By Hannah Kane, Biblical Studies and Theology

I submitted my last assignment in May, and now I’m on the hunt for a job. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but nevertheless, I began looking for a role which suited me. Here are 5 things I’ve been doing as a graduate searching for a job in 2025.

Quality over quantity

It can be tempting to click that easy apply button on Indeed and LinkedIn. While this may seem somewhat productive, for graduate roles, you will have a higher chance of success if you apply directly and fill out all components of the application yourself.

I focus my energy on applying for jobs which I’m genuinely interested in. This way, I submit a few strong applications for the roles I really want, instead of generalised weaker applications for lots of different roles. To help find those jobs which really inspire me, I search sector-specific job boards and company websites to narrow my search. Check out the A to Z career path pages for relevant job boards.

Revisiting my CV and LinkedIn

In between applications, I like to revise my CV and LinkedIn to see if anything could be clearer or improved in any way. I go back to the university’s Careers website to remind myself of what a good CV and cover letter should look like and implement any changes required. Small changes can really make a big difference.

As well as this, sometimes I get someone else to read my CV to see if the message I am trying to convey is getting across.

Reviewing responses for common interview questions

Interviews can often be scheduled quickly, so I find it helpful to have a list of common interview questions and answers ready so I can prepare effectively. I find this especially helpful during times when I am particularly busy in my personal life which means I don’t have as much time as I would like to prepare.

This could be as simple as having a quick list of common interview questions with ideas jotted down so you at least have an idea of what you could talk about.

Reminding myself of self-worth

It’s no secret that the job search can be gruelling. Building up resilience is key. A way I ensure I am able to keep going, is by keeping a note on my phone reminding myself what I am capable of. Remember that you have so much to offer. Whether that be the skills you gained during your degree, volunteering or work experience. The rejections you receive do not determine your worth.

Build on my experience

I’ve found that one of the least beneficial things you can do during the job search is stay static. However, because you don’t know how soon or far in the future a job offer may arrive, it can be quite difficult to commit to traditional skill building activities like volunteering. In this instance, I find myself doing low commitment online courses which can be done at your own pace. This not only shows your eager to learn, but it also shows you have initiative.

Doing a mix of these things has helped me keep my head up in the face of the current job market as well as building strong applications.

To make sure your CV and cover letters are graduate job ready, book a meeting with the Careers team today. Also check out our Graduating in 2025 webpage and don’t forget, we’re here for you for life! 

The post A graduate in search of a job appeared first on Careers blog.

Emma O’Flaherty, UoN graduate

Hi, my name is Emma, and I graduated from UoN in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Geography. My plans after graduation were honestly just to try to get any sort of job relevant to my degree. My preference was to work in government or something environmental.

From UoN to working abroad

I have gone from waitressing to working in the federal government, so it has been very different. I started working when I was 14 years old in a café and continued in similar jobs up until graduating. After graduating, I began my first corporate job with an entry-level role as part of a 10-month graduate program. Upon successful completion of this graduate program, you were guaranteed permanent ongoing employment. After finishing the program, I was promoted to my current role.

My current role

Currently, I am a program officer in the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations within the Australian Government. My department is responsible for ensuring people have access to safe, secure and well-paid work. This includes providing initiatives to upskill and train people, services and support to help people overcome barriers and promoting fair, productive and safe workplaces.

Making the move overseas

Before I had even finished university, I faced a lot of rejection from graduate programmes and entry-level roles that I had applied for during my final year. I felt quite a lot of pressure to have something lined up after university, as it seemed all my friends had, and I did not want to go back to waitressing.  Due to this, I thought to extend my search a bit wider.

While applying for the UK Civil Service Fast Stream, I received an advertisement for the Australian version and thought, why not? Despite applying on a whim, as I progressed through each stage of the application for the Australian Government Graduate Program, I realised this could be it. I felt like this was too good of an opportunity to pass up on, so I graduated in July, found out I was successful in August, moved to Australia in January and started work in February!

