Jobs and Work Experience

Information and resources to support you with searching for graduate roles, internships, part-time work and more.

Did you know…?

Not all vacancies are advertised – in fact research suggests around 70% (Graduate Recruitment Bureau 2020). This is common for smaller employers who may not have the budget to advertise; or look to their own network for their next hire.

To locate these hidden opportunities, it is important that you take the initiative in your search. Identify an employer or sector of interest and do your research, so you are clued up on what would make a suitable candidate. Then you could try asking someone you know if they can put you in touch with a contact (also known as networking) for example, or approach an employer with a speculative application.

Internships and placements

Search for paid internships and other work experience opportunities on the Careers and Employability Centre.

Part-time work whilst you study

Part-time work can be a valuable way to gain employable skills and experience (HEPI 2023).

Search for a part-time role on the Careers and Employability Centre.

Apply to become a University Centre South Devon Student Ambassador

Volunteering

Search for volunteering roles, including virtual opportunities on the Careers and Employability Centre.

You can also search for volunteering opportunities across the UK on Do-it.org
Information on types of volunteering and how it can help your career (Prospects)
Information on your rights as a volunteer including cover for expenses (GOV.UK)

Graduate jobs

Graduate level roles are advertised on the Careers and Employability Centre, where you can also explore employer profiles and learn more about those you might like to join.

You could also take a look and register for alerts on Gradsouthwest, a graduate jobs board advertising permanent roles, internships and other opportunities in the South West.

Advice on using social media for your job search (Prospects)
Learn how recruitment agencies can help you search for a job (Prospects)
Get advice on where to look for jobs and requirements if you are looking to work abroad (Prospects)

Graduate schemes

Many larger graduate employers run structured graduate training programmes, or ‘graduate schemes’. The training lasts around 12-24 months and can involve working across different aspects of the business. Many schemes start recruiting from the beginning of the academic year for the following summer, so it’s important that you do some research and are ready to apply by the time you start your Bachelor’s/Top-Up year. Find out more about graduate schemes.

A wide range of graduate schemes are advertised on the Careers and Employability Centre
Looking to stay within the South West region? Gradsouthwest have put together a South West Graduate Scheme Directory.
A list of popular graduate schemes and deadlines for 2019/20 – Save the Student

Self-employment and working for yourself

Learn about the different forms of self-employment and get advice on how to get started, including creating a business plan and calculating start-up costs (Prospects).

TDA Business – information, advice and support with starting a business, writing a business plan and more for those living and working in the South West. You can also book a free business advice session.
Heart of the South West Growth Hub – free support and advice on all aspects of self-employment, including local information on programmes to support you to start your own business, available funding and more.
Gov.UK – useful information on what you need to do to register as self-employed
Start Up Donut – start-up and SME advice and resources
The Prince’s Trust –the Prince’s Trust Enterprise programme offers support with starting a business or becoming an entrepreneur, for those aged 18-30.
Apply for a Virgin Startup Loan to help launch or grow your business
Outset – business start-up support with a particular focus on supporting long-term unemployed, BME groups, 16-25 year olds and over 50s, women, single parents and people with disability and physical or mental health conditions

Workplace rights and support

GOV.UK: Working, jobs and pensions covers all the information you need to know about UK employment law including student jobs, national minimum wage, hours, holiday entitlement and unfair dismissal
Get support in work if you have a disability or health condition (GOV.UK) covers reasonable adjustments you can ask your employer to make and the Access to Work scheme, which provides funding to help cover the costs of travel, specialist equipment and more
Check how much tax you should pay on your earnings as a student (GOV.UK)
Employment rights and pay for interns (GOV.UK)
Work conditions for international students (UKCISA)
If things go wrong, the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) provide free and confidential advice on employment rights and issues
SAFERJobs is a non-profit organisation which works to combat criminal activities that may be attempted on job seekers, such as job scams and employment fraud
GoCompare has put together a report that reveals the riskiest jobs in the UK, showing how dangerous each industry is and how much it costs the business.