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) - Work-related stress: https://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/
Citizen's Advice - Work problems: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/

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In this episode, Sunny Lalli, Employability and Careers Consultant, continues his conversation with Dr. Hannah Collis, an honorary lecturer in Leadership and Organisational Behaviour in the Exeter Business School, and now academic at the Henley Business School. They explore how you can navigate personality dynamics in the workplace and how to integrate into new workplace environments.

Hannah explains the importance of authenticity at work, the natural process of personality transformation during career transitions, and practical strategies for understanding and working with different personality types.

Useful Links:

University of Exeter Career Zone Help with networking: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/helpwith/helpwithnetworking/
University of Exeter Career Zone Help with self-awareness: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/helpwith/helpwithself-awareness/
University of Exeter Career Zone Help with developing your skills: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/helpwith/helpwithdevelopingyourskills/
University of Exeter LinkedIn alumni tool: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/linkedinalumnitool/
Career Zone podcast episode on the power of mentoring https://open.spotify.com/episode/7eIRTaCzor6ZDugKsi3jnf?si=315cde2d0a974991&nd=1&dlsi=97aad6d673ce4072

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In this week’s episode, Dawn Lees is joined by Emma Norman, Learning and Pilots Manager at the university, as she shares her journey through education, her experiences of being neurodivergent, and how she came into her current role.

Emma reflects on navigating school and university before her late ADHD and autism diagnosis. She talks about her experience of teaching abroad in Spain, how the pandemic prompted her to rethink her future, and how chance opportunities, from a PGCE to Graduate Business Partnerships, led her to a career in curriculum development.

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In this episode, Sunny Lalli, Employability and Career Consultant speaks with Dr. Hannah Collis, an honorary lecturer in Leadership and Organisational Behaviour in the Exeter Business School, and now academic at the Henley Business School.

Together they discuss navigating the transition from university to diverse and complex workplace environments. Hannah shares insights from her research on modern working arrangements, explaining the differences between hybrid, remote, and in-person work. She discusses the benefits and challenges of each model, offers practical strategies for building relationships and accessing mentoring in virtual settings, and provides essential tips for graduates to thrive in any workplace configuration. The conversation also explores future workplace trends and how students can prepare now for evolving work models.

Useful Links
Skills development: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/helpwith/helpwithdevelopingyourskills/
University of Leeds Future of Workplace research: www.leeds.ac.uk/research/research-expertise/future-of-work
World Economic Forum Future of Jobs 2025 Report: https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/digest/

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This week, Dawn Lees is joined by Ewan Woodley, Associate Professor of Geography to explore why stepping outside the seminar room can transform the way you learn.

Listen to find out:

The skills you gain from field trips, such as real-world observation and teamwork.
How field trips can help you to build your confidence and grow as a learner.
How you can utilise the skills you develop in job applications and in interviews.
How field trips are evolving to be more inclusive and sustainable.

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In this week’s episode, Ciaran Stoker-Diver SEAS Faculty Lead, is joined by Barbara, a final year Business Management student and Vice President of Engagement for Enactus at Exeter.

Ciaran and Barbara explore what social enterprise means and how students can get involved. Barbara discusses some of the current Enactus projects students are involved with including Biosmart and Oyana.

Barbara also discusses the shares the range of skills you can develop through getting involved with social enterprise, including project management, marketing and finance.

Useful links:

Enactus Streatham: https://my.exeterguild.com/groups/GYXRW/enactus
Enactus Penryn: https://www.thesu.org.uk/organisation/enactus/
Self employment and entrepreneurship page: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/explore/selfemployment/
Student Startups: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/centres/entrepreneurship/studentstartups/

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In this week’s episode, we are joined by recent graduate Lowenna Luke to discuss what it’s really like to transition from university into a graduate level job. Lowenna shares her journey of searching and applying for jobs, offering tips on how to stand out in the recruitment process. We also explore the realities of transitioning into the workplace, including adapting to professional communication, managing deadlines and developing effective time management skills.

Whether you’re approaching graduation or just starting your career, this episode offers valuable insights and honest reflections to help you navigate the shift from student to professional.

Useful Links

Graduates First - https://www.graduatesfirst.com/university-career-services/business-school-exeter?v=7885444af42e
Professional Pathways https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/employability-schemes/professionalpathways/
From Campus to Career sessions (https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/events/from-campus-to-career/)
Exeter Award (ex.ac.uk/exeteraward)

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In this week’s episode, Simon Allington, Employability and Careers Consultant, is joined by current postgraduate student Gia Yu to discuss career planning across China and the UK. Gia shares her experience of working in China and in the UK and highlights the strengths Chinese students bring to the UK job market. Gia also shares how the China Career Ready programme can help students when making career decisions.

Simon is also joined by Chinese Exeter alumni Stefanie and Eva as they share the importance of workplace communication, how they have strengthened their resilience and how they are using AI effectively in the workplace.

China Career Ready is a bespoke programme designed to help Chinese students from any degree programme and any level of study explore their options and receive guidance with career planning.

Useful links:

China Career Ready - https://business-school.exeter.ac.uk/careers/china-career-ready/

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In this week’s episode we explore the power of workplace osmosis, the often invisible learning that happens from being around others.

From spontaneous conversations to unplanned collaborations and quick check-ins, we explore why a physical presence still matters in an increasingly digital world.

Useful links:

Planned Happenstance podcast ( https://pod.fo/e/33a7e9)
Book onto skills sessions including networking skills on My Career Zone.

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This week, we catch up with final year PhD student Sophia, to hear how her PhD journey is going. Sophia shares some of her highlights of her studies, the importance of adaptability in research, and the different types of support available to PhD students.

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In this week’s episode, Dawn Lees is joined by Professor Nathan Mayne, as he shares his journey from a working class background to a successful career in academia. Nathan explores how he overcame adversity, navigating university life without a roadmap and how he has built a successful career as an academic whilst championing mental health, collaboration and support for current students.

Nathan is a Professor of Astrophysics and Planetary Climates in the Astrophysics Group of the Department of Physics and Astronomyat the University of Exeter, U.K, and a UKRI Future Leaders Fellow. He is also the Academic Director of Research Computing Infrastructure for the University of Exeter. Nathan is interested in understanding how climates evolve and how life and the planetary climate systems interact.

Part of the Working in Higher Education mini-series

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Thinking of doing doctoral research? In this episode, Kate Foster, Employability and Careers Consultant, catches up with Benny, a first year PhD student. Benny shares how his PhD is going and what he is enjoying about studying. Benny also shares the different activities he is involved with including teaching seminars, attending conferences and supporting the Mature Access Pathway programme.

We’ll be catching up with Benny regularly to hear how his PhD journey is going. Follow the Career Zone Podcast to stay up to date with Benny’s experiences, insights and reflections along the way.

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In this episode we explore what risk assessments are, why they matter and the key skills needed to carry them out effectively. Here we explore how risk assessments play a vital role across a range of graduate careers including engineering, finance, IT and environmental roles. We share advice on how to develop your skills and gain experience, whether through societies, internships or graduate roles.

This episode was written by Dawn Lees and recorded by Rachel Sloan.

Useful links:

Get involved with a Guild or SU or AU society.

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In this episode, Employability and Careers Consultant Joan Wright chats with alumni Bhumika Mathkar and Rutuja Lokare, about their journeys from Mumbai to studying masters degrees and working in the UK. They discuss their experience of participating with the India Career Ready Programme and reflect on how work experience and university support shaped their journeys. They also share insights as to what it’s like to navigate the UK recruitment process as an international student.

Useful links:

India Career Ready programme: The India Career Ready Programme combines a bespoke online learning programme and live workshops to give Indian students at Exeter tailored guidance with their career planning, whether they want to work in the UK or back in India after graduation.
Book onto skills sessions via Handshake.

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In this week’s episode Helen Hicks, Programme Officer talks with Harriet, one of our Student Programme Assistants about Green Consultants. Helen and Harriet discuss what is involved in completing Green Consultants, including the online learning, projects and internships. Helen shares her advice to students wanting to complete the programme and also shares how previous students have been able to use the learning they gained from completing Green Consultants in their future experiences.

Green Consultants is an employability programme designed to provide students with skills and experience required to work in the sustainability sector. It is open to all students and you can start at anytime.

Useful Links

Green Consultants: open to all students, start the online learning now.
Book onto a Skills session via Handshake.

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In this week's episode, Nicky Hutchinson, Employability and Career Consultant, is joined by alumnus Mathys Reiss, now a Climate Action Associate working at the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).

Mathys completed his Masters in Sustainable Business Management in 2024, and reflects on his academic journey and his transition into a career in sustainability. He shares his insights into what it's like to work within a global organisation at the forefront of corporate responsibility.

Mathys shares:

His tips on how to stay resilient during the job hunting process.
What he did to stand out from other applicants.
The value of networking and making the most of local opportunities.

Useful Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7261652140689936384/?originTrackingId=af%2F0EkrgTd%2B7%2B6NSQQv0Sw%3D%3D - this is the video which Mathys made we referred to in the episode.
This is the video which Mathys refers to which inspired his video https://scroll.in/video/1064546/watch-marketing-manager-gets-fired-creates-unique-video-to-present-herself-in-the-job-market
Listen to our Planned Happenstance podcast: https://pod.fo/e/33a7e9
Green Consultants is as an excellent opportunity to develop skills and enhance a CV in this area. Open to all students.

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In this week’s episode we’re exploring the love-hate relationship many students have with LinkedIn. For some, it is a great place to find opportunities and connections. For others, it can feel like a stream of carefully curated posts that come across as performative. We explore how to use LinkedIn without losing your sense of self.

Listen to hear:

Top tips on promoting yourself in ways that feel natural, not forced.
Simple steps to start engaging with posts
How to set boundaries so LinkedIn works for you, and not the other way round.

Useful links:

Attend a LinkedIn Essentials session - Book via Handshake
Sign up to the Exeter Award
Attend an employer event or alumni panel - book via MyCareerZone

This episode was devised by Dawn Lees and recorded by Rachel Sloan.

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In this week’s episode, Sian Robinson shares her career journey to becoming Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management. Sian reflects on her non-standard route into higher education and talks about the challenges and positives of having ADHD. Sian also shares the strategies that have helped her and explores how being open about neurodivergence has shaped the way she teaches and supports students.

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Sian is a Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management. She is also the Programme Director for the BSc Business and Management and BSc Business Studies.

Sian is passionate about improving the student experience, especially for inclusivity, linked with her experiences of having ADHD, and for widening participation, as a previous non-standard route entrant to higher education. She has developed inclusive programme-level initiatives, such as the 'Your Toolkit for Success' reframing student support project, introducing Focus/Writing retreats at a programme level, and the creation of a Programme Hub for information.

Part of the Working in Higher Education mini-series

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In this week’s episode, current students Zabi, Jeremy, Kunal and Owen, discuss their experience of taking part in the EAIE Conference. They share how they have applied the skills they developed from their Global Leaders Experience to real life situations, how their experience has influenced their career aspirations and provide advice to students considering applying for a Global Leaders Experience.

The Global Leaders Experience is a unique opportunity to develop your intercultural skills as part of a short, outbound mobility experience. Typically a week in duration and covering themes such as sustainability, human rights and digital heritage, you will travel to a significant city or location outside of the UK and be immersed in the local environment, presented with real-world challenges and work closely with a diverse range of other students and professionals.

What is EAIE? The EAIE is the European centre for expertise, networking and resources in the internationalisation of higher education. They are a non-profit, member-led organisation serving individuals actively involved in the internationalisation of their institutions. 

Each year, the EAIE visits an exciting city in Europe and organises a large Annual Conference for 7000+ professionals interested in international higher education.

Useful links:

Global Leaders Experience

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Often in careers, we talk about developing skills alongside your studies, through volunteering, societies, part time work or internships. In this episode we focus on the skills you have gained directly from your degree and how you can articulate them with clarity and confidence.

Rachel Sloan, Employability and Careers Consultant, explores the technical, academic and personal skills you develop throughout your studies and how to demonstrate them effectively to employers in CVs, application forms and interviews using the STAR technique.

Links:

Attend a Careers and Employability session, book via Handshake.
CV and Application Form support.
Visit our 'Explore what Exeter graduates do' webpage.
Interested in Green Consultants? Find out more (ex.ac.uk/greenconsultants)

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Layal Hakim is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Exeter. Layal grew up in a large family of 8 children from a low-income, ethnic minority background. During her teens, Layal was educated for short periods in Lebanon. This changed the course of her direction academically.

Layal graduated from Brunel University in 2010 with a BSc in Mathematics. In October 2010, she started a PhD, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. Her thesis titled 'Numerical Analysis of a Cohesive Zone Model Approach for Time and History Dependent Materials’ won the Dean's Prize for Innovation and Impact in Doctoral Research at Brunel University London in February 2015, and a Merit Prize for best student paper at the International Conference of Applied and Engineering Mathematics, part of the World Congress of Engineering in July 2013. Layal worked as an early career researcher at Imperial College London and joined the Mathematics Department at the University of Exeter in April 2018.

If you are an undergraduate or masters student and are interested in undertaking a doctorate, please look at these resources:

Choosing postgraduate study
Postgraduate Study applications
Networking and making career connections
Career Mentor Scheme- search for academic mentors
Research Internships – look out for research Internships advertised through your department
A2I – consider using A2I funding to create your own research project within the university

Support for Doctoral students:

Library Skills for Researchers
Researcher Development

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In this week’s episode, Employability and Careers Consultant, Ben Toulson, speaks to our Centre for Geography and Environmental Science Placement Ambassadors, Sophie Hartop, Abi Brookes and Sasha Clark.

Sophie, Abi and Sasha share their placement year experiences, including discussions around what they gained from their placements, how they found and secured them, the logistics of placements, and returning to university the following year.

Further resources:

Contact the Career Zone to book a placement appointment with a member of the team.
Take a look at our work placement pages.
Explore the Placements Hub.

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Professor Beverley Hawkins is a Professor or Leadership and Organisational Studies in the Business School and the Dean for Taught Students at the University of Exeter.

After undertaking her degree in Business Management at Swansea, Beverley went into a graduate role in fund management. Beverley then did another undergraduate degree in Germany where she also translated washing machine instructions. Beverley then found herself in Warwick undertaking her Masters and then at Keele doing a PhD in Management.

In this podcast we explore Beverley’s journey to Professorship and how she dealt with becoming increasingly physically disabled, with limited mobility, during her PhD and how this has impacted her working life.

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Thinking of doing doctoral research? In this episode, Kate Foster, Employability and Careers Consultant, talks with Sophia, a second year PhD student. Sophia shares what motivated her to study a PhD, some of the challenges she has faced so far and her advice to students considering doctoral research.

We’ll be catching up with Sophia regularly to hear how their PhD journey is going. Follow the Career Zone Podcast to stay up to date with Sophia’s experiences, insights and reflections along the way.

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In this week’s episode, Will King, Programme Officer, is joined by current student Frederick Proctor to discuss how to make the most of career opportunities. Frederick shares his experiences with the various events and programmes he has got involved with including Create Your Future, the Exeter Award and attending conferences. Frederick shares his tips on planning, prioritising and saying yes to different opportunities.

Links:

Create Your Future
Exeter Award
Exeter Leaders Award
Green Consultants
Aspiring Teachers
Professional Pathways
Careers and Employability sessions including Networking Essentials and LinkedIn Essentials
Employer Events in Exeter and Cornwall and Careers Fairs

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Thinking of doing doctoral research?

In this episode, Kate Foster, Employability and Careers Consultant, talks with Benny, a first year PhD student. Benny shares what motivated him to study a PhD, some of the challenges he has faced so far and his advice to students considering doctoral research.

We’ll be catching up with Benny regularly to hear how his PhD journey is going. Follow the Career Zone Podcast to stay up to date with Benny’s experiences, insights and reflections along the way.

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In this episode, Dawn Lees, Student Employability and Development Manager, explores the importance of being curious, how it can help you in the workplace and Dawn shares how you can develop your curiosity.

Useful Links:

Planned Happenstance podcast (https://pod.fo/e/33a7e9)
Employer and alumni events in Exeter and Penryn.
Exeter Students' Guild and The Students' Union societies.
Attend a Careers and Employability session

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In our Law mini-series podcast, our Law Employability and Careers Consultants; Rachel, Tess and Sunny, talk to experienced professionals from both legal and non-legal sectors to hear their career experiences and advice.

Interested to work as a barrister internationally? Felix Tang talks about the life of a barrister in Hong Kong, and the experiences he had at Exeter which helped him get there. A must-listen to podcast for every student who is interested in the bar internationally.