Working abroad – the highlights and challenges

The highlights have definitely been the friends I’ve made. The graduate program felt like the first year of university in a way as everyone was coming from across the country to be in the same city, for the same opportunity. This was comforting as for most of us it was our first time in a corporate environment, full-time employment and living in Canberra so navigating it together really bonded us.

I would say the biggest challenge was the first month when I moved to Australia as it was very overwhelming. When I first arrived, I was incredibly jetlagged, didn’t know anyone or anything about Canberra and was in a hotel for the first three weeks with just a suitcase. I had a lot to organise in a very short amount of time with it only being a couple days before my hotel stay was due to end that I found a place to live.

The stress didn’t end there though as I had the first day of my new job coming up to worry about. So, while the first month won’t be the best, you will begin to become more settled as you meet people, get adjusted to the city and country you have moved to and start work.

My future plans

My current role involves quite a bit of administrative work as well as things like stakeholder management and consultations, procurement, report writing and preparing executive briefing materials. I have also been able to travel with work through a couple domestic trips such as to Melbourne and regional towns in New South Wales and South Australia.

There have been plenty of wider development opportunities my department have offered, including completing a First Aid course, fire warden training and becoming a graduate buddy for one of the new graduates in the program this year.

My aspirations for the future are to try different roles and work areas to grow my skills and capabilities and learn what I enjoy doing, whether this is within my department and the wider Australian Government, or back home in the UK.

My advice for students thinking about working abroad

My top tips if you are thinking about working abroad would be to be open-minded and willing to adapt to change. Living in another country really will be what you make it; you will have to put yourself out there to make friends and explore your surroundings.

More practically, there will be a lot of paperwork such as passports, visas, bank accounts, driver’s license, healthcare, tax file number, sim card etc which is pretty time consuming and can be a pain.

In terms of Australia, I would say coming to Australia for a corporate job compared to travelling here or working as a backpacker are very different. In my case, I moved to Canberra so no beaches, a surprisingly cold winter and full of public servants. Australia is a really big country with a lot of variety so travelling state to state is not as easy as a quick one-hour drive. If you have any choice in where you move to in Australia, I would give it some serious thought on which city, state or area would be the most suitable for you and for your career.

If you’re thinking about working abroad in the future, visit our webpages and make use of GoinGlobal, an international database of careers information and job vacancies. Access is free for UoN students and graduates.

The post From UoN to working for the Austrialian Government in Canberra appeared first on Careers blog.

By Hannah Kane, Biblical Studies and Theology

I’ve just finished an interview, and I’m so relieved it’s over. “That wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be”, I think to myself.

It’s natural to be nervous, especially when you really want the job. As someone relatively new to the job market and interviewing, here are 5 things I do to calm those interview nerves and set myself up for success.

Reframe your thinking

It’s easy to put yourself down before you’ve even entered the interview room. I try to keep in mind that they have chosen to shortlist me for a reason. This is now my opportunity to show them why they have given me a chance. As well as this, I remind myself that I am not expected to have an answer memorised for every question. This helps lift some of the pressure to give perfect answers to each question.

Research the company

A quick Google search on the company you’re interviewing with can really help put you above other candidates. If I haven’t researched the company’s mission statement or core values before my application, I make an effort to do this now before the interview. It will also give you an insight into the kind of company they are and whether you want to work for them.

I find it especially helpful to reference the organisation’s values in your responses during the interview to show that I am really interested in the role.

Prepare answers and questions

It seems really basic, but preparing good responses to common interview questions can really go a long way. I find it helps me feel prepared and consequently more confident when it comes to entering an interview. As well as preparing good answers, an interview is your opportunity to ask questions that you want to get answered.

If you care about career progression, now is your opportunity to find out what the company offers. If you’re not so interested, then save your questions for something else. Questions are also a great show your interest in the role. I tend to have 2 or 3 questions prepared just in case they already answer one or two I’ve prepared during the interview.

Remember, it’s your chance to get to know the company as much as it’s their chance to get to know you.

Ask yourself, what are you offering

When you’re interviewing, it’s easy to get lost in the role and the company. You forget sometimes that they are there to find out about you and what you can add to the role.

