Kent's Careers and Employability Service

At the University of Kent, our Careers and Employability Service is here to help students take the next step toward their career goals. Whether you're a current student or a recent graduate (within the past three years), we offer a wide range of support to ensure you’re well-prepared for the competitive job market.

Find out more about the services we offer below. 

Gain Real-World Experience

Employability Points (EP) Scheme 

Our Employability Points Scheme rewards you for your extracurricular activities, offering you opportunities to secure internships, networking events, and valuable employability resources that will strengthen your CV. 

Student Impact Projects & Work Experience Initiatives 

Take part in Student Impact Projects, where you’ll collaborate with employers to solve real-world challenges. These projects provide hands-on experience and valuable insights into the workplace while helping you build your professional network. 

Alongside this, there are several opportunities for focused work experience which the service promotes throughout the academic year.  

Take a Year In Industry

A placement year at the University of Kent can significantly enhance your employability by allowing you to apply your academic knowledge in a professional, real-world environment. By completing a year in industry, you'll gain valuable work experience, build professional networks, and develop skills that are highly sought after by employers.

The Placements Team within the Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout the entire process. From the moment you express interest in a placement year, they'll assist with finding suitable opportunities, preparing your applications, and ensuring a smooth transition into the role. They continue to provide guidance until you successfully complete your placement year, helping you make the most of this unique opportunity to boost your career prospects.

Skills Development

Study Plus 

Complement your degree with Study Plus courses, designed to help you develop new skills or refine existing ones. These short courses cover a wide range of topics, from public speaking to leadership skills.  

My Skills Coach 

My Skills Coach is an employability programme run by the Careers and Employability Service that helps you enhance your skillset whilst you study.  Receive personalised guidance from a dedicated advisor who will help you assess your skills and identify areas for growth.   

24/7 Resources

We provide our students and graduates with around-the-clock access to essential tools that support your career development: 

  • Jobs and Opportunities Board on the Uni Kent Careers Hub: Find part-time work, internships, graduate schemes, and placements that can help you build your experience while studying and beyond. 
  • CV Builder and Application Tools: Access tools that guide you through creating a standout CV, cover letter, and job applications. 
  • Interview Preparation: Practice your interview techniques using mock interviews and gain confidence for real-life situations. 
  • Career Planner: Identify your strengths and align them with potential career paths. 
  • Skills Assessment: Learn how to evaluate and improve your skillset to meet industry demands. 
  • Job Sector Guides: Explore in-depth guides on various sectors, from marketing and law to technology and healthcare. 
  • Work Experience and Volunteering Opportunities: Discover ways to gain valuable experience that enhances your employability.  

For more information, visit our full list of our career resources below. 

Mentoring Opportunities

The Kent Mentoring Programme connects you with Kent Alumni who offer career advice and insights into your chosen field. Learn directly from professionals who once stood where you are now, gaining real-world knowledge and industry insights.

This programme helps you understand different career paths, build connections, and get practical advice to prepare you for the workplace. It's an opportunity to explore your field with guidance from those who've successfully navigated it.

Graduate Support

At the University of Kent, our Careers and Employability Service supports you even after graduation. For up to three years post-graduation, we offer a wide range of services to help you transition from university to the workplace.

You’ll have access to online career resources, workshops, and events, ensuring you're equipped with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the job market. Our team will assist with job applications, CV building, and interview techniques.

Connecting with Employers

Our Employer Engagement Team works closely with leading companies and organisations to ensure you have access to the latest graduate schemes, internships, and employment opportunities. This team actively builds partnerships with employers, including those in the Times Top 100, to create valuable networking events and campus visits that open doors for your future career. This includes our careers fairs which run throughout the year.

Are you an employer looking to work with The University of Kent? Find out more about our Employer Engagement Team below.    

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