In addition to this episode you can find more information to help with career planning here; University of Exeter Career Zone , Law and legal services and Employability for Law Students

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Graham Perkins is the Associate Dean for Education within the Business School and an Associate Professor in Human Resource Management. Graham has both professional and academic experience within the field of Human Resource Management, having completed both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the subject, and having worked in industry in several HRM roles.

Graham came from a family in which no-one had been to university before him. Graham attended a state school, growing up in a neighbourhood with one of the lowest rates of entry to higher education. Listen to the podcast to learn how Graham went from not getting the A Level grades to attend the university of his choice and going through Clearing, to becoming an Associate Professor.

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In this episode, Dawn Lees, Student Employability and Development Manager, chats with alumnus Matt Light, Director at AscellaHealth, about building a career in Bid Writing.

With 15 years experience leading bid and proposal teams across both the public and private sector, Matt shares his journey from a junior bid writer to team leader. Matt explains the various career pathways within the profession, the key skills for success and how teamwork helps win contracts, as well as what excites him about his job.

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In our Law mini-series podcast, our Law Employability and Careers Consultants; Rachel, Tess and Sunny, talk to experienced professionals from both legal and non-legal sectors to hear their career experiences and advice.

In this episode Tess Read, Employability and Career Consultant, talks to Grace Light, a current Law student. Grace shares her journey to securing a training contract, highlighting the value of attending events, using resources like the Career Zone and developing commercial awareness.

In addition to this episode you can find more information to help with career planning here; University of Exeter Career Zone , Law and legal services: Information for Law and Non-Law Students and Employability for Law Students.

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In this episode, Employability and Careers Consultant Sunny Lalli, is joined by BSc Human Sciences graduate Zack Islam. Recipient of the University of Exeter Student of the Year award at 2024 Success for All conference, and also the Academic Success Award at the 2025 Student Social Mobility Awards, Zack shares his insights on the art of networking and how preparatory research can power conversations at careers fairs.

Useful Links:

Career Zone information on careers fairs (exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/events/careersfairs/)
Employer engagement information on careers fairs at University of Exeter (exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/employer-engagement/fairs-events/careers-fairs/)
Career Zone Help with Networking (exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/explore/networking/)

Other podcasts you might be interested in:

How to prepare for Career Fairs - https://pod.fo/e/2d536d
Preparing for career fairs and employer events - https://pod.fo/e/2d53c6

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In our Law mini-series podcast, our Law Employability and Careers Consultants; Rachel, Tess and Sunny, talk to experienced professionals from both legal and non-legal sectors to hear their career experiences and advice.

In this episode Tess Read, Employability and Career Consultant, talks to Evalyn Anstiss, a recent Law graduate, about her experience working with the Community Law Clinic. Evalyn shares the benefits of working at the Community Law Clinic and how it helped to develop her professional skills and confidence.

Useful links:

Exeter Award,
Community Law Clinic
Access to Justice clinic (module)

In addition to this episode you can find more information to help with career planning here; University of Exeter Career Zone , Law and legal services and Employability for Law Students

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In this episode, Sunny Lalli, Employability and Careers Consultant and Rachel Haddy, Employability and Placements Adviser, explore ways to investigate values of sustainability at a careers fair.

Useful Links

B Corp: https://bcorporation.uk
Windo: https://csrwindo.com

Listen to associated Career Zone podcast episodes:

What is a B Corp and why might you want to work for one? https://pod.fo/e/2be941

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Ever wondered if ‘luck’ is something you can prepare for and use to your advantage? In this week’s episode, Dave Gyll-Murray, an Employability and Placements Adviser, explores Krumboltz’s Theory of Planned Happenstance – a mindset that encourages you to be open to unexpected opportunities and turn them into meaningful career steps. Dave shares five key skills to help you make the most of the unplanned, including curiosity, flexibility and risk-taking.

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Understanding who you are is an incredibly important first step in thinking about what you want to do after you graduate. In this episode Dawn Lees, Student Employability and Development Manager, explores how you can reflect on what interests you, what your strengths, skills, preferences, values and motivations are and how this can help you with your career planning.

Useful Links:

Attend one of our workshops, including Exploring and researching career decisions and Discover your strengths to find a job that suits you. Book via Handshake.
Profiling for Success
Skills Audit, as part of Create Your Future.
Motivations questionnaire in Handshake.
Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award
How to research an employer
Help with developing your skills.
Consider how to identify your skills with Sarah Blunt, Employability and Careers Consultant, by watching this short video: https://youtu.be/NvqKFQ--f54

Listen to our other podcast episodes on:

Reflection: Why is it important for employability: https://pod.fo/e/2d5359
Should you do something you're passionate about or something you're good at: https://pod.fo/e/2d534a
How to choose a career: https://pod.fo/e/2d53c4

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Once you have done your research, you’ll need to start making informed and realistic decisions to narrow down your options. In this episode, Dawn Lees, Student Employability and Development Manager, explores how you can use what you have discovered about yourself and learnt about the job market to decide which jobs or sector interests you most.

Useful Links:

Placements section
Jobs section
Employability programmes
Professional and personal development sessions
Professional Pathways

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Exploring your options involves expanding your knowledge of the range of occupations, sectors and organisations that may be of interest to you. In this episode, Dawn Lees, Student Employability and Development Manager, discusses how you can explore the opportunities available to you, whether that's applying for graduate roles or further study.

Useful Links:

Getting the most from LinkedIn
Networking for career conversations
Exploring options with a degree in…
Researching employers
Careers fair resources
Sector pages
Self-employment: Student Startups | Student Startups | University of Exeter
Choosing Postgraduate Study
Lib Guide: About this Research Guide - Researching companies and organisations for your job search - LibGuides at University of Exeter

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If you have reflected on your values, motivations and skills, have explored your options and have then decided what it is that you want to do, it is now time to take action. In this episode, Dawn Lees, Student Employability and Development Manager shares how you can actively seek the graduate level role or further study opportunity that you have decided is right for you so that you can transition into the workplace.

Useful Links

CVs cover letters and applications
Interviews
Assessment Centres
Psychometric testing
Using AI
Disclosing a disability session
EDI support pages
Creating career confidence programme
Podcast Accessing the Hidden jobs market – 2021 (Listen here: https://pod.fo/e/2d5396)

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In this episode, Kate Foster, Employability and Careers Consultant, is joined by Maddy and Stephen to discuss the Civil Service Fast Stream. With 17 specialist schemes across the country, it’s designed to fast-track you into management roles and give you the skills to shape national policy and services

Maddy and Stephen share how they see the Fast Stream champions inclusivity and social mobility, with the Social Mobility Network. Maddie and Stephen share details on the recruitment process* and share their tips on how you can best prepare to succeed.

*The group exercise at the assessment centre has now been replaced by a personal development conversation.

Useful links:

Understanding Assessment Centres skill session.
University webpage on National Government and Civil Service Fast Stream
Careers in Public Policy and Government Week, 13-17 October 2025
Civil Service Fast Stream website

Upcoming events with the Fast Stream Social Mobility Network

Mentoring Programme
National Outreach Events - Fast Stream Social Mobility Network
Virtual Event Week, which include workshops for each part of the assessment centre:
- Introduction to the Fast Stream | 22 September 14:00-15:00
- Choosing the Right Fast Stream Scheme | 23 September 14:00-15:00
- Online Test Workshop | 24 September 14:00-15:00
- Fast Stream Assessment Centre and Final Selection Board | 26 September 14:00-15:00

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In this week’s podcast, Sunny Lalli and Nicky Hutchinson, Employability and Career Consultants, are joined by Chloé Bayliss of Cornish Lithium.

In this episode Chloé as then Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator and now Senior ESG Coordinator at Cornish Lithium, discusses some of the work roles at Cornish Lithium and the experience of working in a small medium enterprise (SME). In this conversation Chloé draws on her own experience to differentiate the experience of working in a small medium enterprise with working at larger enterprises.

Cornish Lithium is a private British mineral exploration company focussed on the sustainable extraction of lithium and other battery metals in the historically significant mining district of Cornwall, UK. These metals can be utilised to the global goal of decarbonisation through clean growth and a transition to a green economy. Thus, supporting UN sustainability goals of affordable and clean energy (goal seven), and climate action (goal thirteen).

Useful Links:

Listen to Transitioning from study into a first role: In conversation with Chloe Bayliss, Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator at Cornish Lithium PLC - https://pod.fo/e/237162
University of Exeter Career Zone sector page on energy and natural resources (renewables): https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/sector/energyandnaturalresources/
University of Exeter Career Zone sector page Earth Resources:https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/sector/earthresources/
Cornish Lithium: https://cornishlithium.com/
Green Futures Solutions blog article on sustainability and mining: https://greenfuturessolutions.com/news/sustainability-and-the-need-for-mining/
Gov UK Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Action Plan: 2022-2025: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/63d418638fa8f5188ae8f77b/beis-sme-action-plan-2022-to-2025.pdf
UN sustainable development goals: https://sdgs.un.org/goals

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In this episode, Nicky Hutchinson, Employability and Career Consultant shares top tips and ideas for inspiration to help you to think of your next steps.

Useful links:

Explore options with your degree by visiting the What can I do with my degree? webpages.
Explore different sector and occupations
Help with researching career options
Help with researching sectors and employers
Attend one of our guidance sessions including ‘Get started with thinking about careers’, ‘Research your career options and ideas’ and ‘Discover your strengths to find a job that suits you’. Book via Handshake

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At some point as a student, you’ve probably been asked ‘what are you going to do when you graduate?’. It can be a daunting question and it’s ok not to know. In this episode, Nicky Hutchinson, Employability and Careers Consultant, shares tips and advice on how to answer this question and explores what you can do to be a proactive explorer, developing your self-awareness and skills.

Useful Links:

Green Consultants
Attending skills sessions such as Problem Solving, Networking Skills, Presentation Skills. These also count towards the Exeter Award, our employability achievement award.
Volunteering with the Students’ Guild or Students’ Union.
Future 17
Grand Challenges

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In this week’s episode, Rachel Coombes, Employability and Career Consultant speaks with Jasmine Thomas-Campbell, a current PhD student, about her journey to studying for a PhD. Jasmine shares what led her to pursue a PhD, how she found and applied for the right opportunity and why transferable skills really matter.

Useful Links:

Choosing postgraduate study webpage (exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/pgstudy/)
Help with applying for Postgraduate Study (exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/helpwith/helpwithapplyingforpostgraduatestudy/)
Book onto skills sessions via Handshake including: Personal Resilience; Time and Stress Management and Networking Skills.
Find a PHD website (https://www.findaphd.com/)

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Rachel Sloan, Employability and Careers Consultant explores how AI is shaping sustainability policies and procedures in the workplace. Rachel looks at both the positive and negative impacts of AI on sustainability in the workplace.

Useful Links:

Help with researching an employer.
Help with using AI | Career Zone | University of Exeter

This episode was devised by Dr Dawn Lees with input from generative AI software ChatGPT, and was recorded by Rachel Sloan.

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In this episode Employability and Placement Adviser, Alexa, speaks with Elly a current 4th year Business and Management with Industrial Experience student who completed her placement year at Unilever.

Here Elly and Alexa discuss how you can remain resilient and keep yourself motivated throughout recruitment processes.

For further support, why not book onto one of our upcoming sessions on; Personal Resilience skills sessions

Networking Essentials

Re-energising your job search sessions

LinkedIn | Career Zone | University of Exeter

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In this week’s episode, Oliver Laity, Careers Information and Systems Manager, is joined by Eve Carney and Allan Stewart from the University’s Digital Transformation Team, to discuss product management as a career. Eve, Head of Product, and Alan, Product Manager, share what is meant by a product management role and share their career journeys. They offer advice to students on how to get into this field, the skills to develop and where you can find opportunities.

Useful Links:

Book onto a skills session via Handshake. Find out more on the sessions we run on our Personal and Professional Development webpage. (https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/events/personalandprofessionaldevelopment/)
Contact the University’s Digital Team to find out about work experience opportunities in product management

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In our Law podcast mini-series of Autumn 2024, our Law Employability and Careers Consultants; Rachel, Tess and Sunny, talked to experienced professionals from both legal and non-legal sectors to hear their career experiences and advice.

In this bonus episode, Sunny Lalli, Employability and Career Consultant, talks to Ben Ainsley Gill, an international law arbitration lawyer.

Ben and Sunny seek to define arbitration in international business law, examining the skill sets required to work in international arbitration, discussing differentiation between practice in private international law and public international law. Together they recount tips on how to prepare a for a career in arbitration.

Further resources touched upon in the episode:

University of Exeter Career Zone sector page on law: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/sector/law4nonlaw/
Listen to our podcast episode on International Law with Maria Smirnova, Human Rights Officer at the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. (https://pod.fo/e/27ea18)
You can book onto a Career Zone Networking Skills session via Handshake.
Vismoot: https://www.vismoot.org/
Frankfurt Investment Arbitration Moot Court: https://www.investmentmoot.org/

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Personal responsibility is about acting with integrity, honesty and self-awareness – owning your actions and learning from your mistakes.

In this week’s episode, Rachel Haddy, Employability and Placements Adviser, highlights three key aspects of personal responsibility: accountability, following through on commitments and authenticity.

Rachel shares how admitting mistakes, managing your workload honestly and owning both your strengths and weaknesses can empower you to take ownership of your performance and personal growth.

Useful Links:

Importance of saying no podcast. (https://pod.fo/e/26d7a3)

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We last looked at the Graduate Labour Market in December 2024 and a lot has changed since then. In this episode, Dawn Lees, Student Employability and Development Manager, looks at the current state of the graduate labour market, focusing on the relationship between politics and the economy.* Dawn shares insights on how the global situation has impacted the graduate labour market as well as sharing advice to help you succeed if you’re looking for a graduate job.

Links and Resources :

If you would like help making career decisions or exploring your career/further study options, please contact the Career Zone to book a Guidance appointment.
Public sector page (Is it currently social guidance and services?)
How to research an employer page
Book onto a CV/Application form advice session via Handshake
Book onto a skill session via Handshake, topics include Problem Solving, Communication and Collaboration and Personal Resilience.
Attend one of our Employer Events, book via Handshake.

*Data mentioned in this podcast is from May 2025

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In this week’s episode, Andrea Hodges, Employment Schemes Manager, is joined by second year student Olivia Osborne, to discuss how you can develop your skills, gain experience and build your connections. Andrea and Olivia share their advice on how you can demonstrate the skills you have when applying for jobs. Andrea also highlights the schemes you can utilise at the University, whether you are looking for a placement, internship or graduate role.

Although this episode focuses on the South West, the skills and experience discussed are relevant to all work experience opportunities.

Useful Links:

University of Exeter - Internships (https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/internships/)
University of Exeter - Work Placements (https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/jobsandworkplacements/workplacements/)
Book onto a CV/Application form session via Handshake.
Book onto a skills sessions via Handshake.

Listen to our Placements 101 podcast episodes.

Prioritising your wellbeing whilst in placement
Being money smart

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The second episode of Placements 101 focusses on money – how to manage your finances while on placement. Everyone’s financial situation is different and how you manage money is a personal choice. In this episode Anya and Immy share their experiences and offer practical advice on how they handled their finances during their placements.

If you're unsure what you want to do with your third year, or need some extra support/guidance from students who have recently returned from a year out, then check out our new placements 101 mini-series. Join Anya and Immy, fourth year students as they share their experiences of placement life.

Find more support on our work placement webpages: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/jobsandworkplacements/workplacements/
Explore wellbeing support for Streatham students: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/wellbeing/
Explore wellbeing support Penryn students: https://fxplus.ac.uk/mental-health-and-wellbeing-support/

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In this week’s episode, Nicky Hutchinson, Employability and Career Consultant is joined by Scott James, Partner of Ward Williams Associates – a certified B Corp. Scott explains what it means to be a B Corp, how it has shaped Ward Williams as a business, and the benefits of working for one. He also shares valuable insights on what prospective job applicants should know about B Corps when preparing for interviews.

Useful Links:

Ward Williams Website: https://wardwilliams.uk/
The BCorp Directory: https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/find-a-b-corp/
BCorporation website home page: https://bcorporation.uk/
Green Consultants: (ex.ac.uk/greenconsultants)
Scott James, Partner, Ward Williams Associates LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottjamesprojects/

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If you're unsure what you want to do with your third year, or need some extra support/guidance from students who have recently returned from a year out, then check out our new placements 101 mini-series. Join Anya and Immy, fourth year students as they share their experiences of placement life.

The first episode of Placements 101 focuses on prioritising wellbeing whilst on placement - a really important topic. Life abroad or working can be a huge shift from student life and many struggle with the initial adjustment period. Take reassurance in the fact that you are not alone and the majority are feeling the same way. Anya and Immy discuss what they did whilst on placement and what they would appreciate knowing in hindsight with regards to wellbeing and mental health.