As a young candidate who is early in my career, it can be easy for me to lose track of what I’m offering. I remind myself of my experience, and what I bring to the table. I do this by exploring what my strengths are what drives me, helping me be stand out from others.

Kind reminders

The pressure of the job market is tough, and it may take time to build up some resilience. I find it’s helpful to be kind to myself. After all, no one gets anywhere by beating themselves up. Trust in yourself and be genuine. You have nothing to lose but everything to gain.

Interviews are nerve wracking, but once you’ve been shortlisted now is your chance to shine.

For more information on preparing for interviews, go to the Careers interview website for advice or book an appointment to speak to one of our careers advisers. If you’ve had rejections, check out our career wellbeing resources and also talk to our team for support.

The post How I calm interview nerves appeared first on Careers blog.

With Saumya Sood, Knowledge Transfer Partnership Associate

I am a food scientist with a strong passion for sensory and flavour science. Originally from India, I hold degrees in food technology from the University of Delhi and the University of Reading.

I completed my PhD at the University of Reading, where my research focused on saltiness perception in samphire as a potential salt substitute. Alongside my technical work, I serve as the committee chair for the European Sensory Science Society Next Generation group. Outside of work, I enjoy being a plant mom, hosting friends and family, and practising yoga.

Why did you choose to become a KTP Associate?

After my PhD, I found myself at a crossroads between academia and industry – both had their own appeal, and I wasn’t ready to choose. The KTP Associate role offered the best of both worlds – academic depth and industrial impact. The opportunity to work on an exciting project with Unilever (now The Magnum Ice Cream Company) and the University of Nottingham was incredibly appealing, and it’s been a rewarding learning experience ever since.

Tell us a bit about the company and your role

The Magnum Ice Cream Company, a spin-off from Unilever, focuses on delivering memorable ice cream experiences. My role sits within Research Development and Innovation, where I explore the science behind sauces to enhance product quality and better consumer experience.

I act as a bridge between academic research and practical application, supporting capability building for existing products and future innovations. The role is dynamic – like a project or product manager – working across multiple teams to ensure effective knowledge transfer between the company and the university.

What has been the most memorable part of your KTP experience?

The most memorable part has been the unique blend of academia and industry – working alongside experts from both worlds has been incredibly enriching and a great learning experience.

Attending conferences and workshops has also been a highlight – it’s been inspiring, eye-opening, and a great way to grow both personally and professionally. Being part of a project that bridges research and real-world application has made the experience both intellectually stimulating and professionally rewarding.

How has the KTP experience benefitted you?

The KTP has been a great learning experience so far. Being at the early stages, I’m gaining a better understanding of how to apply research in a commercial setting. It’s helping me build confidence, think strategically, improve my communication skills, and learn how to work across different teams. I’m still learning every day, but it’s exciting to see how academic insights can shape real products and make a difference.

How did you find the application process?

I came across the role on LinkedIn and filled in the application online. The process included a recorded video interview as the first stage, followed by a technical interview with the team as the next stage where I presented my PhD research. It was a thorough but smooth experience, and each stage helped me better understand the role and its expectations. I appreciated the opportunity to ask questions and engage with the team throughout.

Would you recommend becoming a KTP Associate? if so, why?

Absolutely! The KTP Associate role is a unique opportunity to experience the best of both academia and industry. It’s a great way to apply research in a real-world setting, build professional skills, and work with experts across disciplines. If you’re curious, open to learning, and enjoy variety in your work, it’s a truly rewarding experience.

Want to apply your knowledge and create a transformative impact in a real-world project? Launch your career with the Knowledge Transfer Partnership.

The post KTP Associate Q&A spotlight appeared first on Careers blog.

By Freya Griffiths, MSci Hons Neuroscience

I am soon to begin my industrial placement year as part of my integrated master’s degree. I approach this opportunity with excitement and gratitude, reflecting on the year-long journey that got me here.

Laying the groundwork

The summer before my second year, I created my first scientific CV.  Until then, my CV focused on part-time customer service roles. It needed restructuring to highlight laboratory skills and scientific knowledge. I made use of the university’s careers department, where the staff were incredibly supportive.

