Employability and careers

Starting a graduate scheme, placement or any job can be a nerve-wracking experience but you can combat the nerves by preparing yourself through our schemes and resources.

Volunteering can also be a great experience to enhance your CV and shows employers you are willing to donate your time for good causes.

Find opportunities

Volunteering

There are many transferable skills that employers look for that you can gain from participating in clubs and societies, through voluntary roles.

Find opportunities

Clubs and societies

The University of Surrey is renowned for developing highly sought-after graduates. Our Employability Award will enhance your employability and build your confidence as you enter the world of work.

Employability Award

We know that kickstarting your career can be a daunting prospect, so we have introduced SurreyConnects – your place to connect with Surrey alumni and find a career mentor. 

You will be able to access SurreyConnects even after you graduate, and one day even become a mentor yourself. 

Find a career mentor

Our Student Enterprise scheme helps you to take charge of your personal development and gain transferable skills such as idea generation, public speaking and business communication.

They can help you to improve your employability for the business market place or if you want to start your own business, as well as equipping you with training, mentoring office space and funding opportunities to help you get your idea up and running.

Student Enterprise scheme

Explore characteristics of effective leaders, get to grips with preparing and organising meetings and learn about how to deliver a successful presentation with our business skills module.

 

Business skills module

Finding opportunities to meet with people working in your chosen profession is a great way to understand the realities of the career – information that can really help at future interviews. In addition, networking can lead to future work experience or even job offers.

  • Networking can involve face-to-face meetings – careers events or personal contacts are two examples
  • LinkedIn is an excellent way to network with people working in a career that interests you
  • Make sure you develop a professional LinkedIn profile and join groups that could benefit you.
  • Sign up to SurreyConnects – an online platform where you can connect with Surrey alumni and find a career mentor. This is a great way of getting the best tips and advice from those who have been in your shoes and are now working in their chosen industries. 
Build your network