Congratulations on completing your degree! This is a tremendous accomplishment; you should be proud of all the hard work that got you here. While graduation might seem like the end of your university journey, we in the Careers team will continue supporting you as you transition into the professional world. For up to two years after you complete your course, you have access to our resources, tools and guidance to help you navigate the next steps of your career.
New Alumni Careers Support Summer series
We are pleased to announce our newly launched Alumni Careers Support Summer series, which kicks off on 29 July offering a range of events tailored to our graduates including:
- I’ve Graduated – Where Do I Find a Job?
- Find a Job You Love: Making Career Decisions with Confidence
- The Hidden Job Market: Networking Strategies
- Preparing Your Graduate CV
- Cover Letters, Application Forms, and Supporting Statements
- How to Succeed at Interview
- Managing Job Offers and What to Do Next
These events are exclusively online (MS Teams) and in the evenings to accommodate your working day. All sessions can be booked via MyJobsOnline.
Continued support after graduation
Whether you are unsure about your next steps or if you already have a plan, we are here to support you. Here are some of the ways we can help:
- Career Guidance: Discuss your career options and aspirations with our expert Careers Consultants.
- Job Search Support: Identify opportunities and get advice on where and how to look for jobs.
- Application Assistance: Receive tailored feedback on your CV, cover letters, and application forms.
- Interview Preparation: Practice and refine your interview skills with our support.
- Starting Well: Guidance on making a great start in your new role and thriving in your first 100 days.
- Career Changes: Advice and support if you decide to change direction after a few months.
Digital tools and resources
Make use of our digital tools to enhance your career prospects:
- GraduatesFirst: Access job assessment preparation tools including psychometric tests, CV, and interview preparation tools.
- GoinGlobal: Ideal for those considering working or studying abroad (remember to sign up with your personal email before your university email expires).
- Forage: Virtual internships to boost your CV.
- LinkedIn Learning and Future Learn: Available for continued learning and skill development (only while you have your university ID!).
- Recorded Careers Sessions: Access to Careers 24/7 and recordings of this term’s Careers sessions will be available to you (along with any departmental Blackboard organisations) until your student ID expires. Some recorded content is available via our private Alumni YouTube Playlist, a link to this will be in forthcoming Alumni Careers newsletters, if you’d like access sooner, please contact me.
Stay connected
Don’t miss out on graduate vacancies shared on MyJobsOnline, sign up for alerts to receive the latest opportunities straight to your inbox (don’t forget, sector-specific jobs boards, and LinkedIn!). Book one-to-one appointments, attend workshops and events, both in person and online, including evenings. Be sure to set up an Alumni MyJobsOnline account with your personal email to ensure continuous access.
Grow your professional network
Join the UoR Careers Alumni Network on LinkedIn to connect with our community. If you haven’t set up your LinkedIn profile yet, now is the perfect time. Build your profile, connect with peers, lecturers, and tutors—these connections can be invaluable as you progress in your career. If you are not sure how, join us at ‘LinkedIn for Beginners’ or ‘The hidden job market: networking strategies’ sessions this summer.
Graduation celebration zone
Careers Consultants, and members of the alumni team, will be available in the celebration zone at graduation and some departmental receptions. We look forward to congratulating you in person and offering support as you embark on this exciting new chapter.
University of Reading Careers is here to help you develop and succeed both personally and professionally. If you have any questions or need support, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Good luck with whatever comes next for you!
Author: Vicki Aldmington
Vicki Aldmington is the Careers Consultant supporting the School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy, and the Institute of Education. Vicki leads on the careers support programme we offer to our finalists on transition to graduates, and up to two years beyond degree completion.