Employability and Careers
A course at USW is more than just a degree. We create graduates who are prepared for tomorrow. People who are ready to build their careers and have the mindset to succeed.
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Employability is so important that we’ve made it part of all our courses. From projects based on working practices to time in the workplace, we’ll help you to build job-ready skills and gain relevant experience for your career.
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We work with employers across all sectors to link students with placement and graduate opportunities. Thousands of jobs and placements are posted on our vacancy boards each year, and over 500 employers visit USW to meet students at our events.
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USW has a dedicated team to support you in finding career-related work experience in the UK and overseas. There are many different types of work experience, so you’re sure to find one that suits you. Some of our courses have a year of work experience, called a ‘sandwich year’, built in – just check the study options next to each course.
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Many courses at the University have been accredited by professional bodies. This means they are of the highest standard and can grant you exemptions from professional exams as an added extra. Here are just some of the accreditations we work with: • ACCA • CIPD • RICS • IET • HCPC • APM • ICAEW • IDM • ICE • IOSH
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USW Careers is here to encourage you, to guide you and to assist you throughout your time as a student at USW and after you graduate. We can help you find opportunities and be ready to take them. We’ll help you consider your career options and how to develop the skills and experience you need. We also offer practical help with finding work placements, completing job applications and practising interview techniques. Our online resources have everything you need to plan for tomorrow.
Work experience and placements
A work placement is a period of relevant, academically supervised work experience assessed as part of a programme of study.
Work experience includes carrying out industry-based experience alongside your studies.
Most employers want to recruit graduates who have some relevant and recent knowledge of the working world for the industry you intend to enter.
Explore your career options
Whether you have a career in mind or you're not sure where your degree can take you, the USW Careers team are here to help.
Through one-to-one appointments and regular support, they can help you to explore career options, identify the skills and knowledge you'll need to succeed, find jobs that suit your skillset and life goals and so much more.
CVs, interviews, self-promotion and more
Whether applying for jobs, looking for experience, attending interviews or networking, creating a strong, positive first impression is incredibly important.
From CVs and cover letters to interviews, applications and more, we’ve got all the information and tools that you need to create a positive impact, with help support along the way.
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Do you want to freelance or start a business?
Student Enterprise can help you explore ideas, start freelancing or start your own business.
We can help you every step of the way; from a scribbled down idea to the launch of a business and beyond!
We offer one-to-one support and mentoring throughout the year, as well as a range of interactive events and workshops, giving you the knowledge, confidence and networks to start working for yourself.
Startup USW is the new one-stop site for information and services about enterprise, entrepreneurship and starting your own business.
Student Enterprise offer our support, guidance and activity to all students and graduates of up to 3 years. You can gain access to one to one support alongside our 'Be My Board' service, both of which act as a sounding board to help solve some of the challenges you face as a new entrepreneur.
BID (Bright Ideas Den) is your chance to pitch for up to £1,000 to kick-start your bright idea.
If you have a business or freelance idea you would like to try out whilst you study or - have decided to set up a business or go freelance after graduating, then the funding and advice available at the Bright Ideas Den could be just what you need.
If you have an idea and are ready to take it forward, the Freelancers Academy focuses on giving you the skills, knowledge and network to make your idea happen. During the intensive 5 days you will learn the practical aspects of starting a business (including marketing and finance) as well as developing skills such as pitching and networking.
USW Enterprise
USW Enterprise, part of USW Careers, supports students and graduates who are interested in developing their enterprise skills, freelancing, starting their own business or social enterprise and want to discuss, develop, test and launch their ideas.
Visit the Student Enterprise website