Develop and participate

There are lots of ways you can become more employable whilst at university. We’re here to help you develop your skills, build confidence, and find experiences that fit your future goals. Explore our job opportunities, meet employers attending our events, and gain real-world experience through work placements, internships, and study and work abroad opportunities. We’re here to support you at every stage of your employability journey and make you UNSTOPPABLE!

Build your skills to stand out

It’s never been more important to continue learning and developing new skills. Jobs are changing fast, and employers are looking for graduates who are adaptable and ready to take on new challenges. In fact, a high number of employers say that communication, teamwork and problem-solving are just as important as technical skills. So, the more you can build transferable skills now, the stronger you’ll stand out when it’s time to apply for placements or graduate roles.

Next steps to develop yourself

The University’s Student Success team is here to help you develop your skills, build confidence and career-readiness while you study, and find experiences that fit your future goals.

Get work experience

Getting work experience is a great way to build skills and figure out what kind of role you want after university. You can do a placement year, something shorter, or both! See our guidance information booklet below for further details about finding work experience. 

Finding work experience – information guide

Consider study and work abroad

The University offers a broad range of international opportunities for eligible students to participate in global mobility during their studies. 

Visit the Study and Work Abroad pages for more information about this exciting offering and see if you are eligible to participate.

Attend employer events

Our employer-led events are the perfect way to connect with industry professionals and discover exciting opportunities. From career fairs and skills sessions to hands-on workshops, insight experiences, and even mock interviews, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re exploring options or polishing your CV. 

Our friendly Career Development Advisers also run events, so you’ll get expert advice and insider tips to help you stand out. Don’t miss out, your future starts here!

Book onto employer events via the Surrey Employability Hub 

Attend employability workshops

All students are welcome to participate in workshop programmes across semester 1 and 2. You can get employability tips from major graduate recruiters and local employers, as well as from the Student Employability team. The workshops delivered will cover key employability skills such as CVs and cover letters, interviews, assessment centres, and identifying your core strengths.

Book your place via the Surrey Employability Hub 

 

Make the most of LinkedIn

LinkedIn is the largest professional network in the world, with over 46 million recent graduate or student members. Find out here how to get started with your profile.

If you’re new to LinkedIn, read our Introduction to LinkedIn guidance document.

The University also offers students free access to LinkedIn Learning, with over 20,000 online courses from industry experts, all available whenever and wherever you want. 

With LinkedIn Learning you can:

  • Explore courses on communication, leadership, creativity, and tech.
  • Build “learning paths” based on your goals or degree subject.
  • Add completed courses straight to your LinkedIn profile (a great way to show employers you’re proactive!).

Top tip: Set yourself a mini-goal, such as completing one short course per term related to your future career. Small steps make a big difference.

Log in to LinkedIn Learning through your Surrey student account and try a short course on teamwork or communication to get started.

Connect with Employability Ambassadors

Employability Ambassadors work with the Student Employability team to support students seeking placements and graduate jobs, and any student looking to make the most of their employability at university. You'll see Employability Ambassadors around campus working at employability pop-ups, careers fairs, drop-in events, and promoting employability content for the Student Employability social media channels. Employability Ambassadors are here to share their experiences and are trained to support you with using the University's digital career tools to develop you as a student.

Speak to Employability Ambassadors, ask them about their career journeys and find out more about how the University supports you to become Unstoppable.

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