Useful Links:

Find more support on our work placement webpages: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/jobsandworkplacements/workplacements/
Explore wellbeing support for Streatham students: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/wellbeing/
Explore wellbeing support Penryn students: https://fxplus.ac.uk/mental-health-and-wellbeing-support/

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Helen Hicks, Programme Officer, talks with Bella and Raishal, students who have completed Green Consultants. Bella and Raishal explain what the Green Consultants programme is and share the skills and benefits they gained from completing the programme.

Useful Links:

Green Consultants: (ex.ac.uk/GreenConsultants) Find out more and start the training now.
Book onto skill sessions via Handshake.

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Helen Hicks, Programme Officer at the University of Exeter, introduces the Aspiring Teachers programme and the range of opportunities available to you. Helen is joined by Leanne Galloway, an Early Years Adviser and Ofsted Inspector, who shares her top 5 skills that you need if you are thinking about a career in teaching. Helen also discusses how you can go about gaining teaching experience to work out where your passion lies.

Useful Links

Start the training now on the Aspiring Teachers webpage. (ex.ac.uk/aspiringteachers)
Find out more about the Learning for Teaching module. (https://education.exeter.ac.uk/study/teachingexperience/)
Book onto a skills session via Handshake

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Current fourth year students, Immy and Anya, share their experiences of working within the Placements Team in their role as Student Campus Partner (SCP), a paid internship with the University of Exeter. They discuss how they secured their roles, what they enjoy most about the position, and the benefits it offers students. SCP roles are available in other sections of the Career Zone and across the university.

The Student Campus Partnership (SCP) is exclusively for Exeter UK and international students who want to secure paid work on campus. The scheme promotes paid internships that are available across the university's campuses in Exeter and Penryn.

Useful Links:

Find out more about Student Campus Partner (SCP) roles and sign up to the Student Internship Bulletin: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/internships/scp/
Find out more about Student Business Parnter (SBP) roles and sign up to the Student Internship Bulletin:
View current vacancies on Handshake by searching for SCP or SBP in the job search.
Sign up to a CV or Application form session via Handshake.

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The decision to change or leave your course will be something only a handful of students consider, but for those in their first year this is a decision that can weigh heavily on you. If you are not enjoying your studies or feeling that university currently is not for you then continue listening.

In this episode we hear Careers Consultants Sarah Blunt and Fiona Hartley talking about the options and help available for those who find themselves uncertain if their degree is for them. We also hear from James a Finalist on the BA Film Studies course. James shares his own experience of the decision to switch both subject choice and institution before finally coming to Exeter. We explore how he felt about making the decision and what influenced his next steps before talking about the support he received and sharing his own advice and tips for anyone finding themselves in a similar situation.

For more information and advice about the options you have and signposted support listen to podcast 1 or read our dedicated Career Zone webpages Thinking of Leaving or Changing Course | Career Zone | University of Exeter ‘

Other useful articles on this topic

Changing or leaving your course | Prospects.ac.uk also addresses the FAQs asked by students on this topic.

Further Support from Exeter University Students’ Union – Guild or SU: Offer advice and support. For more information about the support available:

Changes to your studies - Student Life Knowledgebase (exeterguild.com)
Interruption - Student Life Knowledgebase (exeterguild.com)
Exeter - Advice Service (exeterguild.com)
Penryn - Advice (thesu.org.uk)

Transcript of the podcast: Word | PDF

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In this episode of the Career Zone podcast, Rachel Haddy, Employability and Placements Adviser, explores how you can find part-time jobs and shares her top tips to boost your applications. Rachel discusses where to search for roles both on and off campus, exploring sectors like hospitality and retail, and highlights opportunities through the university's Handshake platform. Plus, Rachel provides insights on how to balance work with your academic schedule, visa considerations for international students, and how to tailor your applications to stand out. Whether you’re looking to earn extra income or gain valuable experience, this episode is packed with practical advice for your job search.

This episode was written by Jen Hardwick and Rachel Haddy and was recorded by Rachel Haddy.

Links:

Streatham/St Luke’s- For paid job roles working at bars, cafes and shops on campus, students can express their interest by completing this form.
Penryn- For casual jobs on campus at Penryn, you can check the FX Plus website for the latest vacancies. You can also approach the outlets at Penryn in person.
Find out more about Student Campus Partnership roles
Find out more about Student Business Partnership roles here.
Check out the support available from the Student Startups Team here.
For international students, see advice about working in the UK here and contact the International Student Support team if you need further advice and guidance.
You can book onto skills and advice sessions, including ‘Creating a Successful CV’ and ‘Finding a Part-Time Job’ via Handshake here.
You can contact the Career Zone directly by using the Live Chat on this webpage.

Transcript:

Finding a part time job transcript - PDF version

Finding a part time job transcript - Word version

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In this week’s episode Rachel Sloan, Employability and Career Consultant explores the concept of a CV of Failure. Employers will often ask you about the times when you have ‘failed’ in job interviews. They are not really interested in your failure, but they do want to see how you responded to it. Rachel discusses how developing a CV of Failure can help you prepare for interviews and how to best answer this question.

Links:

CV writing resources https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/helpwith/helpwithcvscoverlettersandapplications/
How to…webpage https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/helpwith/

References:

Iske, P. L., & Bovelander, M. (2019). Institute of brilliant failures: make room to experiment, innovate, and learn. (No Title).

Stefan, M. A CV of failures. Nature 468, 467 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/nj7322-467a

This episode was devised and written by Dawn Lees and recorded by Rachel Sloan.

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In this episode, Rachel Sloan, Employability and Career Consultant, explores career management skills and how they can help you to manage your career throughout your life. Rachel discusses the different types of skills and attributes you need to manage your career including decision making, adaptability and resilience.

Links and resources:

Build your self-awareness with the Profiling for Success assessments.
Book onto a skill session via Handshake. Topics include negotiation skills and networking.
Listen to our podcasts on Spotify and iTunes:
- Decide: How do I choose a career? iTunes / Spotify
- Plan: I know what I want to do, but how do I get there? iTunes / Spotify
- Compete: How to succeed in getting a job iTunes / Spotify
- Should you do something you are passionate about or something you are good at? iTunes / Spotify

This episode was written by Dawn Lees and recorded by Rachel Sloan.

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In this episode, Rachel Sloan, Employability and Career Consultant, discusses the importance of continuous development and lifelong learning in the workplace. Rachel shares how you can cultivate a mindset of lifelong learning and how this can help you to develop your confidence and positively impact your ability to take on new challenges.

Useful Links:

Alumni can access Career Zone support for three years after you leave and you can access some of our online support forever. https://www.exeter.ac.uk/alumnisupporters/benefits/careerssupport/
Listen to our podcast on ‘What is CPD (Continued professional Development)? On Spotify and iTunes
Whether you’re exploring options, planning your next steps or actively applying for opportunities, listen to our Get Ready to Graduate Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4TO6M7p79NHeq9Tk4Q4UtV?si=286e0934abf74b61

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In this week’s episode, Rachel Sloan, Employability and Career Consultant, focuses on collaboration, a skill many employers want in their recruits. Rachel will explore the nuances between teamwork and collaboration, why having this skill is important for employers and how you can showcase your collaborative skills on your CV.

Useful links:

Grand Challenges (www.exeter.ac.uk/grandchallenges)
Green Consultants (www.exeter.ac.uk/greenconsultants)
Exeter Leaders Award (www.ex.ac.uk/exeterleadersaward)

This podcast was written by Dawn Lees, utilising input from ChatGPT and recorded by Rachel Sloan.

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Asking for help can feel daunting, but it's a huge strength that shows confidence and a commitment to progress. In this episode Rachel Haddy, Employability and Placements Adviser, explores how to ask for help in the workplace effectively, from identifying what you need to choosing the right person and timing.

Links:

Book onto a skill session such as Problem Solving or Persuading, Influencing and Negotiation via Handshake
Listen to our episode on Transitioning from study into a first role. Listen on Spotify and iTunes
To support your transition from university into employment or further study, visit our Get Ready to Graduate webpage
Get ready to graduate with our Spotify playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4TO6M7p79NHeq9Tk4Q4UtV?si=c76faef068b44922

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In this episode, Bryanna, an Employability and Placements Adviser speaks to Charlotte who is a current fourth year Modern Languages student studying French and Spanish, about why working abroad can be a great option.

Charlotte spent last year teaching English in France to secondary school students, and also spent some extra time in Spain Au Pairing. Bryanna and Charlotte will be discussing the topic of working abroad to understand a little more about the benefits of it and why others might want to consider working abroad.

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In this episode of the Career Zone podcast, Mel Nearchou from Student Employability and Academic Success, introduces Student Circus, a valuable resource for international students at the University of Exeter. With insights from Tripti Maheshwari, Co-Founder of Student Circus, and Aryan Jain, a Student Circus ambassador, discover how this platform can help you navigate job-hunting in the UK. Learn top tips for using Student Circus and how to connect with ambassadors for further assistance.

Links:

For current students: https://exeter.studentcircus.com/login
For alumni: https://exeter.studentcircus.com/alumni-student-registration/WHZQYnp1cEhtRC9kMjB6OWl5SHBaZz09
Ambassador application : https://exeter.joinhandshake.co.uk/edu/jobs/119893
Aryan Jain’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aryanjain16/

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In this week’s episode Luke Graham, Deputy of Secondary Education at the School of Education, is joined by Simon Holmes, Assistant Headteacher and Head of Sixth Form at Purbeck School, to discuss what ECTs can expect when applying for a role. Simon shares what the recruitment process looks like, what they are looking for in candidates and they share their top tips.
Acronyms and Links

ECT - Early Career Teacher
ITT - Initial Teacher Training
TES, formally known as Times Education Supplement
If you're thinking of a career in teaching you can find more resources and opportunities on the Aspiring Teachers website

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In this week’s episode, Rachel Sloan, Employability and Career Consultant, looks at how the transition away from fossil fuels will affect careers in the energy industry moving forward. As the world commits to transition away from its fossil fuel habit towards cleaner and more sustainable options, what jobs and opportunities will become available and what does this mean for the oil industry?

Useful Links:

Student Startups www.exeter.ac.uk/studentstartups.
https://www.energy-uk.org.uk/careers/young-energy-professionals/
Grand Challenges (exeter.ac.uk/students/grandchallenges)
Create Your Future (exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/employability-schemes/createyourfuture)
Green Consultants (exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/employability-schemes/greenconsultants)
Sector webpages – Energy & Natural Resources

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In this week's episode, Employability and Career Consultants, Nicky Hutchinson and Sunny Lalli talk with Chloe Bayliss, Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator at Cornish Lithium PLC about transitioning from full-time study into the work world. Chloe shares her strategies and tips on networking and mentoring which helped her secure her first professional opportunity which is based within a small to medium sized enterprise (SME), the benefits of which will be covered in greater detail in a subsequent episode.

Further links:

Book onto a Networking Essentials and other personal development sessions via Handshake: https://exeter.joinhandshake.co.uk/edu/events?page=1&per_page=25&sort_direction=desc&sort_column=default&status%5B%5D=approved&added_institution_labels%5B%5D=35213
My Career Zone Digital e-learning course on starting a new job: https://mycareerzone.careercentre.me/u/1hrh0dja
University of Exeter Career Zone blog article on the craft of networking: https://sites.exeter.ac.uk/careerzone/navigating-the-networking-jungle-essential-tips-for-students-and-graduates/
Cornish Lithium: https://cornishlithium.com/contact-details/careers/
Bright Network guidance on starting a new job: https://www.brightnetwork.co.uk/graduate-career-advice/world-of-work/

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In this week’s episode Olivia, a Student Programme Assistant, is joined by students who completed the Social Inequality Challenge in 2023. Ellen and Maya discuss their project that involved creating an informative and accessible booklet and campaign regarding safety in Exeter in order to help new students feel more confident and safe at university. They share their experiences of completing Grand Challenges, their motivations for joining and the skills they developed throughout the week.

Grand Challenges is a project week in which you work in interdisciplinary groups with other like-minded students to design innovative solutions to real world challenges. Top academics and invited speakers share their views and help you apply your skills and knowledge to a real-life problem. It’s open to all students and sign up for Grand Challenges 2024 is now open! Sign ups close on 28 March 2024.

Sign up for Grand Challenges or find out more on the Grand Challenges webpage.

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As part of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, Kate Foster, Employability and Career Consultant, is joined by Sharon Cant, Recruitment Marketing Specialist at Auticon, to discuss neurodiversity in the workplace. Sharon shares her advice on disclosing in the recruitment process as well as the accommodations you can ask for. Sharon also shares her advice on finding a supportive employer.

Useful Links:

Neurodiversity pages on the Career Zone website: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/equality/neurodiversity/
University of Exeter Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2024
Auticon - auticon UK careers
EmployAbility (employ-ability.org.uk): Employability is an organisation that helps disabled and dyslexic people with the transition from education to employment.
Evenbreak | Accessible job search site for disabled people: Evenbreak is a social enterprise that supports disabled people to find employment.
Enna: Enna offer support for neurodivergent people to find employment including a jobs board for roles at neuroinclusive employers.
Diversita: A recruitment agency that assists neurodiverse job seekers and works with organisations to hire neurodiverse applicants.
Exceptional Individuals: Another platform for neurodivergent job seekers where they offer support and provide a jobs board.
Leonard Cheshire Change 100 Internship Programme: A flagship programme of paid summer work placements, professional development and mentoring. It aims to remove barriers experienced by disabled people in the workplace, to allow them to achieve their potential.
SourceAbled by Rangam: a career portal and guidance for disabled, autistic and neurodivergent people
MyPlusStudents Club: support disabled students and graduates into employment

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In this week’s episode Christiana, Programme Assistant, is joined by students Ben, Lauren, Sam and Abbi who completed the Mental Health Challenge in 2023. Ben, Lauren and Sam discuss their project that involved creating an e-book aimed at parents of pre-teens/teens on navigating social media consumption.

Olivia, a Student Programme Assistant, is joined by Julia, Indira, Ronia and Lorenzo to discuss their experiences of working on a proposal for an accessibility widget on the iExeter app.

Both groups discuss their experiences of completing Grand Challenges, their motivations for joining and the skills they developed throughout the week.

Grand Challenges is a project week in which you work in interdisciplinary groups with other like-minded students to design innovative solutions to real world challenges. Top academics and invited speakers share their views and help you apply your skills and knowledge to a real-life problem. It’s open to all students and sign up for Grand Challenges 2024 is now open! Sign up for Grand Challenges or find out more on the Grand Challenges webpage.

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In this episode, Dave Gyll-Murray, Employability and Placement Adviser is joined by University of Exeter alumna Amy Horn-Norris Bradbury, Director of Spalding Associates, an environmental consultancy based in Truro. Dave and Amy discuss career pathways, getting work experience, and some valuable skills that are sought after employers in the sector.

Useful Links:

Environment and conservation sector pages: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/sector/environmentandconservation/
Work Placements: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/jobsandworkplacements/workplacements/
Green Consultants: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/employability-schemes/greenconsultants/

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In this week’s episode Kate Foster, Employability and Career Consultant, is joined by Lena Worwood, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Project Support Officer at the University of Exeter. Lena and Kate explore careers from the perspective of finding a supportive employer, navigating the recruitment process and the support available in the workplace.

Links and resources:

Information and advice about your rights and help with finding LGBTA+ friendly employers and jobs - https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/equality/sexualorientation/
LGBTQ+ Staff Network at the University of Exeter https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/inclusion/groups/networks/lgbtq+staff/
Exeter Trans and Non-binary Café - https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/inclusion/groups/networks/transcafe/
Gendered Intelligence - https://genderedintelligence.co.uk/
Stonewall - https://www.stonewall.org.uk/
Intercom Trust, Devon - https://www.intercomtrust.org.uk/
Proud2Be, Totnes - https://www.proud2be.org.uk/
Not alone, Plymouth - https://www.notaloneplymouth.co.uk/
LGBT Switchboard - https://switchboard.lgbt/

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In this week’s episode, Nicky Hutchinson, Employability and Career Consultant, shares a simple framework for writing application forms that answers the questions that are on employers’ minds when they are assessing candidates for a job.

Useful Links

You can find more support on our Help with applications pages. https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/helpwith/helpwithcvscoverlettersandapplications/
Book onto an Effective Application Form session via Handshake
Book an appointment with the Career Zone to have your CV checked. https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/about/contactus/

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In this week’s episode Rebecca, a Student Programme Assistant, is joined by students Savi, Marco and Anushka who took part in the Climate and Environment Emergency Grand Challenges 2023. For their project, they developed a student organisation, the Student Sustainability Board, that provides a platform to address sustainability issues and promote positive initiatives. They share their experiences of completing Grand Challenges, their motivations for joining and the skills they developed throughout the week.

