Ever wondered what past students have gone on to do?

Nearly every student that has graduated from the University of Reading has been in the position of wondering where their career will take them after finishing their studies  – so we checked in with some of those alumni to find out where they are now, and what advice they can give to you now…


Year of Graduation: 2015

Current Job/Course/Other: PhD Student

Current Organisation or University: Anglia Ruskin University

How did you secure your current role/course/opportunity?

I approached the professor who I wanted to be my supervisor and we worked on a proposal before I formally applied through the doctoral school.

How did you balance this with your final year?

I took a year about between finishing my MA and starting my PhD.

What does your role/course involve? What are your responsibilities?

I am specialising on Charles Dickens in my thesis. My work involves research, teaching, presenting conference papers and publishing.

What advice would you give to current students pursuing graduate opportunities?

Be open minded about what you apply for. Be flexible with your career choices and also be patient. Sometimes the most direct path is not the best one. Take your time and enjoy finding your feet. It’s not a competition, so don’t compare yourself to others.

Any further comments?

Good luck with whatever path you take!


Year of Graduation: 2018

Current Job/Course/Other: Teach First Participant

Current Organisation: Teach First

How did you secure your current role/course/opportunity?

Graduate scheme application – followed by an application form, assessment centre and offer.

How did you balance this with your final year?

Deferred the offer given during my placement year,  the year before.

What does your role/course involve? What are your responsibilities?

Teaching, stakeholder management, academic work.

Did you visit the Careers Service whilst at University? If so, how did we help you?

Yes – Henley Careers gave guidance and supported with society events. Careers Service provided me with a bursary.

What advice would you give to current students pursuing graduate opportunities?

Do your research thoroughly first and network with people already in the organization.


Year of Graduation: 2019

Current Job: Corporate Partnerships Intern

Current Organisation: Tower Hamlets Education Business Partnership

How did you secure your current role/course/opportunity?

Uploaded my CV and covering letter to their recruitment partner’s website, they contacted me to schedule a 20 minutes phone call. I was then invited to an interview in their office with two members of staff for about an hour and then I was offered the job a few days later over the phone.

How did you balance this with your final year?

I applied for my current role after graduation, but I was actively applying for roles across my final year. I prioritised my dissertation and other modules, but aimed to apply for at least one job or graduate opportunity a month and more frequent nearer graduation.

What does your role/course involve? What are your responsibilities?

Volunteer management, volunteer admin, grant making, resource management, relationship management with schools/volunteers/corporates, workshop facilitation / support, working with young people, comms.

Did you visit the Careers Service whilst at University? If so, how did we help you?

Yes, I came to the careers service to look over my CV and some application questions for a graduate scheme I went on to attend an assessment centre for.

What advice would you give to current students pursuing graduate opportunities?

Don’t take on too many applications or assessment centres, so many jobs come available after graduation you will be perfect for, don’t jeopardise your degree in trying to find a job as your degree is what will help you get your dream job.