Their expertise in student placement applications helped me further refine my CV so that my skills stood out clearly and professionally. They also emphasised the importance of tailoring my CV and accompanying cover letter to suit each company and role I apply to.

By the first week of September, I had completed 90% of the application groundwork, allowing me to focus on lectures once the term began. With a solid CV and cover letter template, I spent weeks researching company values and scientific contributions to personalise each application. I submitted seven applications to companies including AstraZeneca, Roche, and GSK.

The next steps

Many of these progressed to the next stage – written responses, online assessments, and recorded interviews. Despite all this, I received just one invitation for an in-person interview, for which  I had to prepare a presentation on a scientific topic I was passionate about.

The process was taking up most of my time and energy. I struggled balancing this and my course when term began, especially when the interview clashed with lectures.

Interview day

On interview day, I was the first of four candidates scheduled to present. I was relieved, as public speaking is something I struggle with. My anxiety was made worse when I realised they had an outdated version of my PowerPoint. I persevered, but I had myself convinced that the presentation’s lack of polish and my nerves had cost me the opportunity.

The day continued with a technical interview and a tour of the facilities. I discussed my lab experience and academic interests with the team and took time to learn about their work environment and culture – interviews are, after all, a two-way process.

And then it is all over.

It is quite daunting when you leave an interview and realise that your future is now determined, and there is nothing more you can do.

Waiting for responses

In the following weeks, I received rejections from other applications and I continued to struggle with my studies as my health worsened. I was contemplating taking a voluntary leave of study, when I got the offer. I was thrilled, but now a new pressure emerged. To do the placement, I needed to pass second year without any resits. My determination to do this placement got me through winter exams and carried me through the rest of second year.

My reflections

Now, with my second year behind me and my placement beginning in less than a month, I’m genuinely excited. It was a lot of work, both on my course and outside of it, but I know the experience will be invaluable.

Reflecting on the process, I’ve learned that everyone’s journey is different. Some of my coursemates found placements quickly, others secured one six months later. Some chose industrial settings, others went academic. What matters is persistence. The application process can be exhausting, but with support, determination, and resilience, it pays off.

Good luck to everyone applying! If you’re going through this now, I hope you know you’re not alone.

If you need help sourcing vacancies for placements and applying for them, please get in contact with us. Our website contains a wealth of information and you can book an appointment with a member of staff for personalised careers advice.

We know making applications and balancing your studies can be challenging, take a look at our career wellbeing webpage for support and search this blog.

The post My year-long journey securing a placement appeared first on Careers blog.

By Anthony Irogue, mental health nursing student

I’m currently in my second year studying mental health nursing at the University of Nottingham. My passion for education and learning has led me to work as a support worker alongside studying, assisting individuals with mental health challenges.

This support worker role provides valuable experience that is beneficial for a nursing career, and it serves as the foundation to build my nursing career.

Why mental health nursing?

My journey really started when I was a support worker, helping individuals living with mental health challenges in their own homes. The experience has been nothing short of life changing. Working directly with patients has given me the foundation on which my nursing career is being built.

Support work is not just a job for me – it’s been a platform to learn, grow, and align my values with real-life patient care. It also helped me develop core skills such as communication, patience, and empathy. Over time, I have become motivated to do more than support – I realised that I wanted to treat and assess patients’ healthcare needs and to do this, I needed a degree in nursing.

My work experiences go beyond the UK. Back home in Italy, I supported my mother with her own healthcare needs. But I also worked as a translator and would often support people with mental health issues during therapy sessions, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

These early responsibilities gave me insight into trauma, resilience, and the power of effective mental health care and what a difference I could make to society. All of this, combined with a need for job security and to have a meaningful and rewarding career, led me to pursue this mental health nursing degree.

Using experience to shape ambition

Currently, I work part-time as a support worker while studying. I assist patients’ healthcare appointments, support individuals in their daily routines, and observe how psychiatric professionals engage with patients. This includes witnessing assessments, CBT sessions, mental state examinations, and observing how care plans are developed.