You can find out more about the Student Sustainability Board by following them on Instagram @ExeStudentSustainabilityBoard

Grand Challenges is a project week in which you work in interdisciplinary groups with other like-minded students to design innovative solutions to real world challenges. Top academics and invited speakers share their views and help you apply your skills and knowledge to a real-life problem. It’s open to all students and sign up for Grand Challenges 2024 is now open! Sign up for Grand Challenges or find out more on the Grand Challenges webpage.

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In this episode Helen Hicks, Programme Officer, is joined by students Pooja, Octavia and Bryony to talk about their experiences of completing a Green Consultants internships. Pooja, Octavia and Bryony share how they overcame feeling nervous and intimidated by the thought of their internship to enjoying their experience and recommending it to other students. They share what their internships involved, the skills they have developed and how completing a Green Consultants internship has helped them when applying for jobs.

Green Consultants is an award winning programme designed to provide students with additional skills and experience required to work in the highly competitive environmental and sustainability sector. You can find out more about Green Consultant and access the training here.

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In this week’s episode Olivia, a Student Programme Assistant, is joined by students Hannah and Sophie who took part in the Future Food Grand Challenges 2023. Their project involved designing an app that would generate recipes with ingredients that are in season, with the hope of improving sustainability habits. They share their experiences of completing Grand Challenges, their motivations for joining and the skills they developed throughout the week.

Grand Challenges is a project week in which you work in interdisciplinary groups with other like-minded students to design innovative solutions to real world challenges. Top academics and invited speakers share their views and help you apply your skills and knowledge to a real-life problem. It’s open to all students and sign up for Grand Challenges 2024 is now open! Sign up for Grand Challenges or find out more on the Grand Challenges webpage.

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In this week’s episode, Laura Ibarra Hempal, Faculty Lead for Employability (Humanities and Arts), is joined by alumna Hannah Smithdale, Account Director at Edelman to discuss what it’s like to work in PR. Hannah shares her journey from graduate to becoming an Account Director and shares what a typical day looks like for her. Hannah also talks about the skills needed to work in PR and how completing the Career Mentor Scheme helped her when making career decisions.

Links:

Career Mentor Scheme
Interested in a Creative Career? Explore roles, build contacts and get experience with our series on in-person and virtual sessions running throughout Creative Careers Month. (https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/creativecareers/)

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In this week’s episode Olivia, a Student Programme Assistant, is joined by students Clara, Aimee, Mattea and Ermira who completed the Mental Health Challenge in 2023. Their project involved creating a children’s book which integrated theraplay techniques into the story, which caregivers could read and use with their children. They share their experiences of completing Grand Challenges, their motivations for joining and the skills they developed throughout the week.

Grand Challenges is a project week in which students work in interdisciplinary groups with other like-minded students to design innovative solutions to real world challenges. Top academics and invited speakers share their views and help you apply your skills and knowledge to a real-life problem. It’s open to all undergraduates and sign up for Grand Challenges 2024 is now open! Sign up for Grand Challenges or find out more on the Grand Challenges webpage.

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In this week’s episode, Sunny Lalli, Employability and Careers Consultant, talks with alumna Jess D'Cruz-Clune, senior information officer at the charity MIND (www.mind.org.uk), a national UK charity founded in 1947 which advocates for improve quality of mental health support though education, information and guidance ventures. In this episode, Sunny and Jess explore the meaning of success in the charity and development sector. They deconstruct the concept of success and reflect on the unique ingredients of success within the charity and development (third) sector. Sunny and Clare also analyse the drivers of success in this sector and reflect on how to maintain success in charity and development work.

Useful links:

University of Exeter Career Zone sector page on charity and development work: Charity & Development Work | Career Zone | University of Exeter
University of Exeter Career Zone professional pathways scheme in charity and development: Professional Pathways | Career Zone | University of Exeter
My Career Zone Digital article on four career success secrets: https://mycareerzone.careercentre.me/u/vqjvwy76

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In this week’s episode Olivia, a Student Programme Assistant, is joined by two groups of students who completed the Social Inequality Challenge in 2023. Valentina, Nathan and Darcy discuss their project that involved using university students as tutors. The second group, with Bethan, Rosie and Ellie share their experience of working on their project looking at diversity and representation in period dramas with a focus on class, gender, disability, LGBTQ+ and race.

Both groups discuss their experiences of completing Grand Challenges, their motivations for joining and the skills they developed throughout the week.

You can find out more and sign up on the Grand Challenges webpages (www.exeter.ac.uk/students/grandchallenges)

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In this week’s episode Mel Nearchou, Faculty Lead in the Business School, is joined by joined by Joan Wright, an Employability and Careers Consultant in the Business School to discuss Careers in Consultancy Week 2024, which runs from Monday 5 –Friday 9 February. Careers in Consultancy Week sees the Career Zone bring together a range of activities and events for any student interested in exploring consultancy as a career option. Mel is also joined by alumni Alessio Orlando who is now working as a consultant at Bearing Point. Alessio graduated in 2020 and shares his personal and professional experiences of life after graduation and what it’s like working as a consultant.

Find out what’s running and book onto events via Handshake.

Case Interviews session will be running on Thursday 8 February 4:30-6:30pm.

You can book a 1-1 guidance appointment at the Career Zone.

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In this week’s episode Rebecca and Katya, Student Programme Assistants are joined by two groups of students who completed the Tomorrow’s World Challenge in 2023. Jake and Anna share their experiences of working on a business plan for a community interest company focused on producing sustainable Cornish sushi. The second group, made up of Nigella and Jasmine discuss their project of proposing a building design to incorporate plants into city living. Both groups share their experiences of completing Grand Challenges, their motivations for joining and the skills they developed throughout the week.

You can find out more and sign up on the Grand Challenges webpages (www.exeter.ac.uk/students/grandchallenges)

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Hear Keshav’s top tips on how to be resilient and succeed in the graduate recruitment process from an Indian student’s perspective. Keshav, graduated with a BSc Management & Marketing with Industrial Experience in 2022 and went on to work as a Business Transformation Analyst - Consulting at Deloitte.

Links:

Employability support for International Students: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/jobsandworkplacements/internationalstudents/
Help with Interviews https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/helpwith/helpwithinterviews/
Help with Assessment Centres and Psychometric Testing https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/helpwith/helpwithassessmentcentresandpsychometrictesting/

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In this week’s episode Luke Graham, Deputy of Secondary Education at the School of Education, is joined by Louise Simpson, Head at Exeter School, to discuss what ECTs can expect when applying for a role. Rachel shares what the recruitment process looks like, what they are looking for in candidates and they share their top tips.
Acronyms and Links

ECT - Early Career Teacher
ITT - Initial Teacher Training
TES, formally known as Times Education Supplement
If you're thinking of a career in teaching you can find more resources and opportunities on the Aspiring Educators webpage

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In this week’s episode Luke Graham, Deputy of Secondary Education at the School of Education, is joined by Rachel Cane, Initial Teacher Training Coordinator at The Spires College in Torquay, to discuss what ECTs can expect when applying for a role. Rachel shares what the recruitment process looks like, what they are looking for in candidates and they share their top tips.

Acronyms and Links

ECT - Early Career Teacher
ITT - Initial Teacher Training
TES, formally known as Times Education Supplement
If you're thinking of a career in teaching you can find more resources and opportunities on the Aspiring Educators webpages.

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In this episode, Rachel Sloan, Employability and Career Consultant, explores the impact modern language graduates can make in addressing supply chain issues and the global food crisis. Rachel discusses the range of valuable skills modern language graduates have and the range of roles available to them, including translators, interpreters, diplomacy, global communications, teaching, journalism and roles within technology.

Links:

You can find current jobs on Handshake

What can I do with my degree: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/degree/modernlanguages/

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In our Law mini-series podcast, Rachel Gaunt Employability and Careers Consultant for the Law School, talks to experienced professionals from both legal and non-legal sectors about their career experiences and advice.

Harry is the CEO and Founder of leading sustainability consultancy company Bright Tide. He is also a Law graduate and qualified Corporate Lawyer. Hear the realities of being a company CEO and founder, the transition from a career in law to a career in the environmental sustainability sector, and advice for law students who are considering alternative careers to Law.

Click on the link to find out more about the innovative work Harry and his team are pioneering to address climate and biodiversity challenges around the world. https://www.bright-tide.co.uk/

In addition to this episode you can find more information to help with career planning here; University of Exeter Career Zone , My Career Zone Digital , Employability for Law Students,

Building Brilliant Careers and University of Exeter Law and Legal Services Sector

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In our Law mini-series podcast, Rachel Gaunt Employability and Careers Consultant for the Law School, talks to experienced professionals from both legal and non-legal sectors about their career experiences and advice.

Faye graduated from Exeter with an LLB in Law and is now a Law Lecturer here at Exeter. Hear about working as a university lecturer, Faye’s career journey and how she came to study Law and work as an academic. We also discuss her experiences of academic study, including what’s involved in PhD study and the funding process. This is a must listen if you are interested in a career in academia or achieving a PhD.

During the episode we discuss some of the challenges Faye encountered whilst studying, in relation to this you may find some of the information below useful:

Supporting Equality and Diversity ; Widening Participation Student Support ; Career Zone A2i Student Widening Participation Funding

In addition to this episode, you can find more information to help with career planning here; University of Exeter Career Zone , My Career Zone Digital , Employability for Law Students,

Building Brilliant Careers and University of Exeter Law and Legal Services Sector

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In our Law mini-series podcast, Rachel Gaunt Employability and Careers Consultant for the Law School, talks to experienced professionals from both legal and non-legal sectors about their career experiences and advice.

Gordon graduated from the University of Exeter with an LLB in (Euro) (German), English, German and European Law, an LLM in European Legal Studies and a PhD in European Law. He is now working as Principal Counsel Competition for Siemens Energy in his home country of Germany. In this episode hear about Gordon’s experiences of studying and working in a different country, this includes how he came to complete a PhD, his varied career; including his experiences of working in private practice compared to in house, his transition from working in the UK to Germany and his general tips on studying and securing employment in the legal sector.

In addition to this episode, you can find more information to help with career planning here; University of Exeter Career Zone , My Career Zone Digital , Employability for Law Students,

Building Brilliant Careers and University of Exeter Law and Legal Services Sector

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In this week’s episode Employability and Careers Consultant Sarah Blunt talks with Dan Hartley, Department for Education Adviser for the Get Into Teaching service, and Luke Graham, Lecturer in Education at the University of Exeter. In the first half of the episode, Dan shares what skills he thinks are needed to be a good teacher, entry routes into teaching and progression opportunities available after qualifying. In the second half, Luke talks about the PGCE offering at the University of Exeter and shares his advice on how applicants can choose the right course for them.

Useful links and resources:

Aspiring Educators
Education and teaching sector page
Get Into Teaching
Find postgraduate teacher training courses
Teacher training at the University of Exeter

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In this week’s episode Employability and Careers Consultant Sarah Blunt talks with Simon Roper, Director of Ambios, a local not-for-profit company which offers residential and distance learning conservation training, as well as volunteering opportunities. In this episode Simon talks about the range of job roles available in nature conservation, explains why you don’t necessarily need a relevant degree to get your foot in the door, and how to build experience.

Useful links and resources:

Environment and Conservation work
Green Consultants
conservation-careers.com
environmentjob.co.uk/jobs
environmentjobs.co.uk
countryside-jobs.com

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Learn how to navigate graduate recruitment from alum Anna, an international BSc Economics & Finance With Industrial Experience graduate from 2021, now working at Deloitte Luxembourg.

Links:

Employability support for International Students: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/jobsandworkplacements/internationalstudents/
Help with Interviews https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/helpwith/helpwithinterviews/
Help with Assessment Centres and Psychometric Testing https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/helpwith/helpwithassessmentcentresandpsychometrictesting/

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In our Law mini-series podcast, Rachel Gaunt Employability and Careers Consultant for the Law School, talks to experienced professionals from both legal and non-legal sectors about their career experiences and advice.

Simon is a former senior M&A partner for Clifford Chance and global head of the Firm’s sovereign wealth fund practice, he has been involved in recruitment and mentoring throughout his career. He has worked internationally across many jurisdictions in Europe, Asia and the Middle East on a wide variety of corporate, corporate finance and commercial matters. He has acted as a mentor to many Exeter University undergraduates and continues to do so. Hear Simon’s tips of how to tackle those all-important legal applications, including how to stand out, common mistakes to avoid, how to demonstrate transferable skills, and practical tips on how to move forward when facing rejection. This podcast is a must listen if you’re looking for the motivation to get started with your applications.

During the episode Simon recommends helpful resources for commercial awareness and working in the city, these are:

All you need to know about the city - Christopher Stoakes

All you need to know about commercial awareness - Christopher Stoakes

In addition to this episode you can find more information to help with career planning here; University of Exeter Career Zone , My Career Zone Digital , Employability for Law Students,

Building Brilliant Careers and University of Exeter Law and Legal Services Sector

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In this week’s episode Rachel Sloan, Employability and Career Consultant, shares what you should consider when starting a new job, including tips and advice to help you avoid stress and anxiety.

Links:

What to wear at interview: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Y1bq6peke1JTiqbfbTWBf?si=w8qoor0rRsiiXgcZE6tFzA&nd=1

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Becoming a barrister and sustaining a demanding career with a family.

In our Law mini-series podcast, Rachel Gaunt Employability and Careers Consultant for the Law School, talks to experienced professionals from both legal and non-legal sectors about their career experiences and advice.

Emma graduated from Exeter with a BA in Politics and subsequently went on to complete a graduate entry law degree and the Bar Vocational Course. She is now a Barrister with 5 Essex Court, working in public law, public inquiries and inquests, and a range of civil work. In this episode hear about Emma’s decision to pursue a career as a Barrister, how she secured the all-important pupillage, including tips and advice on joining an Inn of Court. We also discuss what it felt like to be newly qualified, the realities of being self-employed and Emma’s experience of taking time out to have a family and returning to sustain a demanding career alongside juggling family life.

During the episode Emma mentions helpful resources when trying to secure pupillage, these are:

Middle Temple Pupillage Podcast: https://www.middletemple.org.uk/members/inn-initiatives/event-recordings/pupillage-podcast
5 Essex Court (Emma’s Chambers) pupillage selection process reports for 2021 and 2022, which include insight into the application process and a steer on what makes for a successful candidate: https://5essexcourt.co.uk/join-us/pupillage

In addition to this episode you can find more information to help with career planning here; University of Exeter Career Zone , My Career Zone Digital , Employability for Law Students, Building Brilliant Careers and University of Exeter Law and Legal Services Sector

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Rosie Bawn an Employability and Placements Adviser in the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences looks at the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) – but can AI ever compete with human emotional intelligence?

In this episode, Rosie considers the practical steps you can take to improve your emotional intelligence (the new ‘human superpower’) and increase your chances for success. For further development, listen to another Career Zone podcast 'Resolving conflicts in the workplace', or attend an Active Listening in Digital Environments workshop.

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Luke graduated from Exeter with an LLB in Law in 2011. He is an English-qualified solicitor working in house as a Legal Director at Adidas in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, focusing on global licensing matters.

Hear about all things working in house, including training, skills required, differences to private practice, benefits, challenges, and career progression. This podcast is a must listen if you’re not quite sure what you want to do when you graduate. Luke shares how important it has been to take time to explore his preferences and skill strengths in work to make informed career decisions.

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Jen Hardwick, an Employability and Placements Adviser shares what to expect from an advice appointment at the Career Zone as well as sharing some top tips to help you get the most out of your advice appointment.

If you would like advice with any employability query, please book an appointment with the Career Zone. You can book an appointment via the Live Chat on the Career Zone website or by visiting the Career Zone desks in the Forum on Streatham campus and in the Exchange on Penryn campus.

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We last looked at the Graduate Labour Market in February 2022, but what has changed since then? In this episode, Rachel looks at the current state of the graduate labour market and the sectors which are expanding.*

Links and Resources :

If you would like help making career decisions or exploring your career/further study options, please contact the Career Zone to book a Guidance appointment.
Book onto a CV/Application form advice session via Handshake
Book onto a skill session via Handshake, topics include Problem Solving, Communication and Collaboration and Personal Resilience.
Develop your sustainability skills with Green Consultants (ex.ac.uk/greenconsultants)
Attend one of our Employer Events

*Data mentioned in this podcast is from late summer 2023.

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In our Law mini-series podcast, Rachel Gaunt Employability and Careers Consultant for the Law School, talks to experienced professionals from both legal and non-legal sectors about their career experiences and advice.

