Resource guides
Building your employability skills can open doors to new opportunities during and after university.
Free online training courses
Boost your employability with free online courses in business, technology, design, and personal development. Whether you're looking to enhance your CV, gain practical experience, or explore a new career path, these certified courses from leading institutions will help you get ahead!
Develop business, tech, and career skills with expert-led courses. Enhance your leadership, stay updated on tech trends, and boost your expertise with flexible, on-demand content.
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Learn digital marketing, business fundamentals, and data analytics to enhance your professional skills. Courses designed to boost your expertise and keep you competitive in the digital world.
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Hands-on coding courses in web development, Python, and data science, with interactive projects to help you build your portfolio and apply real-world skills.
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Earn certifications in business, tech, healthcare, and more. Boost your skills and advance your career with industry-recognised courses that provide practical knowledge and credentials.
Explore courses with certifications
Explore courses on topics like inbound marketing, sales strategies, customer service, and business growth with industry-recognised certifications to boost your skills.
Sign up for free courses
Graphic design and branding courses, perfect for students looking to enhance their creative skills and build a strong foundation in visual communication and brand development.
Start learning
Explore a variety of online courses with flexible learning options to suit your needs and schedule, covering subjects like business, technology, personal development, and more.
Explore the course catalogue
Explore online learning programmes on topics such as sustainable development, peace and security, disaster risk reduction, and leadership.
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Networking and professional development
Building connections, developing professional skills, and having a stand-out online presence can open doors to future career opportunities.
Whether you're looking to connect with industry professionals or boost your employability, these tips will set you on the right path.
Building a LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn is a great way to connect with professionals, recruiters, and industry experts.
Ways to make your profile stand out:
- Profile picture and headline: Use a clear, professional photo and a headline that reflects your career interests (e.g., "Marketing Student | Aspiring Digital Marketer").
- About: Write a short, engaging summary highlighting your skills, interests, and career goals.
- Experience and education: List part-time jobs, internships, volunteering, and university experiences that showcase your skills.
- Skills and endorsements: Add relevant skills and ask lecturers, colleagues, or peers to endorse them.
- Networking and engagement: Connect with alumni and industry professionals, engage with posts, and participate in discussions.
The power of networking
Networking isn't just about job hunting - it's about gaining insights, learning from professionals, and opening new opportunities.
Ways to network effectively:
- Attend events and workshops: Join career fairs, university networking events, and industry conferences.
- Use social media: Follow industry leaders, participate in LinkedIn discussions, and join professional groups.
- Connect with alumni: Reach out to graduates from your course for career advice and insights.
- Be curious and be prepared: Ask thoughtful questions and show genuine interest in conversations.
- Follow-up: Send a short thank-you message after meeting someone new to maintain the connection.
Developing professional skills
Building key professional skills can set you apart when applying for jobs or internships.
Key things to focus on:
- Communication and public speaking: Practice presenting in seminars or joining debating societies.
- Time management and organisation: Use planners or productivity apps to balance studies, work, and personal life.
- Problem-solving and critical thinking: Take on group projects, case studies, or extracurricular challenges.
- Adaptability and resilience: Learn to embrace change and seek out new learning opportunities.
- Digital and industry-specific skills: Develop software proficiency, coding, or sector-relevant certifications.
Careers and Employability Service
The University's Careers and Employability Service offers lifelong career support, both in-person and online, to help you through your university journey and beyond.
Explore your career path
Not sure where to take your skills and interests? Hallam's career resources help you explore different industries, job roles, and working environments. Watch industry insight videos, learn about workplace culture, and compare the public vs private sector to find the best fit for you.
Explore career paths
CVs and cover letters
Make your application stand out! Use the CV and cover letter builders to get started, check your CV with CV360 for instant feedback, and browse example CVs tailored to different industries.
Need extra guidance? The CV starter guide has you covered.
Build your CV
Interviews and assessment centres
Ace your next interview with expert resources. Practice with an interview simulator, get familiar with assessment centres, and try psychometric tests to sharpen your skills. Plus, explore industry reports to learn what top employers are looking for.
Prepare for interviews
The Hallam Award
Get recognised for your extracurricular achievements! The Hallam Award helps you develop key employability skills through activities beyond your studies. Earn Bronze, Silver, or Gold by reflecting on your experiences and showcasing your growth to future employers.
Start your Hallam Award
Volunteering Opportunities
Boost your employability while making a difference! Volunteering isn’t just about giving back - it’s a great way to gain experience, develop new skills, and stand out to employers.
Whether you’re looking for a one-off opportunity or a long-term role, we offer volunteering in areas like mental health, community sport, and environmental action. It’s a chance to build confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while making a real impact in your community.
Plus, you can log your hours and earn a certificate when you reach a volunteering milestone - great for your CV! Find a role that fits your schedule and interests today.
One-off opportunities
Short on time? One-off volunteering lets you make an impact without a long-term commitment. Whether it’s a community clean-up, event support, or a charity fundraiser, these flexible opportunities fit around your schedule while boosting your skills and experience.
Explore one-off opportunities
Volunteering as an international student
All students, including short-term students, can volunteer with charities and voluntary organisations. This is a great way to meet local people, practice your English, and get involved in the community. If you're unsure about your eligibility to volunteer, you can book an appointment with an International Experience Adviser for guidance.
Volunteering and your studies
Many volunteering roles provide excellent work experience, helping you develop transferable skills and gain references for future job applications. Some opportunities may even support your studies - if you're looking for experience relevant to your course, there are plenty of options to explore!
We're always open to hearing from students if they have an idea or suggestion for volunteering.
If you have an idea for a volunteering project, one-off or opportunity or have any questions, email us on volunteering@shu.ac.uk
View all opportunities
Kick-start your career
Start your search strong - discover job sites to help you find everything from part-time work to full-time careers.
Graduate roles
Target Jobs
Find in-depth application advice, interview preparation tips, and career events to help you stand out in the job market.
Explore all roles on Target Jobs
LawCareers.Net
Ideal for aspiring lawyers, find job listings, training contract deadlines, employer directories, and expert career advice to help you secure a future in the legal profession.
Explore all roles on LawCareers.Net
Placements and internships
Handshake
Explore jobs tailored to your university, set career preferences, and receive personalised job recommendations.
Explore all roles on Handshake
Creative Access
Find paid internships, entry-level jobs, CV support, and interview guidance to help you break into creative industries such as media, publishing, and the arts.
Explore all roles on Creative Access
LinkedIn
Browse jobs, connect with recruiters, and explore company pages to uncover placement schemes and early-career opportunities.
Explore all roles on LinkedIn
Part-time roles
Indeed
Find a wide range of part-time jobs, from retail and hospitality to tutoring and online work. Use search filters to match jobs with your skills and availability.
Explore all roles on Indeed
CV Library
Search for flexible and part-time work. Filter by location and job type to find student-friendly roles in retail, hospitality, administration, and more.
Explore all roles on CV Library
Reed
Browse part-time and student job opportunities across various industries, get career advice, and access training courses to boost employability.
Explore all roles on Reed
Joinrs
Use AI to find roles suited to your skills and preferences. Participate in online career experiences, meet employers, and explore job opportunities ranked by compatibility with your profile.
Explore all roles on Joinrs
Not found what you need? Need more info?
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