Student Opportunities and Futures Strategy

You've got big dreams and we want to help you make them happen. We're here to support you in your journey towards a successful future. 

We want you to define what that looks like for yourself, and we'll provide you with the support and resources to get there.

At the University of Leeds you are encouraged to develop the skills you need to succeed in your life. 

We believe this responsibility is one that extends beyond academics, student services and career advisers; it is a university-wide responsibility. 

That is why we will work together to make sure every opportunity is accessible and integrated.

We're here to make sure that everyone has a chance to learn, grow, and succeed at the University of Leeds. 

You will have equal access to the best opportunities within and beyond the curriculum, and extra support will be given to those who are currently not engaged with them or who come from underrepresented groups.

You will be part of our decision-making and the creation of opportunities. 

As part of a supportive lifelong community, you have the chance to explore and connect with like-minded people to help you to create the best possible future. 

Whether you’re interested in entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship, or a career in technology, you will always belong to this community.

Our goal is to help you build a career that's as fulfilling and rewarding as possible. 

We do this by integrating industry-related and data-driven approaches into all aspects of our curriculum, from you planning to join the university through to graduation. 

We also incorporate external partners to support your needs.

The Leeds curriculum integrates an academic, digital, and professional approach to your studies. 

Your degree will reflect many of the key skills that employers look for, ensuring that you have access to whatever future career-path you choose. 

To make that happen, your degree involves: 

• Surfacing skills that are relevant and transferable to your future aspiration.
• Work-related learning opportunities through:
  • Leeds Internship Programme, exclusive for University of Leeds students
  • Work Placement
  • Study abroad and summer abroad.
• An Employability team within each faculty and school that is experienced and dedicated to giving you tailored support based on your area of study.
• Optional careers education modules run by Student Careers to give you an insight into professional skills and improving your employability, such as:
  • CSER3060 Building Transformational Learning: Building on a Year in Industry.
  • CSER3102 Developing a Graduate Identity: Reflective Practice for Informed Career Planning.
  • CSER2208 Developing Your Professional Identity: Reflective Practice for Informed Career Planning.
• Access to external insight and support from external industry partners and alumni.

We provide a diverse range of expert information, advice, and guidance at every step of your journey, including when you become a student and after you graduate. 

Services available via MyCareer:

• 1:1 appointments with careers advisers, career consultants, and/or peer support assistants
• Specialist support if you are a master's student or postgraduate researcher 
• Bespoke support for under-represented students
• Annual Careers Fair events, including Autumn Fair, STEM Fair, Law Fair, Volunteering Fair, and Spring Fair
• CV Checker, job applications advice, and mock interview appointments
• Mentoring schemes
• Skill development workshops
• Online resources including free access to expert-led courses on LinkedIn Learning.

Services available via Leeds University Union (LUU)

• Joblink offers a range of part-time and flexible work opportunities that you can do during your study.
• More than 300 clubs and societies to join depending on your passion and interest.
• Help & Support team provides expert advice and guidance for free, confidential, and independent from the University.

Sport and physical activities

• Sport and physical activities at the University provides a wide-range of support to improve health and wellbeing.

We will support you to develop international perspectives through first-hand experiences.

You will get opportunities to make a difference as a global citizen. 

These opportunities are all available via MyCareer:

• Global Careers events that help you if you are an international student who would like to work in the UK.
• Employer-led, alumni-led, and skills-based webinars that explore career opportunities overseas, including Global Careers Europe, China, Asia-Pacific, India, and many more.
• Free access to thousands of volunteering, internships, and graduate job opportunities here and overseas through:
  • Volunteering offers you a chance to help a cause you feel passionate about.
  • Student Circus promotes pre-filtered job opportunities that offer Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for international students.
  • Going Global lists job opportunities that are location-specific and has handy advice on working in different countries.
  • Get Highered offers access to overseas internship and job opportunities.
• Life-long connection with our Global alumni by joining the Leeds for Life network.

For those who aspire to become an entrepreneur, we will provide you with limitless support to succeed in the commercial world. 

You can start by developing your enterprising mindset within and beyond the curriculum, and the opportunity to advance your start-up capability through SPARK.

We offer one-to-one support, workshops, and resources related to:

• Advice and mentoring to help you start your own business (business plan, cashflow, etc).
• Advice and mentoring related to freelancing and working in the creative industry.
• Funding opportunities.
• A Scholarship Scheme which awards you with a substantial grant and an intensive bootcamp.
• Business competitions.