These opportunities have given me valuable exposure and increased my motivation. I’ve developed de-escalation techniques, been able to practice emotional intelligence, and have learned to communicate effectively in high-pressure situations.

I’ve also been inspired by the structure of inpatient care. I hope to gain more experience in acute mental health wards before eventually transitioning to community care once I graduate. Being involved in the entire patient journey, from admission to discharge, will give me a broader understanding of how-to best support patients with long-term recovery.

Skills outside of the classroom

Being a support worker and doing other roles such as translation and being a nursing student has helped me develop more than just clinical knowledge. I’ve gained useful administrative and IT skills, like using Microsoft Office, creating presentations, and organising care notes efficiently. These skills support my academic work, and I know I’ll use these all the time once I’m a qualified mental health nurse.

Emotional intelligence

Importantly, I’ve also learned how to manage my own emotions. When hearing difficult stories – like a refugee’s journey across the Mediterranean – I’ve learned to balance empathy with professional distance. Emotional intelligence is essential in nursing, especially in mental health care. I’ve also learned how to manage my own emotions. When hearing difficult stories during my nursing placements, I’ve learned to balance empathy with professional distance. Emotional intelligence is essential in nursing, especially in mental health care.

Teamwork

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned on this journey is the power of teamwork. There are situations where a patient may respond better to a different staff member, especially when taking medication or discussing sensitive issues. In those moments, it’s not about ego – it’s about doing what’s best for the patient. Working collaboratively ensures continuity of care and shared decision-making, which are at the heart of effective nursing.

Having supportive colleagues also helps manage the emotional demands of the job. When I’ve doubted myself or struggled mentally, my team has been there to reassure me: “You did the right thing.” That reassurance makes a big difference.

Balancing study, work and family

Balancing study, work, and family isn’t easy, especially as a mature student. But for me, this is my only chance to build the career I’ve always dreamed of, and that thought keeps me motivated. I use effective time management and planning to juggle responsibilities. My wife has been incredibly supportive, helping me make it work around our childcare requirements and our demanding shift patterns as support workers.

Sometimes my lectures and seminars run until 5 or 6 p.m., which creates logistical challenges. But with effective planning (both financial and personal) I’ve managed to stay on track.

Thinking of returning to study?

If you’re thinking of returning to study later in life, here’s my advice:

1. Plan everything. From your weekly schedule to your childcare and placement commitments.
2. Speak up early. If a lecture or seminar is too early and clashes with your childcare demands, make sure that you communicate with academic staff and placement assessors about your family responsibilities. I’ve found that most people are understanding and flexible.
3. Take time to plan your week. Returning to education is not easy, and it takes time to get into a routine. Every Sunday, take time to map out your responsibilities, even planning who is taking care of what at home.
4. Stay organised. Missed classes and overlapping shifts can be avoided with good communication and scheduling your week or term!

Returning to education isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. You have got to treat it as the serious opportunity that it is.

The future

After graduation, I hope to specialise in CBT nursing and continue supporting individuals with complex mental health needs. My journey so far has taught me that every experience, whether it’s been working in hospitality, admin, translation, or support work, has been added to my toolkit as a nurse.

My journey into mental health nursing is deeply personal and full of purpose. As a mature student, returning to education hasn’t been easy; it can be challenging as balancing study, work, and family life takes commitment. But this isn’t just a career move. It’s a second chance to follow a path I honestly believe in. I’m building a career with purpose by supporting others and making a lasting difference in their mental health journey.

If you’re a mature student and are considering your career options, book an appointment with Indy Bamra. Simply email Indy to sort out a date and time. We’re around all summer!

The post Building a career in mental health nursing appeared first on Careers blog.

By Hayley Williams, Students’ Union Employability Manager

Being part of your Students’ Union (SU) gives you so many opportunities to experience new things, meet new people, and develop new skills. Your involvement in your SU can be shaped and influenced by your interests and personal development goals. Join a student group, volunteer in the local community, represent and shape your course, work in your SU to enhance the student experience.