Jenny is our Faculty Employability Lead for Social Sciences and has experience working in careers, both in strategic and operational roles. Hear Jenny’s tips about where to start with your career planning, key factors to consider, practical steps to help make informed decisions and what’s available within Career Zone to help you.

In addition to this episode you can find more information to help with career planning here; University of Exeter Career Zone , My Career Zone Digital , Employability for Law Students,

Building Brilliant Careers and University of Exeter Law and Legal Services Sector

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Jen Hardwick, Employabliity and Placements Adviser shares her advice on finding paid work while studying at the University of Exeter. Jen shares where you can find paid work and internships as well as highlighting other ways you can gain employability experience.

If you are having any financial concerns, please get in touch with the Students' Guild or The Students' Union Advice Teams.

Further links:

Find out more about how the Career Zone can support you on the Career Zone webpages (www.ex.ac.uk/careerzone)
Find jobs and internships including SCP roles on Handshake (https://exeter.joinhandshake.co.uk/edu/postings/pending?page=1).
If you are an international student, you can access visa support from the International Support Team
Internship Schemes (www.ex.ac.uk/internships)
Professional Pathways (http://ex.ac.uk/professionalpathways)
Green Consultants (www.ex.ac.uk/greenconsultants)

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In this short episode Rachel and Sunny, Employability and Career Consultants, seek to assist our University of Exeter graduates to navigate the Career Zone resources and scopes of services to our University of Exeter alumni. This episode is specifically produced for University of Exeter alumni in mind.

Further resources Careers support | Alumni and supporters | University of Exeter Alumni network: Alumni networks | Alumni and supporters | University of Exeter

Help with: Help with... | Career Zone | University of Exeter

Handshake: Handshake | Career Zone | University of Exeter

My Career Zone Digital: Welcome (careercentre.me)

Graduate Jobs: Graduate Jobs | Career Zone | University of Exeter

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Sunny Lalli, Employability and Career Consultant, in conversation with Joy and Shiryn, two University of Exeter graduates, examines why and how graduates make career changes. In this episode we explore cycles of change from pre-contemplation to action, the career decision-making process of decide, plan and compete; define what a career change is, how graduates can generate ideas to propel a potential career change and resources such as mentoring which can support a career change.

Further resources:

My Career Zone resource on top tips for securing a job when changing a career: https://mycareerzone.careercentre.me/resources/elearning/Hub.aspx?search=career%20change

My Career Zone resource on "what it feels like to change career": https://mycareerzone.careercentre.me/resources/elearning/Hub.aspx?search=career%20change

My Career Zone resource on "career change considerations": https://mycareerzone.careercentre.me/u/fekv13jn

Enterprise and Entrepreneurship: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/enterpriseentrepreneurship/

Help with researching sectors and employers: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/helpwith/helpwithresearchingsectorsandemployers/

Help with networking: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/helpwith/helpwithnetworking/

Career Mentor scheme: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/employability-schemes/careermentorscheme/

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In this week's podcast, Rachel is joined by colleagues from the Career Zone who recently attended the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services Conference. The Career Zone staff share what they found out and their top tips for developing your employability and getting jobs.

You can view current jobs on Handshake

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In this week’s episode Rachel Sloan is joined by Zoe Hendon, Head of Collections at the Museum of Domestic Design and Architecture to discuss what you should consider if you’re thinking of a career in the arts, culture and heritage sector.

Links:

Heritage and Culture webpages:
Pathways to Arts, Culture and Heritage
Career Mentor Scheme
A2I

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Job hunting is difficult and rejections can be disappointing. Here, Will King, considers ways in which you can increase your resilience and remain positive while job hunting.

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Rich Daniels, Placement Learning Manager talks to Quinn Leatherbarrow-Stokes a University of Exeter alum, who co-founded of QWERTY Beer Box and QWERTY Commerce. Here Quinn discusses his time at University of Exeter and how his choices and actions put him on the path to starting his own company. Useful information relating to student start-up support can be accessed here: Enterprise & Entrepreneurship | Career Zone | University of Exeter. You can discover more about UpReach here https://upreach.org.uk/

If you would like to talk to an Employability Careers Consultant about your start-up idea, visit the Career Zone or use the Live Chat on the website.

You can book into a session on Networking or LinkedIn via Handshake

To discover more about placement options during your time at university, visit our webpages here

You can find out more about QWERTY Beer Box/Commerce here;

QWERTY Beer Box which focuses on beer gift hampers and championing the awesome independent UK breweries out there. Key periods throughout the year for us include Father’s Day (June 18th), Birthdays & Christmas, here www.qwertybeerbox.co.uk

University of Exeter staff and students can find out more about QWERTY Beer Box and Fathers Days promotion via this link

QWERTY COMMERCE which focuses on enhancing brand's online sales - with a special emphasis on Amazon, here - www.qwertycommerce.com

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Sunny Lalli, an Employability and Career Consultant explores the process of settling into a new job role with Rob McKellar, alum of the University of Exeter and a practicing solicitor. In this episode we examine methods to leverage rapid onboarding, strategies to allay anxieties and how mentoring can deepen connections to enable integration into a new job role and organisation.

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In this episode, Bryanna, an Employability and Placements Adviser, speaks with Penny a final year Modern Language student who completed a Work Abroad year last year in Barcelona, Spain. Penny shares her personal experiences from her year abroad in Spain and answers a few of the most frequently asked questions we receive about this module.

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Rachel Sloan, Employability and Career Consultant explores how you can use challenges in your life to your advantage on applications and at interviews. All of us have been through tough times, maybe a goal or achievement you had your heart set on did not happen or your plans were disrupted by a factor outside of your control. Rachel explores how the skills and attributes you may have developed can make you a stronger candidate when applying for jobs.

This episode was devised by Dawn Lees, written by Laura Lawrence and recorded by Rachel Sloan.

Links:

Link to CV, Cover Letter and Application Forms sessions on Handshake
Help with CVs, Cover Letters and Application Forms:
You can book a 1-1 advice appointment with an Employability and Placements Adviser by contacting Career Zone online, by phone or in person.

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In this week’s episode, David Pritchard, Employability and Career Consultant is joined by Erica Sosna, CEO of Career Matters to discuss ‘The Career Equation’. Erica and David discuss the notion of graduate success and what this actually means in today’s world.

Find out more about the Career Equation.

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Mair George is a freelance portfolio worker, and in this episode of the Career Zone podcast, she discusses the realities of working on a freelance basis, the importance of building professional relationships and shares the human only skills you’ll need to thrive as a freelancer. Mair explains the importance of having a growth mindset and how entrepreneurial thinking has helped her in her career.

Links:

You can book a Careers Guidance one-to-one appointments if you’re thinking about working freelance or building a portfolio or entrepreneurial career. Ask to book an 'Entrepreneurs Guidance appointment' at the Career Zone.
Find out more about Freelance work and how the Career Zone can support you here - https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/sector/self-employment/

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In this week’s episode, Rachel Sloan, Employability and Career Consultant, explores whether you should go into something you are passionate about or something you are good at. Rachel explains what we mean regarding passion and skills and shares the questions you should ask yourself when making a decision of which to follow.

Links:

You can book a 1-1 guidance appointment with an Employability and Career Consultant by contacting Career Zone online, by phone or in person.

Listen to another episode: Why understanding your strengths is so important - an employer's perspective.

This episode was devised by Dawn Lees, written by Laura Lawrence and recorded by Rachel Sloan

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When we use our strengths, we are more productive, perform better, and are more engaged in our work. By identifying our strengths, we can identify opportunities that require those attributes and that will give us greatest pleasure and satisfaction. We also impress employers who like to understand what makes us give our best. Listen to Employability and Career Consultant Fiona Hartley talking to recruiters across a range of sectors about their approaches to recruitment focussing on the importance of strengths.

Further Career Zone website resources

Help with self-awareness | Career Zone | University of Exeter

https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/helpwith/helpwithinterviews/

Other resources

Learn about strengths and how you can discover yours by watching this video.

Attend the popular termly in-person workshop Discover your strengths and why it is essential to career planning.

Listen to anotherRecruiter Perspectives: In conversation with Hannah Salton, Career Coach

My Career Zone Digital has lots more, including videos and articles, to help you identify your strengths, including:

Recognising strengths & weaknesses
Strengths vs Skills: what’s the difference?
Strengths assessment
Asking questions at interview

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In this week’s episode Rachel Sloan, Employability and Career Consultant explores why it’s important to write in plain English when applying for jobs and shares 5 things to avoid when writing CVs, cover letters and application forms.

This episode was devised by Dawn Lees, written by Rae Roberts and recorded by Rachel Sloan.

Links:

Link to CV, Cover Letter and Application Forms sessions on Handshake

Help with CVs, Cover Letters and Application Forms: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/research/helpwith/helpwithcvscoverlettersandapplications/

You can book a 1-1 advice appointment with an Employability and Placements Adviser by contacting Career Zone online, by phone or in person.

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Kathryn, an Employability and Placement Adviser speaks with Samah, a current 4th year Accounting and Finance student who completed her industrial placement at Warner Bros. Discovery UK last year. Samah shares her experience of searching for and securing a placement and her top tips on how to stay motivated and resilient during your placement search.

You can book a 1-2-1 appointment with a member of the Career Zone here

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As part of Go Green Week, Helen Hicks, Programme Officer for Green Consultants, talks to Alice Dunsmore, an Environmental Adviser at Costain and Barnaby Tagart, an Environmental and Sustainability Manager at BW. Alice and Barnaby share how completing the Green Consultants programme has helped then with their careers. They also discuss the impact they have on sustainability in their current roles and share advice to current students interested in working in the sustainability sector.

Green Consultants is an interactive programme, designed to provide students with the additional skills and experience required to work in the highly competitive environmental and sustainability sector. It is open to all students, and you can start now! Find out more on our Green Consultants webpage - https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/employability-schemes/greenconsultants/

You can find out more about Green Consultants by listening to 'Introducing Green Consultants'.

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As part of Neurodiversity celebration week, Mel Nearchou, Faculty Lead in the Business School, discusses the careers support available to neurodiverse students. Mel is joined by colleagues from the Career Zone including Employability and Career Consultant, Kate Foster, who discusses the support available to students on disclosure, including how to disclose, when to disclose and how to look for employers who are supportive. Katie Stote, Employability and Placements Adviser, shares her thoughts on her research project, Engaging Students in Knowledge Exchange and how it links with neurodiverse students. Finally Gemma York, an Employability and Placements Adviser shares how the Skills Team are making their skills and advice sessions more accessible to all.

We welcome any feedback or suggestions to help make the Career Zone accessible to all our students.

At 1:39 Mel mentions 'WP' students, which stands for 'Widening Participation'. If you're not sure what that means, have a look on our website here: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/wp-support/

Link to resources:

Katie Stone’s research: https://www.bera.ac.uk/blog/co-developing-inclusive-and-accessible-e-learning-resources-placing-disabled-and-neurodiverse-student-voices-at-the-centre-of-our-practice

Link to the Supporting Equality and Diversity page: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/equality/

Link to the Wellbeing page: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/wellbeing/

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In this episode, celebrating International Women’s Day, Sunny Lalli, Employability and Careers Consultant, is joined by Joy and Shiryn, to discuss the benefits of mentoring, strategies to securing a mentor, and how mentoring can be harnessed as powerful resource for implementing equality and progression in the workplace.

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Whatever the situation, there are principles that can be used to ensure you get your point across effectively so that you’re heard and understood. Rachel Sloan, Employability and Career Consultant, shares six steps to ensure your are listened to and that what you have to say is understood correctly.

This episode was devised by Dawn Lees, written by Rae Roberts and recorded by Rachel Sloan.

Links:

Problem Solving – book via Handshake

Presentation Skills – book via Handshake

Assertiveness and Understanding Human Behaviour – book via Handshake.

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In this week’s episode, as part of International Women’s Day, Sophie Binder, Learning and Development Manager, introduces the new Exe-Change the Norm programme running at the university. Sophie discusses why it has been created, what it involves and how you can get involved.

Exe-Change the Norm is free and open to all University of Exeter students, across all campuses. The four training sessions cover topics including sexism and sexual harassment, partner abuse, racism and racist micro-aggressions. You’ll learn how to effectively step-in to help, if you see these sorts of behaviours occur.

Links:

You can find out more about the Exe-Change the Norm programme here - https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/inclusion/support/training/exe-changethenorm/
You can book onto a session by searching for ‘Bystander training’ on Handshake

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In this week’s episode, Lucy Robinson, Global Employability Support Officer, is joined by students Megan, Layton and Ben to discuss their experience of taking part in the trip to Barcelona supporting the European Association for International Education conference as part of the Global Leaders Experiences. They share why they decided to apply, the skills they developed from the assessment centre and how their experiences in Barcelona helped with their career development.

Links for episode description:

Global Leaders EAIE Conference Rotterdam 2023
Global Employability webpages.

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As part of National Apprenticeship Week, Julia Paci, Partnership Development Manager for Degree Apprenticeships is joined by alumni Oscar Milverton Gatta. Julia and Oscar discuss the benefits of choosing to complete a Degree Apprenticeship for both the employer and employee. Oscar also shares the impact of completing a Degree Apprenticeship has had on his career and his advice for those thinking of taking a Degree Apprenticeship.

Links:

For more information on Degree Apprenticeships visit https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/degreeapprenticeships/

Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education website: https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/

Recycle It Global https://www.rig-uk.com/

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In this week's episode Sunny Lalli, Employability and Career Consultant is joined by guest speakers Dylan and John to examine the challenges of a change in career and the resources you can deploy to help manage the change. Sunny also discusses how to recognise when a change is needed and how change management skills can boost your resilience.

If you are navigating change there is plenty of help available to you.

Link to Career Guidance support including sessions such as Exploring and Making Career Decisions. https://www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/about/guidance/

You can book a 1-1 advice appointment with an Employability and Career Consultant by contacting Career Zone online, by phone or in person

Wellbeing Team https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/wellbeing/

Guild Support for you. https://www.exeterguild.com/page/support-for-you

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If you’re feeling like you are unable to decide what to do next or that you’re stuck going down a career path that doesn’t feel right, you’re not alone. In this week’s episode Rachel Sloan, Employability and Career Consultant, looks at stuckness exploring why you might be feeling stuck and the steps you can take to try and unstick yourself.

If you are feeling stuck there is plenty of help available to you.

Link to Career Guidance support including sessions such as Exploring and Making Career Decisions. https://www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/about/guidance/

You can book a 1-1 advice appointment with an Employability and Career Consultant by contacting Career Zone online, by phone or in person

Wellbeing Team https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/wellbeing/

Guild : Support for you. https://www.exeterguild.com/page/support-for-you

This episode was devised by Dawn Lees, written by Owen Wood and recorded by Rachel Sloan.

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In this episode, Alexa, an Employability and Placements Adviser, shares 5 reasons as to why you should think about undertaking a placement or gaining work experience within a Third Sector organisation, or an SME (small and medium size enterprise).

If you would like to book an appointment with an Employability and Placements Adviser to discuss work experience within these types of organisations, or to find out more about placement modules, please do so via the Career Zone - https://www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/

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In this episode, Marley Pradieu, Programme Assistant, is joined by students Katya, Kiera and Olivia to share their experiences of what it was like to take part in Grand Challenges. They discuss why they got involved and how taking part in the week has helped to develop their employability skills.

Grand Challenges is a project week, in which students work in interdisciplinary groups to design innovative solutions to real world challenges. This year, Grand Challenges will be taking place 5th-9th June 2023. For more information on the week and to sign up visit the Grand Challenges webpage.

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In this week’s episode Rachel Sloan, Employability and Careers Consultant, explores why reflecting on a situation is important in terms of your employability.

This episode was written by Laura Lawrence and recorded by Rachel Sloan.

For more support on how you can develop your employabilty including help with self-awareness and help with developing your skills, visit the Career Zone webpages.

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In this week’s episode, Rhianna Skeates, Employability and Placements Adviser, shares her experience of overcoming self-doubt to end up in a career they never expected to be in and why it is important to understand what motivates you. Rhianna discusses the career opportunities available despite any perceived barriers you may have.

More information on the support mentioned in the podcast can be found in the links below:

Regardless of which year of study you are in, it is important to start your career planning as soon as possible as some professions require planning and experience. Find out more about the Decide Resources on offer.
Employment Sector webpages
Decide podcast
Link to skill sessions on Handshake
If you would like to talk to a Career Consultant to discuss your career options, you can book a guidance appointment by contacting the Career Zone.

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In our Law mini-series podcast, Rachel Gaunt Employability and Careers Consultant for the Law School, talks to Law sector professionals about their career experiences.

