University of Manchester Careers Blog

Written by Jenny Sloan, Careers Consultant (Graduate Transitions) and Samantha Oates-Miller, Careers Insights and Graduate Support Assistant at the Careers Service

Congratulations to all our summer 2022 graduates! We’re so proud of your achievements and can’t wait to celebrate with you at your graduation ceremonies.

Remember, graduation doesn’t have to mean goodbye to The University of Manchester. As a graduate, you still have access to lots of support and services, including continued access to the Careers Service for full two years from when you finish your course.

This means you will still be able to:

• book one-to-one careers advice, guidance and interview appointments
• benefit from online resources and on-demand support
• attend careers events and fairs, including employer and alumni panels
• access CareerConnect
• plus much more!

Get an overview of your full employability support package on our graduate career pages, packed with alumni profiles, upskilling tips, and advice on preparing for the workplace.

Check out our top 7 ways to stay connected to the Careers Service, and get the support you need as a new graduate:

1. Events

As well as being able to attend all the careers workshops, events and sessions on CareerConnect, the Graduate Transitions Team often run specific activities just for recent graduates. Upcoming events include:

• New Graduate Careers Q&A (Thursday, 7 July 12-1pm)
• New Graduate Careers Q&A (Tuesday, 26 July 12-1pm)
• What’s next after graduation? Kickstart your graduate career (Wednesday, 3 August 5.30-6.30pm)
• Live Graduate Careers Q&A (Tuesday, 16 August 5.15-6.15pm)
• Preparing for the workplace: Hybrid working (Tuesday 23 August, 12:30-1:30pm)

2. Recent Graduate Careers Network on LinkedIn

The University of Manchester Recent Graduate Careers Network is a LinkedIn group run by the Careers Service for recent UoM graduates. Join the group to get updates from the Careers Service and learn about events and opportunities. It’s also a great way to network with other graduates and build your professional connections.

3. CareerConnect

CareerConnect allows you to search for events and opportunities, take learning pathways, book appointments and access information through Career Discovery. Learn how to get started on CareerConnect with our ‘How To’ videos on YouTube.

You can continue to use CareerConnect for up to two years after you complete your course. Continue to use your student log in until it stops working (usually the end of July). At this point, simply click on ‘Graduate sign in and registration’  to create your free graduate account; you will need a personal email address and your alumni ID (this is the same as your student ID on your student card).

4. Guidance appointments

Graduates can continue to book careers guidance appointments, to discuss your career plans and get advice. In fact, we have specific appointment types just for you! Book a 30-minute Careers Guidance Appointment for Graduates on CareerConnect at a time and date that suits you (you can also access other appointment types, including faculty appointments and interview simulations).

During your appointment, a Career Consultant will discuss your options with you and give you tips and resources to help you with your next steps.

You can also book CV review and application review appointments on CareerConnect, although you will need to complete the relevant pathway on CareerConnect before you can view these. In these appointments, you will get suggestions on how to improve and tailor your CV or application

5. Alumni Email Newsletters

After your graduation, you will start receiving fortnightly emails from The Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR) at The University of Manchester. These emails will contain vital Careers Service opportunities, events and updates.

To make sure you receive these emails, you will need to update your contact details so that DDAR has your current email address.

6. Social Media

Don’t forget to follow The Careers Service and UoM Alumni on social media! Learn about activities and events that are coming up and hear about new opportunities.

The Careers Service also has a blog (where you are now!) with articles on a wide range of careers topics, graduate stories, and links to resources, plus a YouTube channel where you can watch many of our past workshops and events. 

7. Graduate Outcomes Survey

Around 15 months after you complete your course, you will be contacted via email or telephone, inviting you to complete the Graduate Outcomes survey.

This is the largest annual social survey in the UK, and your responses help policymakers, government and charities enhance the future of Higher Education. By completing the survey, you will also allow the University to improve and promote our courses, as well as helping the Careers Service tailor our support.

Find out how taking the Graduate Outcomes survey can benefit you.

So wherever you are in your career journey, the Careers Service can help you! Now, and for up to two years after you finish your course.