We spoke to students who’ve been involved in the SU and asked what they gained by being involved.

Joseph Banks, Head of NSTV 2024-25

Being involved in a student-run service has been a major highlight of my time at the University of Nottingham. Throughout my time at the university, I have been involved in University Radio Nottingham (URN) and Nottingham Students’ TV (NSTV), which have given me countless opportunities to gain professional experience alongside my studies.

Finding a specialism

Early on in my time at URN, I was involved with the Varsity Ice Hockey coverage at the Motorpoint Arena. With the help of industry alumni and fellow radio members, we put together a professional broadcast live from the rink to listeners around Nottingham and beyond. This experience ignited my passion for live events and media production. The adrenaline of covering a live event, the technical challenges, and the satisfaction of creating a high-quality broadcast were all incredibly motivating.

Making friends and building networks

What has truly stood out throughout this journey, however, is how the friendships I’ve built have gone beyond the bonds formed in regular university societies. Many of the people I have worked with are now professionals in the media industry, and the relationships we’ve developed have been invaluable. The collaboration with industry alumni at URN and NSTV has allowed me to tap into their expertise and insights, and the networks I’ve established have opened doors for future opportunities in media.

Building a solid foundation

Being part of these student-run services has given me a real taste of the media world, where the lines between learning, passion, and career growth all come together. Through these experiences, I’ve found my focus shifting more and more towards the media industry, and it’s exciting to think about where that could take me next. The skills I’ve picked up, the lessons I’ve learned, and the friendships I’ve made along the way are all helping me build a solid foundation for the career I’m working towards.

Sean Nolan, Sports Officer 2023-24

To be completely honest, I finished my psychology degree with no idea what was next for me. Working in the Students’ Union (SU) as a full-time Officer, embracing opportunities and being willing to learn meant that two years later, I left feeling confident, skilled, and ready.

Developing soft skills

After my degree, I wanted to work with people and create change for good. The SU gave me a platform to develop a host of soft skills, from creative thinking to leadership in challenging times, the experiences offered allowed me to develop these in a real, but safe environment.

Helping me land my current job

In an elected officer role, I was trusted in board meetings with senior university staff, while expected to convey information and decisions back to students. The communication skills I developed as a result of this prepared me for my current role, which involves working with a variety of stakeholders, both in individual meetings and larger public speaking opportunities I could only get as a graduate within the SU.

Getting involved in the SU filled my CV and gave me crucial examples of event planning, campaigning, personal organisation, and even sitting on interview panels that supported me in landing my current role. Whether you know exactly what is next for you, or like me, feel like a blank canvas, getting involved in the SU will give you a broad spectrum of experiences and skill development to prepare you for whatever the future holds.

Margot Howell, URN Station Manager 2024-25

I joined URN in my first year of university, and I did a daytime show called ‘It’s Margot Mondays’. Over the summer, going into my second year, I came up with loads of fun, creative ideas for It’s Margot Mondays. And it paid off. I won a Student Radio Award for Best Daytime Programming in the country! I think URN is so great because it lets you delve into so many different things in the media world.

Learning a broad range of skills

You are producing, presenting and learning the tech for your show. You are marketing your show on social media and coming up with creative ideas. There are so many different areas that you are doing without even realising it when you’re putting together a radio show, and it’s all transferable for the future. I’ve done daytime radio, sport broadcasting and commentating, and news talk shows as well.

Making the most of the opportunity

I think the best thing about URN is how much you can do with it, and you can take it in any direction that you want. I definitely want to go into something broadcast-related. I love radio, I love journalism.

Keen to be involved? Work as part of the events team organising events for over 6,000 students? Volunteer in a local food bank? Collaborate with peers in a course based society? To find out how to get involved visit the SU website.

The post The Students’ Union: Why get involved appeared first on Careers blog.

By Havanah Virtue-James, dietetic student

Image by Ann Tarazevich from Pixels. 

Starting placement can feel daunting and exciting at the same time; it certainly is the case for me, and I know I am not alone. I am a third-year student dietitian preparing for my first in-person clinic placement. I am nervous, but mainly excited to step into the real world of dietetic practice.