Kelly graduated from the University of Exeter with an LLB in Law in 2020. She has now returned to work in her home country as a Legal Executive at Securities and Futures Commission after studying in the UK for 6 years. Hear about Kelly’s untimely return home due to the pandemic, how she navigated the start of her career journey in unexpected circumstances, her knowledge on qualifying in Hong Kong with an overseas degree, including tips on what to consider and her thoughts on the legal sector in general in Hong Kong.

In addition to this episode you can find more information to help with career planning here; My Career Zone Digital , Employability for Law Students and Building Brilliant Careers

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In this week’s episode Rachel Sloan, Employability and Careers Consultant, is joined by Sawsan Khuri, Innovation Specialist and Facilitator. Sawsan discusses her entrepreneurship journey, how risk taking has shaped her journey and how she has stayed resilient. Sawsan also shares her advice to students who have an idea for a business and the support that they can access.

Relevant Links:

Volt entrepreneurs
Collaborative Capacities
Student Start-ups
You can book a 1:1 'Entrepreneurs Guidance' appointment to discuss your individual situation by going to the Career Zone

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In our Law mini-series podcast, Rachel Gaunt Employability and Careers Consultant for the Law School, talks to Law sector professionals about their career experiences.

Duncan is an English-qualified solicitor and senior associate at the law firm Osborne Clarke. He is originally from Devon in the UK but currently lives and works in Munich, Germany. Hear about Duncan’s decision to pursue a career in international arbitration, his experiences of transitioning from student life to working in London, relocating to Germany, initially in the role of paralegal through to qualification via the New York Bar and then eventually into his current role as a Senior Associate.

In addition to this episode you can find more information to help with career planning here; My Career Zone Digital , Employability for Law Students and Building Brilliant Careers

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In this week’s episode Rachel Haddy, Employability and Placement Adviser is joined by alumni Amy Matthews. Amy graduated in 2017 with a degree in English and is now a comedian and writer. She shares how an English degree helped to prepare her for her current career, the importance of networking and how she manages setbacks and adversity. Amy also shares her advice for graduates thinking of going into creative careers.

If you would like to book an appointment with a Careers Consultant to discuss your career options, contact the Career Zone and ask for a Guidance appointment.

Link to Amy Matthews page: https://www.amymatthewscomedy.com/

Find out more about Expanding Your Career Horizons here https://www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/events/careerhorizons/

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Kate Foster, Employability and Career Consultant, is joined by Stephanie Lieber, Acting CEO of upReach, a social mobility charity that partners with the University to support students in receipt of the Access to Exeter bursary with their employability. Stephanie shares her career journey and what has influenced her career decisions.

You can find out more about upReach and whether you are eligible for support here. Click here to apply to upReach.

You can find more resources on our Expanding your Career Horizons - find a job you love! webpage.

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Social justice is relevant to every graduate role and how you approach you career. In this week’s episode alumni, Rhian Heasman, Director at The Centre for Social Justice, shares what social justice means to her, how she got into her current role and what she would encourage students to think about when applying for jobs.

You can find more resources on our Expanding your Career Horizons - find a job you love! webpage.

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In this week’s episode Kate Foster, Employability and Career Consultant is joined by Emma de Saram – (Exeter Guild - Liberation & Equality ) to discuss finding a job you love. Emma shares what has influenced her decision plans for the future and what she would encourage students to explore when thinking about their career options.

You can find more resources on our Expanding your Career Horizons - find a job you love! webpage. If you would like to talk with a Career Consultant about your career options, you can contact the Career Zone who will be able to book you a guidance appointment.

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Steve Wallers, Employer Engagement & Student Employment Manager talks with Career Coach Hannah Salton, who shares her top tips as a former recruiter. Hannah discusses the importance of a growth mindset, how you should go about developing your own personal brand and how to deal with rejection. Hannah also shares her advice on how to deal with multiple job offers and how to future proof your career.

Links to book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Graduate-Careers-Uncovered-recruiter-demystify/dp/B0BCCYSNBJ/

Support the Career Zone offers

Self-awareness https://www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/research/helpwith/helpwithself-awareness/
Developing your skills https://www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/research/helpwith/helpwithdevelopingyourskills/
Networking https://www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/research/helpwith/helpwithnetworking/
Researching sectors and employers https://www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/research/helpwith/helpwithresearchingsectorsandemployers/

Social Media: Wondering how you can develop your own personal brand, why a growth mindset is important or how to deal with multiple job offers? Listen to more top tips from a former recruiter in this week’s episode of the Career Zone podcast.

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In our Law mini-series podcast, Rachel Gaunt Employability and Careers Consultant for the Law School, talks to Law sector professionals about their career experiences.

Alex graduated from the University of Exeter with an LLB in Law in 2018. Originally from Romania he is now working as a Trainee in London. Hear about Alex’s experiences of starting his training contract in the pandemic, why he decided to stay in the UK to work, how he secured a training contract, the value of taking advantage of Career Zone opportunities and some insight into how the VISA process works for European Union Citizens.

In addition to this episode you can find more information to help with career planning here; My Career Zone Digital , Employability for Law Students and Building Brilliant Careers

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In our Law mini-series podcast, Rachel Gaunt Employability and Careers Consultant for the Law School, talks to Law sector professionals about their career experiences.

Pan graduated from the University of Exeter with an LLB in Law in 2017. Originally from Cyprus he is now working as an Associate in London. Hear about Pan’s reasons for choosing to stay in the UK to work, his experience of the application process, including tips on how to evidence skills required, the transition from student to work life and cultural differences between Cyprus and the UK, and within the UK; London city life compared with Exeter city Life.

The books Pan mentions are ‘All you need to know about the city’ and All you need to know about commercial awareness’ both Christopher Stoakes

In addition to this episode you can find more information to help with career planning here; My Career Zone Digital , Employability for Law Students and Building Brilliant Careers

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What is the current situation when it comes to creative industries in the UK? Nick Havergal, Employability and Placements Adviser whose background is in the creative arts (having spent the last few years teaching, researching and making theatre) guides us through the current state of play in the UK job market when it comes to creative careers and provides some starting points for graduates seeking to enter this industry.

Further information about skills sessions and 1-1 guidance for setting up your own business can be found here: Enterprise & Entrepreneurship | Career Zone | University of Exeter

Follow the below links for information relating to creative industries:

Developing your Creative Practice fund: https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/dycp

Edinburgh Television Festival Talent Schemes: https://www.thetvfestival.com/talent-schemes/

Creative UK (aimed at creative business owners): https://www.wearecreative.uk/

Creative Industries Council: https://www.thecreativeindustries.co.uk/

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In this episode Joan Wright, Employability and Placements Adviser speaks to Jesse Heasman, a University of Exeter alum, who graduated with a degree in Geography in 2015, and now 7 years later is working for Venture Capital firm Prefcap. Jesse explains more about the venture capital field, how this relates to entrepreneurship, and what led him into this career.

You can find out more about Prefcap here https://prefcap.io/

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This week Kate Foster, Employability and Career Consultant, is joined by recent graduate Moza Ackroyd, to discuss upReach, a social mobility charity that partners with the University to support students in receipt of the Access to Exeter bursary with their employability. Moza shares how she found out about upReach, the activities she got involved with and the advice she would give to her first year self.

You can find out more about upReach and whether you are eligible for support here.

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In our Law mini-series podcast, Rachel Gaunt Employability and Careers Consultant for the Law School, talks to Law sector professionals about their career experiences.

Hear from the team at Maples Group about what life is like training and working as a lawyer in Jersey. Listen to them talking about some of the interesting cases/deals they've been working on, what their drivers were to work and live in Jersey, and hear about how you can get the big city experience, but working from somewhere you can spend your evenings and weekends at the beach!

In addition to this episode you can find more information to help with career planning here; My Career Zone Digital , Employability for Law Students and Building Brilliant Careers

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Kate Foster, Employability and Career Consultant, is joined by student Arta Ebrahimpour, to discuss upReach, a social mobility charity that partners with the University to support students in receipt of the Access to Exeter bursary with their employability . Arta shares how he found out about upReach, the activities he got involved with and how upReach has helped him with his future career plans.

You can find out more about upReach and whether you are eligible for support here.

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Recent Physics graduate Ellie Knowles joins Rae Roberts, Employability and Career Consultant, to discuss how she manged to sort out a job ready for when she graduated. Ellie shares what she was involved in at university and the skills she developed as well as discussing what the application process was like for her graduate role as a Trainee Patent Attorney.

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In our Law mini-series podcast, Rachel Gaunt Employability and Careers Consultant for the Law School, talks to Law sector professionals about their career experiences.

Gabriel graduated from the University of Exeter with an LLB in Law in 2016. Originally from Singapore he is now working as an Associate in London. Hear about Gabriel’s reasons for choosing to stay in the UK to work, the value of work experience in helping him to make career decisions, experiences of securing a training contract and his top tips for applications.

The website Gabriel refers to is Chambers Student True Picture https://www.chambersstudent.co.uk/law-firms

In addition to this episode you can find more information to help with career planning here; My Career Zone Digital , Employability for Law Students and Building Brilliant Careers

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In our Law mini-series podcast, Rachel Gaunt Employability and Careers Consultant for the Law School, talks to Law sector professionals about their career experiences.

Kiera graduated from the University of Law with an LLB in Law in 2018, then went on to complete her BPTC LLM in 2019 and was called to the bar the same year. Originally from the Southwest she is now working as an Associate Barrister for Browne Jacobson based in Exeter. Hear about the steps to become a Barrister and Kiera’s own personal experiences. This includes what Kiera wishes she’d known before undertaking the journey and her top tips for aspiring Barristers.

Please note, Kiera refers to a requirement for aspiring solicitors who are non-law undergraduates to complete the law conversion course. Since the introduction of the SQE in September 2021 this has changed, technically there isn’t a requirement to do this, however we recommend checking with your shortlisted firms in the first instance. See here for more information: GDL and SQE What's going on with conversion courses

In addition to this episode you can find more information to help with career planning here; My Career Zone Digital , Employability for Law Students and Building Brilliant Careers

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Career Fairs offer a highly valuable opportunity for you to meet and engage with a variety of recruiting employers. Meeting these employers at fairs allows you to gain more insight into the company as well as the chance to ask questions which may then potentially enhance any future applications you decide to make. In this episode, Simon, an Employability and Placements Adviser, offers his 5 top tips for getting the most from any Career Fair you attend.

To find out more about upcoming Career Fairs/events please visit Exeter.ac.uk/careers

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In this episode Dawn Lees, Student Employabilty and Development Manager talks to recent graduate Scarlet on why it’s good to step out of your comfort zone. Recent graduate Scarlet, shares some of the risks she took while at university and how they have been beneficial for her career journey.

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In our Law mini-series podcast, Rachel Gaunt Employability and Careers Consultant for the Law School, talks to Law sector professionals about their career experiences.

Daniel graduated from the University of Exeter with an LLB in Law in 2018. Originally from Nigeria he is now working as an Associate in London. Hear about Daniel’s experiences of studying in the UK, choosing to secure work in the UK, obtaining a training contract and how he was supported by his employer to secure a working VISA.

In addition to this episode you can find more information to help with career planning here; My Career Zone Digital , Employability for Law Students and Building Brilliant Careers

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If you’ve joined us at Exeter from another country, you’ve probably noticed some of the weird things British people do. They start every conversation with saying something about the weather chat, say thank-you and sorry way more than is necessary and say goodbye in many different ways before they actually get around to leaving.

How does British culture affect the workplace? How can you prepare? In this podcast, Rhianna Skeates, an Employability and Placements Adviser will share some top tips to help you.

For more information on the support mentioned in the podcast, visit the International Students Career Zone web-page.

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In our Law mini-series podcast, Rachel Gaunt Employability and Careers Consultant for the Law School, talks to Law sector professionals about their career experiences.

Luke graduated from Exeter with an LLB in Law in 2011. He is an English-qualified solicitor working in-house as Legal Director at Adidas in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, focusing on global licensing matters. Hear Luke’s experience of working in house, how his decision to work in house lead to the opportunity to work overseas, the transition from working in the UK to Amsterdam and his journey to becoming a solicitor including the importance of transferable skills.

In addition to this episode you can find more information to help with career planning here; My Career Zone Digital , Employability for Law Students and Building Brilliant Careers

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Most students want a part time job to help their finances when they study, and international students are no different. In your home country, a casual job may not impress employers, but in the UK part time work is very highly regarded, even if it’s not related to the graduate career you want to go into. In this episode Rhianna Skeates, Employability and Placements Adviser, discuss what part time work is, how it can help your future career and how you can find a part time job.

Links:

Come and see us in Career Zone if you need help with your CV
You can find jobs on Handshake

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Dawn Lees, Student Employability and Development Manager talks to recent graduate Scarlett about the variety of support on offer from the Career Zone. Scarlett shares what she engaged with during her time at university and how it has helped her in securing a graduate role and making career decisions.

More information on the programmes mentioned in the podcast can be found in the links below:

Professional Pathways programme is a suite of sector specific training courses and paid 35 hour internships that will take place in June 2023.
Exeter Award is an extracurricular and co-curricular employability award open to all current undergraduates and taught postgraduates. Completing the Award will help you make the most of your professional experience. Exeter Leaders Award is an extracurricular and co-curricular award that recognises leadership roles you've undertaken during your time at the University of Exeter. It also provides a framework to help you develop as a leader.
Change Makers is an online training programme is delivered by the Cornwall School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) in association with the Career Zone and has been designed specifically to help students develop their ideas for social and environmental change into viable ventures.
You can book onto skill sessions on Handshake

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We chat to Geography alumni Louisa Street.

Currently a published academic and professional youth worker working for YZUP tackling drug and alcohol awareness training in schools, she guides us through her pathway from her Geography degree to the world of work, the importance of volunteering and letting go of the career fears that we all may experience, whether at University or as a graduate.

Louisa currently runs her own business, Packshare, which champions sustainable packaging from mail order businesses using a circular economy model and returns to Higher Education for a PhD this summer to explore the relationship between young people’s digital environments, the content shared within, and the changes needed within legislation to keep everyone safe. She also runs her own podcast for Headstart.

Links discussed within the episode:

Headstart Online Resilience Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0XwM8WPsFDXM2HWZtqlmFW

“Online Resilience and Wellbeing in Young People: Representing the Youth Voice” by Louisa Street & Andy Phippen: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09MF71NNL/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk

TEVI: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/esi/business/tevi/

PhDs: https://www.findaphd.com/

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Being adaptable is essential to the success of a business as well as a person’s ability to cope with change. In this episode, Rae explores exactly what your adaptability quotient is and how it can be useful for your career journey - in particular, how it can help you to deal with a fast-paced and ever-changing workplace.

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In this week's podcast, Rae is joined by colleagues from the Career Zone who recently attended the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services Conference. The Career Zone staff share what they found out and their top tips for developing your employability and getting jobs.

You can view current jobs on Handshake

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In this episode, our Employability and Placements Advisors, Becky and Gemma are joined by two students, Muriel and Phoebe, who spent a year working abroad as part of their degree. Muriel is currently working abroad at University of Exeter in the Outbound Team, and Phoebe spent a year working abroad in Germany as a British Council and Foreign Language Assistant. Here we gain an insight into their experiences of working abroad.

The majority of Undergraduate courses at the University of Exeter have the option to add study or work abroad, or sometimes both. If you have any questions regarding the global opportunities available, please contact our Outbound team at outbound@exeter.ac.uk or visit the Global Opportunities SharePoint site here

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In this episode Employability and Career Consultant Sarah Blunt sits down with Mia, a final year Biological Sciences student, to find out about her experience of attending a careers guidance appointment with the Career Zone. Sarah also speaks to Employability and Career Consultant Fiona Hartley to find out what you can expect if you book an appointment yourself.

Find out more on the Career Zone webpage.

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Jenny Clark from the Student Employability team working, with social science students at the University of Exeter explains why it is so important to ask relevant questions at the end of an interview, and provides some great suggestions for what you should and should not ask.

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In this episode, Rae explores what is meant by the phrase ‘organisational culture’ and why it is important. Rae shares her advice on how you can learn about a company’s organisational culture when applying for jobs.

For more information on how to utilise the Alumni tool on LinkedIn, book onto one of our LinkedIn Lab sessions

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In this episode focusing on Study Abroad, Gemma, an Employability and Placements Adviser in the Skills Team, talks to Callum (who studied at University of Plymouth but is currently working alongside the Global Opportunities team as a Graduate Business Partner), Harry and Izzy, each of whom completed a study abroad year. Here we learn more about the experiences and opportunities that this year provided each of them.

