What career stage are you?
People go back and forth at each stage during their working life as they develop their career or change focus. Follow the guidance on this page to work out what point you’re at in your career journey, and identify the actions needed to move forward.
/filters:format(webp)/prod01/channel_275/careers-and-employability/media/careers/images/Career-stage.png)
Whether you know what stage you’re at or are still figuring it out, you can book an appointment to chat about your next steps, use AI for assistance or jump straight into looking for opportunities.
Explore
This is when you’ve got no clue what you want to do, or only the start of an idea.
- Get ideas for what you might like to do.
- If you’re at the Explore stage, the first-year plan can be helpful, whatever academic year you’re in.
- Have a look at industry guides and learn about the sectors that interest you the most.
- Take the Prospects quiz for suggestions of what you’d be most suited to.
- Meet employers and hear first hand about their work at a careers fair or on a QTaster visit.
- Get a mentor. You can do this informally or through QMentoring.
Acquire
For when you’ve found the general area or role that interests you and you need to gain the right experience.
- Build experience while you study on a microinternship or the Student Consultancy Project.
- Get a taste of working life through internships, insight days or work experience.
- Gain transferable skills by working while you study
- Attend a workshop or group guidance session and learn from your peers.
- If you’re a finalist, check out our suggestions for making the most of your last year of university
- Get experience of innovation, team work and problem-solving skills through QHack.
Show
Now you’re actively applying for opportunities in your chosen line of work.
- Make your CV and personal statements the best they can be.
- Prepare for interviews and assessment centres.
- Build your network to learn from people who’ve got to where you want to be.
- Get used to taking psychometric tests.
- Find graduate roles to apply to.
- Learn about working for yourself .
Transition
When you’re ready to move to the next stage (up or across).
- Get networking, join the QM alumni network and build your profile on LinkedIn.
- Get help to set up your own venture.
- If you’re looking to switch to a new sector, volunteering can help you make contacts and understand how other sectors work.