Not letting nerves lead to stress

It’s completely normal to feel nervous before starting any placement, especially when you don’t know what to fully expect. As long as it doesn’t cause you stress.

I find it helpful to transform my anxiety into excitement by reminding myself that the nerves mean I care and will do my best to achieve my goals and succeed. I find simple breathing exercises and journaling useful, and knowing placement support is always there for me to take advantage of.

Setting realistic expectations and personal goals for placement

At first, I put too much pressure on myself to be perfect from day one, but my tutors and supervisor reminded me that placement is a space for learning, and you are not expected to know everything at the start. I am setting small, achievable goals to prepare myself for the first week:

• Getting to know the team and my supervisors – sending a greeting email to the supervisors.
• Making key tools and resources easily accessible – creating folders and print-outs. I also use the platform Notion.
• Prioritising mental and physical well-being – contacting my support team and incorporating self-care daily.

Finding the right tools and guidance: My placement prep 

I was enthusiastic to take action that would help me feel mostly ready to start, and that was by having key useful tools and guidance tailored to my learning and wellbeing.

• I searched the web and read others’ placement journeys and shared tips
• I downloaded helpful tools,
• I asked my educational placement supervisor for a list of common medical conditions, drugs, etc in the placement area
• I created to-do lists
• I wrote my learning objectives (for example, to understand and interpret clinical data of blood and urine test results) to share with my mentor

Final thoughts: Trusting yourself, feeling ready to take on anything 

Your wellbeing is important in helping you feel ready for placement. It is crucial to find ways to calm nerves, recognise stress triggers, and seek help when you need it.

Avoid setting high expectations of yourself to be a perfect student who doesn’t make mistakes, because that is a fantasy we create for ourselves. The reality is we will not know everything, mistakes happen, and we learn from them.

Knowing your learning objectives, setting realistic expectations and going into placement with an open mindset will help you to be more confident and ready for anything.

Try the Career Wellbeing NOOC (Nottingham Open Online Course) as a Nottingham Advantage Award module. You can also  log in to MyCareer to explore available placement opportunities and book an appointment with a career adviser to explore your options.

The post Jitters and the joy: How to mentally and physically prepare for your clinical placement  appeared first on Careers blog.

By Bernadette Dooley, Careers Adviser.              Photo by Nachristos on Unsplash

When you’re finishing university, the job hunt can feel like a whirlwind of applications, deadlines, and decisions. One of the most common questions we hear is:

What’s the difference between a graduate job and a graduate scheme?

Let’s break it down so you can feel confident exploring both.

What is a graduate job?

A graduate job is a permanent role that usually requires a degree and is open to graduates. You’ll usually apply for a specific position in a company and start contributing straight away.

Quick facts:

• Open all year round – not just in autumn
• Less structured training, but you’ll have an induction and learn on the job
• You apply for a specific role, not a rotation
• Common in smaller companies or niche industries

What is a graduate scheme?

Graduate schemes are structured programmes (usually one to three years) offered by larger employers. They’re designed to develop future leaders or specialists through training, mentoring, and often department rotations.

Quick facts:

• Applications usually open in autumn term, with early deadlines
• Structured training and rotations sometimes leading to a further qualification
• Mentoring and development plans
• Offered by large employers across sectors

Key differences at a glance

Salary

• Graduate job: Varies by role and sector and often competitive
• Graduate training scheme: Often higher starting salary due to structured nature

Recruitment process

• Graduate job: Shorter with  one to two stages – CV and interview
• Graduate training scheme: Longer (three to five stages including online tests and assessment centres

Availability

• Graduate job: More roles available overall
• Graduate training scheme: Fewer schemes with more competition

Competitiveness

• Graduate job: Competitive, but less intense
• Graduate training scheme: Highly competitive with thousands of applicants per scheme

Entry requirements

• Graduate job: Usually a degree or equivalent
• Graduate training scheme: Often require a 2:1 or above; some accept 2:2s

