Published: 14 April 2025
In March 2025, our students took part in Employability Week — a dynamic series of workshops, talks, and interactive sessions designed to boost their career confidence and prepare them for the world of work. From CV building and interview techniques to insights from industry professionals, students gained valuable skills and real-world knowledge to support their future success. Hear from our student Marcus Yap, BA (Hons) Business and Management on his experience.
I recently attended Employability Week, where industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and career experts shared invaluable advice for navigating today’s dynamic job market. It was an eye-opening experience that has reshaped my understanding of career success. I felt the sessions offered practical insights that will elevate my employability in preparation for moving into the labour market after graduation.
Here are my biggest takeaways:
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Plan Smart, but Stay Flexible!
Olusola Osinoiki’s inspiring session during Day 1 emphasised the importance of long-term vision paired with adaptability. He encouraged an "end game mindset" which meant identifying your ultimate goals through career plans and mind-mapping your journey so far.
Creating a personal audit also helps clarify your mission, motivations, and purpose. But resilience is just as crucial: learning to recover from setbacks, adapt to change, and maintain a positive outlook. When you stay hard working, patient, and resilient, you will eventually navigate yourself through the wide world of employability.
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Networking is a Door Opener
A recurring theme across the panels was that networking isn’t just about meeting other people but also cultivating authentic relationships with them over time. Employers value referrals alongside applications, a personal connection vouches for your credibility.
One speaker from the entrepreneur panel during Day 2, Qasim Masumi, shared how networking directly fuelled his clothing brand’s growth. By forging connections with souvenir shops, he widened his reach and tapped into new markets. Networking unlocks hidden opportunities: from insider industry knowledge to undiscovered niches.
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Career Paths Aren’t Straight Lines—and That’s Okay!
Marianna Goral’s compelling presentation during Day 4 debunked the myth of linear career progression. The future of work isn’t just about technical skills like AI or analytics, but about the human-centric abilities that complement them.
Instead of fixating on a single career ladder, she advised adopting a lattice pathway, where growth happens in all directions through evolving skills and continuous learning. Your values play a huge role too! They shape how employers perceive your passion and fit within their company culture.
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Degrees Pay Off Long-Term
A panel featuring speakers from large industry players such as Google, Bank of England, and BBC during Day 4 made one thing clear: while skills and experience may land your first job, a degree often becomes crucial for senior and leadership roles. It acts as a career accelerator, as they provide the leverage needed for promotions and long-term professional growth.
This isn’t to say degrees are the only way forward, as apprenticeships and experience matter too. But for many industries, that credential opens doors that skills alone might not.
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Opportunities Are Everywhere If You Know Where to Look
The same representatives also emphasised that companies are always looking to find and nurture talents through apprenticeships, internships, and graduate schemes to help candidates stand out.
Make it a habit to cultivate a proactive mindset by regularly checking company websites, attending career fairs, and leveraging university resources. To really stand out, go beyond standard job boards. Platforms like Forage (virtual internships) and Student Circus (specialised graduate opportunities) can give you a competitive advantage in today’s job market.
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AI Can Be Your Career Ally—If Used Wisely!
Emelyn Tan’s session during Day 3 clarified that AI is a tool, not a magic solution. While it can be used to refine CVs or simulate interviews, employers can spot candidates who over-rely on AI-generated content.
The CLEAR technique (Context, Limit, Elaborate, Assume, Redirect) can help make sure AI-assisted responses remain personalised and authentic. Tools like CareerSet (AI-powered CV feedback) and Shortlist.Me (interview analysis) are useful—but they should enhance, not replace, your unique voice.
You'll find nearly all of these resources on CareerLab, the university's dedicated career platform. It is honestly one of the most underrated tools our university offers, so be sure to make the most of it! Through CareerLab, the Careers and Enterprise Team are able to offer tailored support for every step of your job search, from finding opportunities to getting personalised career advice.
Employability Week reshaped how I view career development. Planning matters, but flexibility is key. Networking isn’t optional—it’s essential. Careers sometimes aren’t linear, and that’s a strength, not a weakness. And while AI and degrees play a role, your adaptability, authenticity, and proactive mindset will ultimately define your success. I can confidently say that these lessons aren’t just for job seekers but are lifelong principles for anyone navigating an ever-changing professional world.