• Build a SMART careers action plan, which sets out your goals, short-term and long-term, then the objectives and deadlines in order to achieve them. Make it SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound. Make sure you break your action plan into small manageable tasks. This way you will be more likely to stick to the plan and achieve it.
• Planned Happenstance – whilst planning helps us to clarify what we want to do, how we may be able to achieve our goals and the order in which we act, life is not always a straight pathway! This can be a good thing if we’re willing to recognise and grasp onto unexpected opportunities when they arise. Krumboltz’ planned happenstance theory of learning encourages us to develop our curiosity, persistence and flexibility, as people with these qualities tend to be more likely to capitalise on chance events and turn serendipity into opportunity.

• Research the employers in the sector(s) that interest you – who are they and how do they recruit? Have a professional LinkedIn profile and follow them on social media to hear when opportunities arise.
• Network with employers directly at careers fairs and events on campus. Introduce yourself to find out what they have to offer.
• Gain relevant work experience within the sector you want to work. This could be paid work, volunteering or work shadowing – this builds your confidence and will impress the employer with your commitment. Also attend virtual events, webinars or internship opportunities.
• Graduate schemes are structured paid programmes across a range of sectors. Usually they recruit in the autumn (October/November) of the final year of your degree to start the following year immediately after you have graduated. Some work on a rolling basis.
• Useful websites are TARGET Jobs and Bright Network. Sign up for free for job, graduate scheme and event alerts.
• Key job boards are WM Jobs (public sector jobs across the West Midlands including schools) and NHS Jobs (health jobs across England). You can also use indeed to search for opportunities using key words and locations (we do not recommend that you upload your CV).

• Check if your chosen career needs postgraduate study qualifications, look on Prospects Job Profiles and make sure it is approved by the relevant sector body.
• Visit institutions on open days to check if it will be right for you. Introduce yourself to the lecturers and gain more detailed information about the course content that you can include in your application. Search for courses on Prospects Postgraduate Study information or Find a Masters.
• Access My Career and on the Pathways section you can access learning information about postgraduate study, with exclusive access to the Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Study, where you can find out about alternative funding streams.
• Set yourself deadlines so that you meet any closing dates. Some courses are very popular and fill up quickly, an early application is highly recommended.

If you are a current student or recent graduate from a level 5 course or above, please access your unique personalised careers experience on My Career account. You can log in by using your Newman username and password or register as a graduate if it is within 3 years of completing your course. You can:

• Book one-to-one guidance appointments and progression coaching appointments.
• Book on to a variety of workshops and careers events.
• Access information and resources through Pathways and Careers Discovery area.
• Link to Shortlist.Me, our practice interview simulation platform with other strengths based quizzes and employer activities.
• Complete a Newman Volunteering Award, offered at bronze, silver, gold and platinum level. It validates volunteering not accredited elsewhere on your programme of study.
• Access opportunities for part-time work, volunteering, workplace experience and graduate jobs.