Career Zone Podcast

In this episode, Alexa, an Employability and Placements Adviser, shares 5 reasons as to why you should think about undertaking a placement or gaining work experience within a Third Sector organisation, or an SME (small and medium size enterprise).

If you would like to book an appointment with an Employability and Placements Adviser to discuss work experience within these types of organisations, or to find out more about placement modules, please do so via the Career Zone - https://www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/

In this episode, Marley Pradieu, Programme Assistant, is joined by students Katya, Kiera and Olivia to share their experiences of what it was like to take part in Grand Challenges. They discuss why they got involved and how taking part in the week has helped to develop their employability skills.

Grand Challenges is a project week, in which students work in interdisciplinary groups to design innovative solutions to real world challenges. This year, Grand Challenges will be taking place 5th-9th June 2023. For more information on the week and to sign up visit the Grand Challenges webpage.

In this week’s episode Rachel Sloan, Employability and Careers Consultant, explores why reflecting on a situation is important in terms of your employability.

This episode was written by Laura Lawrence and recorded by Rachel Sloan.

For more support on how you can develop your employability including help with self-awareness and help with developing your skills, visit the Career Zone webpages.

In this week’s episode, Rhianna Skeates, Employability and Placements Adviser, shares her experience of overcoming self-doubt to end up in a career they never expected to be in and why it is important to understand what motivates you. Rhianna discusses the career opportunities available despite any perceived barriers you may have. 

More information on the support mentioned in the podcast can be found in the links below: 

• Regardless of which year of study you are in, it is important to start your career planning as soon as possible as some professions require planning and experience. Find out more about the Decide Resources on offer. 

• Employment Sector webpages 

In our Law mini-series podcast, Rachel Gaunt Employability and Careers Consultant for the Law School, talks to Law sector professionals about their career experiences.

Kelly graduated from the University of Exeter with an LLB in Law in 2020. She has now returned to work in her home country as a Legal Executive at Securities and Futures Commission after studying in the UK for 6 years. Hear about Kelly’s untimely return home due to the pandemic, how she navigated the start of her career journey in unexpected circumstances, her knowledge on qualifying in Hong Kong with an overseas degree, including tips on what to consider and her thoughts on the legal sector in general in Hong Kong.

In addition to this episode you can find more information to help with career planning here; My Career Zone Digital , Employability for Law Students and Building Brilliant Careers

In this week’s episode Rachel Sloan, Employability and Careers Consultant, is joined by Sawsan Khuri, Innovation Specialist and Facilitator. Sawsan discusses her entrepreneurship journey, how risk taking has shaped her journey and how she has stayed resilient. Sawsan also shares her advice to students who have an idea for a business and the support that they can access.

Relevant Links:

• Volt entrepreneurs  

In our Law mini-series podcast, Rachel Gaunt Employability and Careers Consultant for the Law School, talks to Law sector professionals about their career experiences.

Duncan is an English-qualified solicitor and senior associate at the law firm Osborne Clarke. He is originally from Devon in the UK but currently lives and works in Munich, Germany. Hear about Duncan’s decision to pursue a career in international arbitration, his experiences of transitioning from student life to working in London, relocating to Germany, initially in the role of paralegal through to qualification via the New York Bar and then eventually into his current role as a Senior Associate.

In addition to this episode you can find more information to help with career planning here; My Career Zone Digital , Employability for Law Students and Building Brilliant Careers

In this week’s episode Rachel Haddy, Employability and Placement Adviser is joined by alumni Amy Matthews. Amy graduated in 2017 with a degree in English and is now a comedian and writer. She shares how an English degree helped to prepare her for her current career, the importance of networking and how she manages setbacks and adversity. Amy also shares her advice for graduates thinking of going into creative careers.

If you would like to book an appointment with a Careers Consultant to discuss your career options, contact the Career Zone and ask for a Guidance appointment.

Link to Amy Matthews page: https://www.amymatthewscomedy.com/

Find out more about Expanding Your Career Horizons here https://www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/events/careerhorizons/ 

Kate Foster, Employability and Career Consultant, is joined by Stephanie Lieber, Acting CEO of upReach, a social mobility charity that partners with the University to support students in receipt of the Access to Exeter bursary with their employability. Stephanie shares her career journey and what has influenced her career decisions.  

You can find out more about upReach and whether you are eligible for support here. Click here to apply to upReach.

You can find more resources on our Expanding your Career Horizons - find a job you love! webpage.

Social justice is relevant to every graduate role and how you approach you career. In this week’s episode alumni, Rhian Heasman, Director at The Centre for Social Justice, shares what social justice means to her, how she got into her current role and what she would encourage students to think about when applying for jobs.

You can find more resources on our Expanding your Career Horizons - find a job you love! webpage.