Navigating the Career Search as a Leeds Undergrad: Insights, Advice, and Opportunities
As an undergrad at Leeds, you might be experiencing a mix of excitement and uncertainty as you start to think about your future career. Whether you’re a freshman just embarking on your academic journey or a senior preparing for graduation, it’s never too early or too late to start considering your professional goals and the steps to achieve them.
As you navigate the career search process, internships and networking will play a crucial role in your success. In this blog post, we’ll share some insights, advice, and resources specifically tailored to Leeds undergraduates to help you make the most of your time at the university.
Internships: The Key to Success in the Business World
Internships are essential for undergraduate business students, as they provide invaluable hands-on experience and often lead to full-time job offers upon graduation. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), top industries for business majors in 2021 included finance, accounting, and business/consulting services, which typically offer a high number of internships to undergraduate students. NACE also found that about 73% of employers prefer candidates with internship experience, and roughly 70% of interns receive job offers from their internship employers.
Here at the Leeds School of Business, our Career Development team and the GOLD Board’s Experiential Learning workgroup are dedicated to helping students find and secure internships in their desired industries. By partnering with top employers and offering resources like the Trek programs, we aim to create a strong network between students, alumni, and corporate partners.
Navigating Your Career Search at Leeds: Instructions and Best Practices
As a Leeds undergraduate student, you have access to a wealth of resources and support to help you in your career search. Here are some instructions and best practices to guide you:
- Utilize Leeds’ resources: Make the most of the resources and services offered by the Leeds School of Business, including the Career Development team, GOLD Board’s workgroups, and the Professional Mentorship Program (PMP). These resources can help you find internships, refine your resume and cover letter, and provide networking opportunities.
- Attend Leeds’ events: Participate in career fairs, workshops, and networking events organized by the Leeds School of Business. These events can connect you with potential employers, alumni, and industry professionals, giving you valuable insights and opportunities.
- Connect with Leeds alumni: Reach out to Leeds alumni through the GOLD Board and Leeds Mentoring Office. Alumni can provide valuable advice and connections in your desired industry, making your career search more efficient and effective.
- Join Leeds student organizations: Get involved in relevant student organizations at Leeds to develop your skills, network with like-minded peers, and gain exposure to industry professionals.
Keeping these instructions in mind, remember to be proactive, persistent, and professional throughout your career search. Start early, research potential employers, tailor your applications, and network with Leeds alumni and industry professionals. Treat each internship as a learning opportunity and a chance to demonstrate your value to the company.
Your career search is an ongoing journey, and it’s normal to feel uncertain or overwhelmed at times. However, with the support and resources available at the Leeds School of Business, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the process and find the right opportunities for your professional growth. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated teams and resources if you have any questions or need additional guidance. Best of luck to you in your studies and future career!
