Put your skills to work

University life and the career you want

We'll show you how to make the most of all the opportunities open to you here at Sheffield – in the lecture room and beyond.

Your achievements and experiences will prepare you for a successful career anywhere in the world. In the process, you'll discover more about yourself and mix with people from all over the world.

Prepare to succeed

Our courses show you how to use what you learn in a practical way. You'll build the skills and personal qualities that make you an asset to any employer – creativity and teamwork, for example, along with an ability to challenge assumptions and make your ideas work.

And you'll have the opportunity to get involved in some of the world-class research that's happening in your field. This shows you're the curious type, imaginative, analytical – qualities that employers prize highly.

Specialist careers advice

Right from day one, our dedicated Careers Service will help you explore all your options for a rewarding future. We'll also show you how to make the most of your talents and skills while you're here. What's more, we'll support you for up to three years after you graduate.

Employers want to see that you've got personality and initiative. So everything you do – right from a skills workshop to teaching school children how to play baseball – will make your CV stand out.

A CV with impact

We'll help you bring it all together – your subject knowledge as well as your achievements outside the lecture theatre – so that your skills and personality shine through. From writing a stand-out CV to giving a professional interview, our careers advisers will show you what employers are looking for and how to market yourself in the best possible light.

Sheffield Graduate Award

Our Sheffield Graduate Award recognises skills and experiences that make you stand out as a Sheffield student. How you've made an impact on the local community. Or used your skills for an enterprise project. It's a fantastic opportunity to showcase all your talents and it's endorsed by several leading employers – so it really gives you an edge in the careers market.

Learn from employers

You'll have lots of opportunities to meet and learn from employers. Graduate employers run workshops on campus to help you build essential skills such as teamwork, project management and commercial awareness. Hundreds of employers across all sectors take part in our careers events. This is a great opportunity to explore career possibilities and even make contacts.

If your tutor agrees, it might be possible to spend a year in business or industry as part of your degree. A dedicated placement officer in our Careers Service will work closely with you and your tutor to get you the kind of placement that will enhance what you've already learned.

The right work experience

We've built up strong links with local, national and international employers, so we'll help you find work experience that enhances your career prospects. This could take the form of vacation work, internships, part-time or temporary work, or placements and projects. As well as specialist advice from our team, we'll support you with our:

• Student Jobshop – find us right in the heart of the Students' Union
• online jobs directories – there are hundreds of local and international opportunities, including voluntary, part-time and vacation work
• Taste of Work scheme – ideal if you have little or no work experience

Working in the community

As a Sheffield student you'll be part of a city that's buzzing with opportunities. There are hundreds of ways you can use your degree and talents outside the classroom to learn more about your community and make a difference. It shows employers you're motivated and resourceful. It's also a great way to meet people and discover new skills.

You'll have access to one of the biggest volunteering programmes in the UK, so you won't be short of inspiration. We'll also help you set up your own volunteering initiative from scratch.

Enterprising ideas

Whichever career path you choose, you'll probably need to show you can generate ideas and make them work. Your university experience is the perfect place to start. You might want to organise a gig. Set up your own stall at a food festival. Start a magazine for a local charity. Maybe you're burning to set up your own business. However big or small your idea, our team of experts at the University of Sheffield Enterprise centre will help you make it happen.

The Enterprise centre also runs courses and activities to help you develop business acumen and entrepreneurial skills.