The majority of Undergraduate courses at the University of Exeter have the option to add study or work abroad, or sometimes both. If you have any questions regarding the global opportunities available, please contact our Outbound team at outbound@exeter.ac.uk or visit the Global Opportunities SharePoint site here

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We last looked at the labour market situation in January, so in this episode, we are going to look at what has changed in the labour market since then.

To support your transition from university into employment or further study, we have created the Get Ready to Graduate programme. Whether you are exploring options, planning your next steps or actively applying for opportunities, we have something for everyone. Click here for more information on Get Ready to Graduate | Career Zone | University of Exeter or Careers Forever - Exeter (careercentre.me), to help you whatever stage of career planning you are at. If you’re still unsure, book a guidance appointment to start a conversation.

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David Pritchard, an Employability & Careers Consultant, discusses gamification in the recruitment process. David explores what is meant by gamification, and why it is used by employers. He shares the type of experience you might expect with examples from KPMG, Deloitte and Unilever, as well as giving advice on how to approach game based selection tools if you come across them in the recruitment process.

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You will never stop learning in the workplace. Here Clive Betts, Head of Staff Development at the University of Exeter, explores the tremendous value of both formal and informal CPD (Continued Professional Development) throughout your career. Clive considers how you can make the most of it, how to think carefully about what you are learning, how you learn and what you are going to do as a result of your CPD.

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In this week’s podcast, Employability and Career Consultants Dominic Prosser and Jenny Phillips discuss why it’s important to say no in the workplace. Dominic and Jenny talk about when you should be saying no and share their tips on the different ways you can say no.

References mentioned in this episode:

Campbell, J. (2019) The Resilience Dynamic, Practical Inspiration Publishing: London.

Lees, J. (2019) Secrets of Resilient People, Teach Yourself: London.

Wong, T. (2020) Digital Onion, online at digitalonion.com [accessed 14th July 2021]

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As part of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, Rae is joined by University of Exeter student, Ridi. Ridi shares her experience of being neurodivergent and how neurodiversity can be explored and supported within the workplace.

If you would like to book an appointment with a Careers Consultant, contact the Career Zone and ask for a Guidance appointment.

You can find out more about Ridi's art business at:

Art page Instagram: @creativeweirdo_98

Art website: https://creativeweirdoshop.bigcartel.com/

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In this episode, Jenny Phillips and Dominic Prosser, Employability and Career Consultants, discuss how to bounce back after a job rejection. Jenny and Dominic talk about some of the practical things you can do in this situation and share ideas on how you can become more resilient.

If you would like to book an appointment with a Careers Consultant, contact the Career Zone and ask for a Guidance appointment.

Throughout term time the Career Zone run a range of skill sessions including on Personal Resilience. You can find out what is running and book your place on Handshake.

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For International Women's Day, Rae is joined by Daisy Anderson, University of Exeter graduate and founder of ROOBARB'S. Daisy shares the process of starting her business, ROOBARB'S from the initial idea to learning how to adapt her business idea. Daisy also discusses the support she has received from Student Startups and from her mentor.

You can find ROOBARB'S on the following:

Instagram: @roobarbsfood

Facebook: @roobarbs

Website: www.roobarbs.com

Email: roobarbsfood@gmail.com

You can find more information on Student Startups here.

If you're thinking about working for yourself, building a portfolio or entrepreneurial career, contact the Careers Zone to book an Entrepreneurs Guidance appointment.

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In this week’s episode University of Exeter graduate, Lucy, Director of Legal and Data at Terrafirma, shares her top tips for graduates looking to secure their first role in the Green sector.

You can find more information for career development for sustainability here.

You can find out more about Green Consultants and access the training to explore whether working in the sustainability sector is for you, here.

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In this episode, Rae is joined by University of Exeter student Maisie, a member of the Enactus Society. Maisie shares how her project, creating a climate change story book for children, came about from taking part in Challenges Online and how the project has benefited from the support Enactus offers.

You can find out more about Enactus here.

If you're thinking about working for yourself, building a portfolio or entrepreneurial career, contact the Careers Zone to book an Entrepreneurs Guidance appointment.

Grand Challenges will be running from 6th-10th June 2022. Visit the Grand Challenges website to find out more and to sign up.

You can find out more information about the Sustainable Development Goals and the SDG Teach In here.

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Katie Fennell-Harris, Programme Officer at the University of Exeter, introduces the Aspiring Educators programme and the range of opportunities available to you. Katie is joined by Leanne Galloway, an Early Years Adviser and Ofsted Inspector, who shares her top 5 skills that you need if you are thinking about a career in teaching. Katie also discusses how you can go about gaining teaching experience to work out where your passion lies.

Links:

Aspiring Educators Programme

Primary Enrichment

Learning for Teaching Module

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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

In this episode we look at the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how they can relate to your career planning. Rae takes a look at a some of the SDGs to help you think further about what interests you and how focusing on your passion and skills can help you to make a difference.

For more information visit:

United Nations Sustainable Development – 17 Goals to Transform Our World.

THE 17 GOALS | Sustainable Development (un.org)

(99+) Using the SDGs to guide your sustainability career | LinkedIn

Entrecomp | Career Zone | University of Exeter

Career Zone at Exeter activities you may wish to get involved with to explore the SDGs further:

Create Your Future | Career Zone | University of Exeter

Aspiring Educators | Career Zone | University of Exeter

Grand Challenges | Grand Challenges | University of Exeter

Green Consultants | Career Zone | University of Exeter

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In this episode, we will be thinking about careers in the green sector. Rae discusses what the green sector is and how every job has the potential to become green. University of Exeter graduates, Grace and Jasmin, share their advice on how to get involved in the green sector.

Resources & links

Career Development for Sustainability | Career Zone | University of Exeter

Green Consultants | Career Zone | University of Exeter

Grand Challenges | Grand Challenges | University of Exeter

Exeter Award Themes | Career Zone | University of Exeter – sustainability theme

Career Mentor Scheme | Career Zone | University of Exeter

Sector Information: Environment and conservation | Career Zone | University of Exeter

Prospects sectors and job profiles

Education for Sustainability - Sustainability - University of Exeter

Student volunteering - Sustainability - University of Exeter

Visit Handshake to find out what jobs and placements are currently available in this area.

External Links

IEMA - Sustainability skills map

Green Jobs Taskforce (publishing.service.gov.uk)

United Nations Sustainable Development – 17 Goals to Transform Our World.

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Content warning: This podcasts discusses eating disorders.

In this week’s episode Rachel Sloan, Employability and Placements Adviser, is joined by Jo Whitfield, National Officer for Beat Eating Disorder Charity. Jo discusses eating disorders in the workplace and shares tips on how to manage them in a workplace.

For more information and support on eating disorders visit:

Beat: Access to resources including self-help guides and to Beat helpline which is available all year round.
University of Exeter Wellbeing Services offers individual support sessions for students experiencing eating difficulties.
Contact your GP for further advice and support.

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We last looked at the graduate labour market in September, but what has changed since then? In this episode, Rae takes a look at the current state of the graduate labour market.

If you're thinking about working for yourself, building a portfolio or entrepreneurial career, contact the Careers Zone to book an Entrepreneurs Guidance appointment.

If you would like help making career decisions or exploring your career/further study options, please contact the Career Zone to book a Guidance appointment.

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As part of Digital and Coding Week, Ben Toulson, an Employability and Career Consultant, is joined by Sarah Burne James, Solution Architect at IBM. Sarah and Ben discuss what IBM do, how to work in the tech industry if you don’t have a tech background and the importance of technical curiosity.

For more resources on digital & coding skills and to find out what events are running throughout the week, visit the Digital & Coding webpages.

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In this episode Rae considers how the rise in Artificial Intelligence (AI) will help businesses remove repetitive tasks, and explores how your skills can fit into this ever expanding sector to help address social inequalities, create jobs and improve people’s lives.

References:

Microsoft’s Unlocking the UK’s potential with digital skills Unlocking the UK's Potential with Digital Skills - Microsoft UK

JISC Building Digital Capability Building digital capability | Building digital capability (jisc.ac.uk)

CBI learning-for-life-report.pdf (cbi.org.uk)

Digital skills must go hand-in-hand with human skills | Luminate (prospects.ac.uk)

How can employers upskill graduates post COVID? | Luminate (prospects.ac.uk)

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As part of Digital & Coding Week, Rachel Sloan, Employability & Placements Adviser talks to Claire Barret, Director at APIsFirst. Claire talks about her career journey and shares her advice to students interested in working within the digital sector. Jobs in the IT sector are open to all graduates, and Claire shares how a grounding in any degree subject can help you with a career in the IT sector. Claire also explores some of the main challenges the digital and IT sector are facing and how organisations are reacting to these challenges.

Claire Barrett is a Director at APIsFirst who makes strategy happen: translating goals and aspirations into technology change that sticks. She has a background in IT leadership and consulting at large, globally recognised organisations in sectors such as financial services, manufacturing and government. She recently returned to the UK after having spent most of her career in Australia and Hong Kong.

For more resources on digital & coding skills and to find out what events are running throughout the week, visit the Digital & Coding webpages.

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As part of Digital & Coding Week, Rae explores what is meant by disruptive thinking and how it can bring change to businesses. Rae discusses the difference between innovation and disruptive thinking and shares what you need to be able to do and the skills you will need to develop in order to be a successful disruptive thinker.

For more resources on digital & coding skills and to find out what events are running throughout the week, visit the Digital & Coding webpage.

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In this week’s episode, Laura Ibarra Hempel, College Coordinator for Humanities, explores perfectionism, what it means and how it can affect your behaviour at work. Laura also shares her advice on what you can do to tackle perfectionism.

If you would like to explore this further the University Wellbeing team will be running a webinar on 9th Feb on perfectionism that will help you understand perfectionism better overall and provide you with techniques based on a Cognitive Behaviour Therapy approach.

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In this episode, Branwen Cleaver, Programme Assistant, is joined by students Blakeney, Francesca and Maisie to share their experience of what it was like to take part in Grand Challenges. They discuss why they got involved, how taking part in the week has helped to develop their employability skills and share their tips on getting the most out of the week.

Grand Challenges is a project week, in which students work in interdisciplinary groups to design innovative solutions to real world challenges. This year, Grand Challenges will be taking place in one of these two weeks: 6th-10th June or 13th-17th June 2022. The exact week will be confirmed soon. For more information on the week and to sign up visit the Grand Challenges webpage.

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Mair George, Freelance Theatre Producer and External Facilitator on the Create Your Future programme, explores how to choose your referees for professional job applications. As part of the recruitment process, it is likely you will be asked to submit names of referees who are able to provide an insight into your previous work and your capabilities. In this episode, Mair provides examples of who you can ask to be your referee and explains what you will need to let your referee know in order for them to provide a strong, tailored reference for you.

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In this week’s podcast Rae is joined by colleagues from the Career Zone who recently attended the Institute of Student Employers Virtual Conference. The Career Zone staff share what they found out about what graduate recruiters for Law are looking for and what you can do to prepare for the graduate labour market.

For more information on the Law sector and to view the range of resources available to you, visit the Law sector page on the Career Zone webpage.

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In this week’s podcast Rae is joined by colleagues from the Career Zone who recently attended the Institute of Student Employers Virtual Conference. The Career Zone staff share what they found out about what employers are looking for and what the graduate labour market is looking like.

For more information on different sectors and to view the range of resources available to you, visit the employment sector page on the Career Zone webpage.

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In this week's episode Katya shares her experience of completing the Exeter Leaders Award with fellow student Amelia. Katya shares why she chose to complete the Exeter Leaders Award, her favourite aspects of the Award and why she would recommend the Exeter Leaders Award to other students.

The Exeter Leaders Award is an employability achievement award that recognises leadership roles you've undertaken during your time at the University of Exeter. It also provides a framework to help you develop as a leader. For more information and to register, visit the Exeter Leaders Award webpage.

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In this week’s episode, Rachel Gaunt and John Greaves, Employability and Placements Advisers at the University of Exeter, discuss the importance of resilience skills in the workplace. John discusses how employers might determine whether candidates have resilience skills and shares what you can do to develop your resilience.

The Career Zone runs Personal Resilience sessions throughout the term. To find out more and to book your place, visit Handshake.

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In this week’s episode, Rae is joined by Izzy and Alina, students from the Enactus society, to discuss why they joined Enactus and how they became involved in their projects. They also discuss the range of skills they have developed while working on their projects and share their advice on how to get involved with Enactus.

You can find out more about Enactus here, where you can also find out more about the PlastExe project and the Biosmart project mentioned in this episode.

If you're thinking about working for yourself, building a portfolio or entrepreneurial career, contact the Careers Zone to book an Entrepreneurs Guidance appointment.

You can find out more about Compassionate Careers and the events running by clicking here.

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Some job roles are never actually advertised publicly on jobs boards. There are a range of reasons for employers choosing not to publicly advertise roles, but here Rae is joined by Employability and Placements Adviser, John Greaves, to look into what the hidden jobs market is and explore how, going forwards, you can ensure you put yourself in the best position to access potential roles by networking, utilising social media (Twitter/LinkedIn), subscribing to newsletters or news alerts and attending conferences and events to enhance your job search.

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As part of Global Entrepreneurship Week 2021, Rae is joined by students Romy and Connor, students from the Enactus society, to discuss how entrepreneurship fits into Enactus’ aims in regards to addressing the global issues. Romy and Connor discuss the range of skills they have developed while working on their projects and share their advice on how to get involved with Enactus.

You can find out more about Enactus here, where you can also find out more about the Black Live Matter Action for Change project and the Grow project mentioned in this episode.

If you're thinking about working for yourself, building a portfolio or entrepreneurial career, contact the Careers Zone to book an Entrepreneurs Guidance appointment.

You can find out more about Global Entrepreneurship Week and the events running by clicking here.

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In this episode we are joined by Geography student Harriet who completed her placement year with Johnson & Johnson, and Bioscience student Anais who completed her placement year with ZSL. They share their experiences of looking for, securing and being on placement year and share their tips for students currently looking for work experience and how they had to develop and utilise their resilience.

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As part of Global Entrepreneurship Week 2021, Rae is joined by Emily Davies, SETsquared Exeter Student Startup Manager and Max Harrington, Masters student and founder of Just Surf. Emily discusses the support available to students who are thinking about starting their own businesses, including information on the funding that is available for students to pitch for. Max shares how Student Startups has helped him start up his business, Just Surf, and shares his advice on how to make the most of the support available.

Student Startup drop ins run on Tuesday 2-3pm, and details on how to attend can be found here.

More information on Student Startups, including the Pre-Incubator and Incubator Programmes can be found here.

You can find the SCRATCH Startup magazine here.

You can find out more about Max’ business by visiting Just Surf.

If you're thinking about working for yourself, building a portfolio or entrepreneurial career, contact the Careers Zone to book an Entrepreneurs Guidance appointment.

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As part of Global Entrepreneurship Week 2021, Rae is joined by recent graduates, Natalia Lemanska, Project Leader and Zoja Vizinger, Deputy Leader, of social enterprise Oyana Soaps. Natalia and Zoja share their experience of working on a social enterprise, including the challenges they have faced and the skills they have developed. They also discuss the support they have received from Student Startups at the university and from the Enactus Society.

You can find more information on Oyana Soaps at oyanasoaps.com/ or find them on Instagram @oyanakenya and on Facebook.

More information on Student Startups, including the Pre-Incubator and Incubator Programmes can be found here.

You can find out more about Enactus here.

If you're thinking about working for yourself, building a portfolio or entrepreneurial career, contact the Careers Zone to book an Entrepreneurs Guidance appointment.

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Joan Wright, Employability and Placements Adviser in the Business School is joined by Lara, a recent graduate who completed a year in industry in her 3rd year, as part of the With Industrial Placement Programme. In this episode Lara talks about her experiences of the placement recruitment process and shares some useful advice for your placement search.

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In this podcast we are discussing the importance of cultural awareness and intercultural competence. This is something highly valued by employers globally, especially in the current situation where working remotely could offer you the chance to have colleagues from all over the world. The workshops take place throughout the year across all three terms. They will be bookable via Handshake from the start of the academic year so please check online or contact us here; placements@exeter.ac.uk with any questions.

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In this week's episode students, Max, Alice and Danielle, share their experience of completing the Green Consultants programme with fellow student Lizzie. They share why they chose to take part in Green Consultants, their favourite aspects of the programme and why they would recommend Green Consultants to other students.

Green Consultants is an award winning programme designed to provide students with additional skills and experience required to work in the highly competitive environmental and sustainability sector. You can find out more about Green Consultant and access the training here.

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In this week’s episode Claire Guy, an Employability and Careers Consultant, shares her tips on how you can feel more confident when you are making a career decision. Claire shares how you can discover what your values and strengths are, and how these will help you to feel more confident about your career planning.