Start dates

• Graduate job: Flexible, year-round
• Graduate training scheme: Fixed start dates (usually summer or autumn)

Progression

• Graduate job: Depends on company structure
• Graduate training scheme: Clear progression path built into the scheme upon successful completion

Why some roles don’t say ‘graduate’ anymore

You might notice that not all roles aimed at recent graduates actually use the word “graduate” in the title. Here’s why:

• Inclusivity: Employers want to attract a wider range of applicants, including those who didn’t go to university or graduated a while ago.
• Global appeal: In some countries, ‘graduate’ means something different (like postgraduate), so companies use terms like ‘early careers’ or ‘entry-level’ instead.
• Wider talent pool: Removing the label helps attract apprentices, career changers, and people with non-traditional backgrounds.

Top tip: When job hunting, try searching for terms like entry-level, junior, trainee, or early careers to find more opportunities that might be perfect for you—even if they don’t say graduate.

Final thoughts: Keep your options open!

Whether it’s a graduate job or a scheme, what matters most is the role, the organisation, and how it aligns with your goals. Don’t rule something out just because it doesn’t have ‘scheme’ or ‘graduate’ in the title!

Explore both. Apply widely. Find out more about graduate roles, entry routes, sources of vacancies on our website.

And remember— we’re here to help you every step of the way.

The post Graduate jobs vs graduate schemes: What’s the difference (and why it matters!) appeared first on Careers blog.

By Kanchan Subhash Shelke, graduate

I moved to the UK in 2023 to pursue an MSc in Data Science at the University of Nottingham. I had always been interested in data and finance, so I hoped to find a career in that space. What I didn’t expect was how much the support from the university and my own network would shape that journey.

Applying for internships

During the summer term, I applied for as many internships as I could. I must have sent out dozens of applications and got interview calls for three of them!

The initial interviews for all three internship roles were a single face-to-face session that covered technical, managerial, and behavioural aspects. It was intense but straightforward. With a lot of perseverance—and guidance from the Careers team—I received internship offers for all three of them. I chose Datagum, a start-up in the data and financial technology space, because it aligned perfectly with my interests.

From day one, I loved the work and the team. The environment was dynamic, and everyone was super supportive. I got the chance to work on real projects with real impact, from building internal data tools to working with clients on cost optimisation and technology migrations.

Gaining a graduate job

The team recognised my contribution and offered me a full-time Business Data Scientist role after my degree. This time, the interview process was much more relaxed—it felt more like a catch-up with our CEO than a formal interview. I am grateful for the way that my career transitioned smoothly from classes to an internship to a full-time job.

My role today is quite versatile. At Datagum, I wear two hats. I work as a consultant with our clients, helping them solve real business problems with data. I also contribute to our internal product development, tackling technical challenges the company faces. Being part of a start-up means I’m constantly learning and growing, which I really enjoy.

Seeking support

The Careers and Employability team at the university played a big role in my journey. From refining my CV to helping me prepare for interviews, they were always available. I also found their job boards and career events extremely useful—I landed both my part-time and internship roles through those platforms.

My advice to you

To international students hoping to find a job in the UK, here’s my advice:

• Keep applying, even if you face rejections—they’re part of the process and make you a stronger candidate in future applications.
• Make the most of the Careers team. They genuinely care and offer brilliant resources.
• Attend career fairs and employer events—you’ll learn a lot and might meet someone who opens the next door for you.
• Be authentic. In a world of AI-generated content, your real voice and unique experience stand out.

Lastly, stay informed. From the beginning, I kept myself updated about visa rules, the job market, and hiring cycles. I also made it a point to network—some of the best advice I got came from flatmates and mates from part-time roles. One of them actually encouraged me to apply for summer internships, and that small suggestion changed my whole career path.

We have a dedicated section on our website for international students covering gaining work experience, graduate jobs in the UK, support with applications and much more. Check out the vacancies for internships and graduate roles, events, and book an appointment with an adviser through MyCareer, your personal careers account – simply log in with your usual UoN email and password.

The post From UoN classrooms to a UK career: My journey as an international student appeared first on Careers blog.