Campaign Purpose
Sadia’s (President of Academic Life) campaign for this term focuses on Your Future with the main aim of creating employable students. It is important that students leave Christ Church with not just a degree but also the confidence to seek employment after graduation.
In this dedicated space, you can find helpful links to careers fairs across the UK, including the London Job Show; support and employment opportunities at Canterbury Christ Church University; and information on past and present events run by Sadia for her campaign.
Enhance Your Employability at Canterbury Christ Church University
Why Attend Career Fairs?
Careers fairs provide invaluable opportunities to interact with prospective employers, gain industry insights, and showcase your skills and experiences. They are also a chance to explore career paths you may not have previously considered.
Key Careers Fairs:
- Canterbury Careers Fair – A great chance to meet employers and network locally.
- The London Job Show – One of the largest job shows in the UK, featuring top employers.
- National Careers Fairs – Covering a broad spectrum of industries and opportunities nationwide.
Support and Employment Opportunities at CCCU
External careers fairs aren’t the only way to gain career insight. The university hosts numerous events and opportunities to connect you with industry professionals relevant to your studies.
On-Campus Opportunities:
- Careers Modules – Many courses embed career development directly into the curriculum.
- Short-Term Roles via Unitemps – A flexible way to gain work experience while studying.
Careers & Enterprise Team
A dedicated team is available to help improve your employability. They offer:
- Careers Weeks & Workshops – Upskill in CV writing, applications, LinkedIn, and interviews.
- One-to-One Career Support – Receive personalised guidance and feedback.
Unitemps – Work While You Study
Unitemps is a recruitment service that helps thousands of students find work every year.
- Opportunities include on-campus roles and jobs with local businesses.
- A flexible way to balance work and study while building your CV.
- Access to job listings even after graduation.
[Register for job alerts and explore vacancies on the Unitemps website.]
Additional Career & Volunteering Resources
Where to Look for Jobs
- Job Boards: Indeed, Reed, Guardian Jobs, Gov.Jobs, LinkedIn.
- Recruitment Agencies: Specialist agencies can help you secure full-time, part-time, or temporary work. Some agencies focus on specific sectors such as healthcare, IT, or engineering.
Tips for Using Recruitment Agencies:
- Check if they specialise in your field.
- Treat agency interviews like real job interviews.
- Keep in regular contact and update them on your availability.
- Be open to temporary roles, which can lead to permanent positions.
- Highlight specialist skills such as language proficiency or technical expertise.
Opportunities with the Students’ Union
Volunteering Roles:
- Union Council Officer – Influence student policies and initiatives.
- Course Representative – Represent students' voices in academic discussions.
- Society Committee Member – Help run student societies.
- Sports Committee Member – Contribute to sports clubs and teams.
Benefits of Volunteering:
- Improve leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.
- Enhance your CV with meaningful extracurricular experience.
- Make a tangible difference in student life and the local community.
- Gain recognised employability skills, including:
- Leadership
- Time Management
- Prioritisation
- Delegation
- Communication
- Research & Analysis
- Teamwork
[Log your volunteering hours here: https://ccsu.co.uk/volunteering/volunteerhub/how-to-log-hours/]
Paid Roles in the Students’ Union:
- Student Leader (elected every March)
- Reception Team Member (recruited via Unitemps)
Past and Upcoming Careers Events
Handing Out CVs – Medway
Sadia has spent time in Medway speaking with Allied Health Students about their future as well as handing out example CVs and pamphlets on prospective careers and next steps. More information on careers can be found on the University website, including the example CVs handed out.
PGCE Q&A Drop-in – Canterbury
The PGCE Q&A Drop-in was an excellent opportunity to chat informally with current PGCE students. The PGCE Course Reps kindly volunteered their time to discuss what teacher training in the UK is really like.
[Find out more about getting into teaching here: Get Into Teaching] [Learn about PGCE fees, bursaries, and entry requirements: PGCE FAQs]