Develop your confidence and other skills, including Assertiveness and Understanding Behaviour, by attending one of our skill sessions. Sessions are running online and in person, to book your space visit Handshake.

You can find out more about Create Your Future here. Listen on Spotify and ITunes.

You can follow us on Instagram @uoecareers or @uoecornwallcareers or on Twitter @UoECareers or @UoECornwallCZ and include the #careerzonepodcast so that we can follow up in a future episode.

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We last looked at the graduate labour market in May 2021 (How will graduate jobs be affected by Covid-19? Part 4), but what has changed since then? Here, Rae takes a look at the current state of the graduate labour market.

You can find more information on specific sectors visit the Career Research and Planning pages.

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Create Your Future is an employability programme developed for all first year students to help them plan and prepare for their future. In this episode, Amelia, Programme Assistant at the Careers Zone and a student at the University of Exeter, speaks to Hannah, a fellow student who completed the Create Your Future programme last year. Hannah shares how she found the programme, how it has helped her to prepare for the next stages of her career and gives her advice on how to get the most out of the Create Your Future programme.

You can find out more about Create Your Future here.

Please click here for the transcript of this episode.

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In this week's podcast, Rae is joined by colleagues from the Career Zone who recently attended the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services Conference. The Career Zone staff share what they found out about what employers are looking for and what the graduate labour market is looking like.

Follow us on Instagram @uoecareers or @uoecornwallcareers or on Twitter @UoECareers or @UoECornwallCZ and include the #careerzonepodcast so that we can follow up in a future episode.

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Rae is joined by Liz Robertson and Jenny Phillips, Employability and Career Consultants at the University of Exeter. Liz and Jenny discuss the importance of passion when applying for jobs and share their top tips to ensure you are demonstrating passion to employers.

Follow us on Instagram @uoecareers or @uoecornwallcareers or on Twitter @UoECareers or @UoECornwallCZ and include the #careerzonepodcast so that we can follow up in a future episode.

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It can be rather daunting deciding what to wear to interview, and knowing what the employer would deem appropriate can sometimes be a challenge. In this episode, Career Zone Support Officer Jenny and Callie, a final year History student, give you their top tips for dressing appropriately, confidently and comfortably when you are selected to interview

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Once you have secured a work placement, you will be thinking about what you need to do before your first day in the role. In this podcast, Rich Daniels, our Placements Learning Manager, has some great tips to help you prepare for your first day and to get the most from your time on placement

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Throughout the last year we have all had to adapt to working and studying from home. In this episode, Rae looks at some of the skills that you will have acquired and honed while working remotely, and how you can use these new skills when applying for jobs.

Follow us on Instagram @uoecareers or @uoecornwallcareers or on Twitter @UoECareers or @UoECornwallCZ and include the #careerzonepodcast so that we can follow up in a future episode

Listen on Spotify or ITunes

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In this episode, Rae explores how to motivate others effectively in order to contribute to a happy team, and create a positive working environment.

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Last year, we released our first podcast titled, “How will graduate jobs be impacted by Covid-19?”, which focused on the initial impact that Covid-19 had on the graduate labour market at that time. Here, Rae takes another look at how the graduate market is faring, a year on from the start of the pandemic. You can find more information on specific sectors visit the Career Research and Planning pages.

References: Burning Glass After the storm: the jobs and skills that will drive the post-pandemic recovery (February 2021). After the Storm | Burning Glass Technologies (burning-glass.com)

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There will be some point during your career that you will have a disagreement or dispute with another person. In this episode, Rae talks through the key elements to work through in order to resolve conflicts in any situation.

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In this episode, Owen considers the importance of ethics and sustainable practice in the workplace, and how choosing an organisation that shares your ethics can lead to a happy, sustainable and enjoyable career.

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This week, Rae is joined by Jayde Kirby, a Business Coach, to discuss SMEs, small or medium sized enterprises. Jayde talks about the benefits of working for an SME as a graduate and how you can find out whether working for an SME is for you. Links to the websites mentioned in this episode: My Career Zone Digital, Prospects, Target Jobs, Hello Grads and Graduate Jobs.

Follow us on Instagram @uoecareers or @uoecornwallcareers or on Twitter @UoECareers or @UoECornwallCZ and include the #careerzonepodcast so that we can follow up in a future episode.

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In this week’s episode Antonia Coppen, Employability and Careers Consultant at the University of Exeter, is joined by Software Cornwall, Bluefruit Software, Buzz Interactive and That Seagull Bob to discuss the benefits of working in Tech in the South West from a Cornish perspective. Discover what current and future opportunities are available to students and graduates in this expanding sector and whether a career in Tech in the South West can offer you the lifestyle you seek.

Follow us on Instagram @uoecareers or @uoecornwallcareers or on Twitter @UoECareers or @UoECornwallCZ and include the #careerzonepodcast so that we can follow up in a future episode.

Credits: Readers! Do You Read? by Chris Zabriskie http://chriszabriskie.com, Creative Commons — Attribution 4.0 International — CC BY 4.0, Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/readers-do-you-read, Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/aNkVQA4zbMA, Voyager - by Jonny Easton, Creative Commons - Attribution licence (reuse), Link: https://youtu.be/HKinw3NqWFQ, Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/jonnyeaston

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Searching for a placement can feel particularly daunting and overwhelming at the moment, and if you have received rejections you may be left feeling a little discouraged. However, in this episode Ciaran Stoker, Employment and Placement Adviser, explores the various actions you can take, and the wide range of support which is on offer if you are struggling to find a placement.

Our team of Employability and Placement Advisers are here to help with your search, if you would like to book a one to one appointment to talk through your placement search visit exeter.ac.uk/careers/ . Alternatively you can send us an email at; placements@exeter.ac.uk

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In this week’s podcast Rae is joined by colleagues from the Career Zone who recently attended the Institute of Student Employers Virtual Conference. The Career Zone staff share what they found out about what employers are looking for and what the graduate labour market is looking like.

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In this episode Rachel Coombes, Employability and Careers Consultant, is joined by Joanne Mavridis, Marketing Director and Hollie Dabson, Digital Marketing Specialist, both from ForgeRock. Joanne and Hollie share their career journey and how they became to work within the technology industry and share their tips on how to get into the industry. They also discuss the type of work ForgeRock is involved with as a technology and IT software company.

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We last looked at the graduate labour market in November 2020 (How will graduate jobs be affected by Covid-19? Part 2), but what has changed since then? Here, Rae takes a look at the current state of the graduate labour market.

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This week Rachel Gaunt, Employability and Placements Adviser looks at Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the Recruitment Process and talks to Employability and Careers Consultant Kate Foster who specialises in supporting students from under-represented groups.

For further information you can go to our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpage http://www.exeter.ac.uk/inclusion/ , and ACAS https://www.acas.org.uk/about-us

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Many graduate employers use Assessment Centres as part of their recruitment process. In this episode John Greaves an Employability and Placement Adviser based in the Career Zone, takes a closer look at Assessment Centres and considers what should you expect, and how should you prepare.

We also hear from Poppy Osborne a final year Business Management student who gives her top tips for success at Assessment Centres. You can read more about Poppy’s experiences and advice in her blog on the Audito page here

Further advice and information can be found here

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As part of International Women’s Day, Rachel Coombes, Employability and Careers Consultant, is joined by Joanne Mavridis, Marketing Director and Hollie Dabson, Digital Marketing Specialist, both from ForgeRock, to discuss the organisation Women In Identity and how it has helped them with their careers. They share views on the issue women still face in the workplace and why it’s important to challenge them. Joanne and Hollie also share their advice on how to succeed in the workplace and how to identify positive working environments when looking for a job.

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Rich Daniels, Placements Learning Manager, gives an overview of work placements, discusses the wide range of support available during your placement search, and provides some key information to help you decide whether a work placement module could the right choice for you.

To find out more about work placements visit https://www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/employment-services/recruit/workplacements/ or contact us directly at placements@exeter.ac.uk

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In this week’s episode, Rae explains what is meant by the compete stage of your career journey. Rae provides an overview of what you can expect when you are competing for a role and shares advice to help you succeed. You can find more information about all three stages of your career journey on the Career Zone webpages.

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In this week’s episode Rae is joined by Lindsay Warner, Programme Assistant in the Career Zone, to discuss this year’s Challenges Online, running from 7th-11th June 2021. Lindsay is joined by Brogan, Harry and Lizzie, students who completed Challenges Online last year, to discuss the Challenges they worked on and what they gained from participating in the week.

This year the Challenges are: Climate and Environment Emergency, Social Inequality, Planetary Health, Fighting Fake News and Future Foods: Securing Sustainable Food Systems in the 21st Century. All the Challenges relate to the Sustainable Development Goals and the week will provide you with the opportunity to develop your employability skills. To explore the Challenges further and to sign up visit https://www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/events/challengesonline/

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In this episode, Ben Toulson talks with Paul Ranson a video games entrepreneur, who shares his experiences from his time in the industry – from creating video games to setting up his own business. Paul also gives some advice for students who may be looking to get into the modern gaming industry.

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In this week’s episode, Rae Roberts, Employability and Career Consultant, talks about the steps you can take to help you plan and move forward in your career planning. Rae discusses the activities you can engage with to help you develop the skills and experience required for the role you’re planning to go in to.

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In this episode, as part of Digital and Coding Week, Rae talks with Adam Alton, Co-Founder of FidlLeaf, about how he got into coding. Adam provides an insight into what it is like as an industry to work in and shares his tips on how to have a go at coding. More information on FidlLeaf can be found here www.fidlleaf.com

Quick links: LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram. And Adam's personal Twitter.

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As part of our Digital and Coding week, Rae explores what is meant by digital skills and why they are important. Rae also provides advice on what you can do to up-skill and improve your digital skills so you remain competitive in the job market.

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We hear from Claire Guy, an Employability and Careers Consultant, about the range of advice and support that the Career Zone has available for International Students, here at the University of Exeter. Our team is here to help, so if you have questions about visa regulations or working in the UK visit exeter.ac.uk/internationalstudents to find out more or to book an appointment with one of our immigration advisors. To access further information visit exeter.ac.uk/careers/internationalstudents

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Job hunting can seem like a daunting prospect, especially at the moment, but here Rae shares her top 5 practical tips for de-stressing job hunting to help you make sure you look after your wellbeing during your search. For more information, visit the University's Wellbeing and Careers pages; https://www.exeter.ac.uk/wellbeing/ https://www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/

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In this week’s episode Rae is joined by Mair George, Facilitator and Freelance Theatre Producer, to discuss what public speaking means and why it is important. Mair shares her tips to help you improve your public speaking and presentation skills.

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In this week’s episode, Rae is joined by Kelly Preece, Researcher Development Manager in the Doctoral College. Kelly shares her experience of failure and how she has come to view it as her greatest strength. Kelly also runs the Researchers, Development and the In-Betweens Podcast for PGRs which can be found here.

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In this week’s episode, Rae explains what delegation skills are, why you delegate and the benefit of doing so for both yourself and for others. Rae also talks through the five steps to effective delegation.

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This week, Wendy Woolery, Employability and Careers Consultant, provides an overview of the things to consider if you’re thinking of studying a postgraduate degree. Wendy provides information on the range of different postgraduate degrees available and the various sources of funding available. Some University Colleges provide progression scholarships for students and recent alumni who would like to stay to progress their studies. For more information visit exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/.

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Back in June 2020, we released our first podcast titled, “How will graduate jobs be impacted by Covid-19?”, which focused on the initial impact that Covid-19 had on the graduate labour market at that time. Here, Rae takes a second look at how the graduate market is faring, nearly six months on.

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As part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, Rae talks with University of Exeter graduate Anam about their freelance and portfolio work. Anam discusses the importance of building a network and how she has taken an entrepreneurial approach to her career.

If you are a current University of Exeter student, thinking about working freelance or building a portfolio career, you can book a one-to-one appointment with Rae, an Employability and Careers Consultant.

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In this episode, as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, Rae talks with University of Exeter graduate Ash about how they set up a charity whilst at university and whether they would consider themselves an entrepreneur. More information on Acting for Change International can be found here.

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In this week’s episode Rae is joined by Rachel Sloan, Employability and Placements Adviser and Christo Nation, a University of Exeter alumnus. Rachel and Christo discuss the value of professionalism and provide tips and advice on how to present your best professional self.

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In this week’s episode, Rae Roberts, Employability and Careers Consultant, thinks about the question many of you may face, how do I choose a career? To help get you thinking, Rae introduces four steps to help you when choosing a future career.

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In this episode, Employability and Career Consultants Dominic Prosser and Jenny Phillips, discuss Imposter Syndrome and how it manifests itself. Dominic also recommends strategies that you can use to combat imposter syndrome so that it doesn’t affect your career.

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This year, most careers events and fairs are being hosted in an online format. With that in mind, in this episode Rachel Gaunt, an Employability and Placements Advisor, focuses on these virtual careers events and provides some really useful advice for how you can prepare if attending an online event. Find out more about the Career Zone’s careers events by clicking here

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As part of our careers de-stress campaign, within this episode, Rae talks through some of your frequently asked questions with regards to disclosing a disability or longer term health condition to an employer. Click here to find out about the careers de-stress campaign, and here for further support regarding this episode.

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In this episode Mel, College Co-ordinator for the University of Exeter Business School, focuses on maintaining mental and physical wellbeing while working from home and also provides some useful hints and tips.

To find out more information about this episode and to access the resources mentioned, please follow this link; https://bit.ly/3dFByzw.

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The Exeter Award is an employability achievement award that will help you make the most of your professional experience. In this episode, Rae Roberts, Employability and Careers Consultant, talks to students Michaela and Matt about how completing the Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award has helped them to develop a range of skills that they can take with them into the graduate jobs market. For more information visit the Exeter Award webpages.

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Run by the Career Zone, the Career Mentor Scheme is an opportunity for University of Exeter students or recent graduates to be matched with an experienced professional for sector insights and one-to-one guidance. In this clip Seth, a mentee, discusses what he achieved and how he has benefited from the Career Mentor Scheme.

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Run by the Career Zone, the Career Mentor Scheme is an opportunity for University of Exeter students or recent graduates to be matched with an experienced professional for sector insights and one-to-one guidance. In this clip, Chris, a mentor and Seth, his mentee, discuss the issues they faced and how they overcame them.

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Run by the Career Zone, the Career Mentor Scheme is an opportunity for University of Exeter students or recent graduates to be matched with an experienced professional for sector insights and one-to-one guidance. In this clip, Rebecca Lenthall, Student Employment Support Officer, talks with Chris, a mentor and Seth, his mentee, about their experiences of getting to know one another.

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Run by the Career Zone, the Career Mentor Scheme is an opportunity for University of Exeter students or recent graduates to be matched with an experienced professional for sector insights and one-to-one guidance. In this episode, Rebecca Lenthall, Student Employment Support Officer, talks with Chris, a mentor and Seth, his mentee, about their experiences. For more information and to apply for the Career Mentor programme click here.

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We know that interviews can be nerve-wracking at the best of times. In this episode David Pritchard, Employability and Careers Consultant at the University of Exeter, and student Mel, provide practical tips and advice on how you can best prepare for interviews and effectively manage your nerves both before and during your interview.

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This episode is all about networking. At the moment we are still having very limited face to face interaction with others, but our Employability and Placement Advisors John Greaves and Ben Toulson offer some great tips on how to ensure you can still network and stay connected while we are continuing to work remotely.

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In this episode Rae and student Mel, look at some of the benefits of flexible working and how to make it work for you.

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In this episode, Rich Daniels, Placement Learning Manager at the University of Exeter discusses how COVID-19 has influenced employers’ thinking about placements. Rich also shares what support is available to you if you are planning on carrying out a placement as part of your studies.

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In this episode, Rae reviews the current data available as to how young people's job prospects have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and goes on to explore the future predictions in the graduate job market. Rae also offers some advice on what to consider, going forward, if it seems that your chosen sector has been hardest hit. The information referred to can be found here

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Many student's graduating this summer will be thinking "what next?". In this episode Rae, and student Callie, focus on Postgraduate courses and whether, given the current climate, they are a good step. To find out more about the information Rae refers to, click here

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In this episode, Rae, with input from University of Exeter undergraduate student Callie, looks at some of the information available regarding employer's recruitment plans for the autumn term. To follow Callie's advice visit: www.exeter.ac.uk/careers To find out more about the data Rae refers to click here

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This week Rae introduces the Career Zone podcast and provides some advice on graduate jobs in the current climate #graduatejobs #covid19graduate #employability #UniOfExeter #UoECareers. You can find more information, links and resources about what she talks about here:https://tinyurl.com/yayk3k64

Career Zone Podcast: Recent Episodes

Career Zone Podcast