Career insights
Explore inspiring career journeys from our alumni, read student experiences and stay informed with expert advice from our team.
If you are looking for a career insight on a specific topic, for example, psychometric tests or career wellbeing, please use the search facility and select the link with /career-insights/ in the web address.
- Description
- Jodie talks about her varied extracurricular activities outside her first-year studies. Alongside two experiences working with children, she also spent 35 hours working at the Nottingham Playhouse through the Nottingham Advantage Award. Through these experiences, Jodie has made friends, developed her skills and started to build her network.
- Date:
- 04/12/2025
- Description
- When Leena started university, networking felt intimidating and only for extroverts. Over time, she learned it's simply about connecting with inspiring people. Start small - events, societies, or online - and let curiosity guide you. Those conversations can uncover opportunities and boost confidence.
- Date:
- 04/12/2025
- Description
- Starting to complete a job application can be tough, especially if you lack confidence in your own abilities. Hannah Woolley, Careers Consultant, suggests five ways to change your mindset and take a more positive approach to the task in hand. Don't forget, we can help you every step of the way, from completing an application form to preparing for an interview.
- Date:
- 02/12/2025
- Description
- Dmitry talks about his role as a KTP Associate. He talks about the company he works for, his role, and how he has benefited from the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) experience. He feels it has boosted his career by offering learning opportunities and exposure to real-world challenges.
- Date:
- 02/12/2025
- Description
- Aurora Amaryllis, an English graduate, provides her top three steps (and ways to achieve them) to secure a job after graduation. You will need to understand your strengths and build resilience, develop your skills, and learn how to ace a job interview. She also talks about the support she received from the Careers team.
- Date:
- 27/11/2025
- Description
- Margot joined URN in her first year and continued to broadcast during her time at the university, including when she studied abroad in France. In her final year, she took up the role of Station Manager and spent time organising networking events with media professionals. Margot is now working as an intern at Heart Radio with Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden.
- Date:
- 27/11/2025
- Description
- Interviews are stressful and daunting. Hannah Woolley, Careers Consultant, suggests seven ways you can reduce stress to a productive level, from lowering the stakes, preparing thoroughly and trying different ways to relax, to building a connection with the interviewers.
- Date:
- 25/11/2025
- Description
- UoN graduate, Francesca, talks about her experience with URN when she was a geography student and how she gained a work experience placement at LBC, after she attended a joint URN and Careers event. Francesca was part of the social media team at LBC, gaining an insight into how media organisations operate and developing her skills for the future.
- Date:
- 20/11/2025
- Description
- Career perfectionism can be draining and limiting. Shift your focus to short-term goals, embrace curiosity, accept "good enough," and seek support from the Careers team to reduce pressure, build confidence, and explore realistic, fulfilling career paths.
- Date:
- 20/11/2025
- Description
- Mia talks about applying for a Camp America placement, being a mining specialist in a camp just outside New Jersey, the skills she gained and what she learned both professionally and personally. Mia also provides her tips and recommendations if you're interested in following in her footsteps.
- Date:
- 18/11/2025
- Description
- Find out how the Sustainability Challenge will give you the chance to explore innovative ideas to drive sustainability, develop sustainability solutions for our campuses, and build essential employability skills.
- Date:
- 13/11/2025
- Description
- Prioritise career wellbeing by aligning jobs with your values, skills, and lifestyle balance. Research employers' wellbeing initiatives and seek expert advice to ensure your future role supports your happiness and health.
- Date:
- 13/11/2025
- Description
- Graduating can feel overwhelming, but uncertainty is normal. Tim explores how he deals with career uncertainty, including gaining experience and avoiding comparing yourself with others. He also suggests resources for you to use, such as talking to the Careers team to build clarity and confidence.
- Date:
- 12/11/2025
- Description
- Elise gained confidence, communication skills and practical experience through the Nottingham Advantage Award (NAA) by applying her experience in psychology to a real-word setting - delivering lessons in schools. Elise gives her top tips when choosing modules and, once completed, how to present your experience to employers.
- Date:
- 11/11/2025
- Description
- Last year, Claudia worked as a Disney commercial and marketing intern. it was a dream come true - varied projects, global insights, and unforgettable experiences. A placement year builds confidence, clarity, and resilience. Her tips are to apply early, stay organised, be yourself, and never give up.
- Date:
- 06/11/2025