University of Manchester Careers Blog

Written by Samantha Oates-Miller, Careers Insights and Graduate Support Assistant at the Careers Service

Finished your degree? Congratulations! We look forward to marking your achievements with you during our virtual graduation celebrations in August. Now that you’ve finished your degree, have a look at our graduate pages and don’t forget you can continue to use the Careers Service throughout the summer, and for up to two years after you finish your course.

Here are seven quick ways you can boost your confidence, skills and CV between now and graduation.

1. Do some virtual work experience

Virtual work experience gives you the opportunity to gain experience from home, helping you to develop your skills, boost your employability and explore new industries and job roles. Most virtual work experiences range from a few hours to a few days.

You could also volunteer for a few hours a week, do a summer internship or get a part time job over summer to gain experience.

2. Watch the Final Year Future Week playlist on YouTube

Final Year Future Week was a week of events designed to support you in the transition from university to the workplace. Most of the sessions were recorded and you can watch them back at your leisure on the Future Week YouTube playlist.

With sessions such as Relocating as a New Graduate, Non-Linear Careers and Where are All the Grad Jobs, there is something for everyone!

3. Attend a graduate careers Q&A event

The Careers Service is holding two graduate Q&A sessions in July. These interactive sessions are especially for final year students who are due to graduate in summer 2021, as well as other recent graduates. It will be an open space where you can talk to a Careers Consultant and get all your careers questions answered.

Register for a session today:

Thursday, 15 July at 13:00 – 14:00

Friday 23, July at 11:00 – 12:00

4. Use CareerSet and Shortlist.Me

CareerSet is a tool that allows you to get instant feedback on CVs and cover letters. You can access CareerSet CV checker 24/7 365 days a year from any location and you can re-submit your CV as many times as you like to keep improving your CV score. Get started with CareerSet now!

Shortlist.Me is a virtual interview platform. You can practice a range of different careers and recruiter video interviews – the more you interview, the more you learn about what is expected. Shortlist.Me interview practice is available 24/7 from any location. Try Shortlist.Me now!

5. Look for opportunities on CareerConnect

CareerConnect is filled with vacancies, opportunities and events. Use your spare time now to search for jobs or opportunities. Find jobs in a variety of sectors, countries and types by using the filters. You can use CareerConnect to look for graduate roles or find short-term roles, internships and voluntary positions. You can continue to access CareerConnect using your student email address for the next few weeks. When your student email is turned off, don’t worry! All you need to do is create a graduate account to continue using CareerConnect for the next two years.

6. Book a careers guidance appointment

If you want advice or guidance on what to do next, book a guidance appointment with a Careers Consultant. As a graduate, you can book a ‘Careers Meeting for Graduates (Alumni)’. Appointments are bookable 14 days in advance on CareerConnect and you may book up to one appointment every 30 days.

7. Update your contact details

Finally, don’t forget to update your contact details so that you are on the alumni mailing list and receive news, opportunities and events straight to your inbox. To update your details, log into MyManchester, click on ‘My Profile’ and then click ‘Edit’ before 31 August 2021.