Work experience and careers advice

There's an abundance of support for you to ensure that you're ready for the world of work upon graduation - that's why we're first for graduates in employment in the UK. 

From work experience to help with careers, you'll be supported throughout your time at CCCU.

Valuable work-related experience

All courses offer work-related experience (WRE) as part of your course. They're designed to prepare you for work in industries related to your studies.

Finding work experience shouldn't be difficult when you're a student at Canterbury Christ Church University. With strong connections across different industries, we provide a variety of different WRE opportunities. These can include:

• mini or short-term placements
• live projects
• industry-set briefs
• research.

You'll also be able to benefit from employability sessions as part of your course. These range from guest lectures, alumni visits, careers fairs, and location-based field trips.

There are plenty of other opportunities to gain valuable and relevant work experience outside your degree. Many of our teaching staff have strong connections with businesses and organisations, offering the possibility of gaining further work experience, internships, or placements.

You may even be eligible for some financial support via our Career Development Fund. Reaching your career goals should always be a possibility, so we ensure that you can do this regardless of your income. This fund can help you gain invaluable work experience without worrying about the cost. This can cover:

• travel expenses
• purchasing suitable workwear
• ad-hoc childcare for the time you're working
• specialist software needed to fulfil the role.

Check out how Katie used hers below:

What support is available?

The Careers and Enterprise Hub can help you with questions about work, careers after graduation and further study. The team can help you with:

• developing your CV
• writing cover letters
• job applications
• interview techniques
• understanding how to gain relevant skills for your career
• and lots more to help you get your foot on that job ladder.

They also offer regular drop in advice sessions, weekly themed workshops, and private career guidance appointments to ensure you have all the help you need to succeed.

Working around your studies

You can earn extra money whilst you study and build your CV by registering with our on-campus recruitment service Unitemps. They are the go-to place for part-time and full-time jobs within the University and in the local area.

It's recommended that you work up to 15 hours a week during your studies. This ensures that you have enough time for your studies as well as having a social life.

If you're in need of support with how to juggle work and study, get in contact with Student Wellbeing today to have a chat.

Volunteering

Our Careers and Enterprise team, along with the Students' Union, provide lots of volunteering opportunities. These can be based on campus and with local charities and clubs.

You can find out about how to start volunteering at Freshers' Fayre, which is organised by the Students' Union. We also:

• offer weekly volunteer drop-ins
• organise pop-ups with local charities
• promote regular volunteering opportunities at our regular employability events.