University of Manchester Careers Blog

Written by Jenny Sloan, Careers Consultant for Graduate Transitions at The Careers Service

As you approach the end of your course, you may be thinking about your transition from student to graduate life. This transition is an important part of your higher education journey.

We recognise that you may need extra support as you plan your next steps after your degree. Whether you know exactly what you want to do, have no idea, or feel overwhelmed when you think about the future, the Careers Service is here to help.

As a graduate of The University of Manchester, you can continue to use the Careers Service for up to two years after you finish your course. This means you will continue to have access to all our careers support and resources, including:

• Application advice and feedback and CareerSet Online CV Checker
• Interview practice and preparation support
• Careers guidance appointments
• CareerConnect, our events and vacancy platform

Another essential step in your higher education journey is the Graduate Outcomes Survey. In 15 months, you will be contacted via email or phone by an organisation called the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), asking you to complete this survey.

Taken by 700,000 graduates every year, the Graduate Outcomes Survey is the largest annual social survey in the UK. It captures the perspectives and status of graduates 15 months after they complete their university course.

By taking the survey, you can have your say about what graduate success means to you, whether that’s study or work, running your own business or using your skills.

Graduate Outcomes is of national significance, as it allows policy makers, charities, journalists, researchers, and others to understand the higher education sector and the state of the graduate labour market. In this way, taking the survey allows you to use your graduate voice to influence the future of higher education.

The survey can also help to inform your career decisions right now, as you come to the end of your time at The University of Manchester. Here you can find out more about the kinds of jobs graduates go into, their average salaries and their reflections on their courses. For inspiration on what graduates from The University of Manchester can do, visit our graduate careers stories.

Find out more about the importance of the Graduate Outcomes Survey from four recent graduates: