Your Future

Excellent Employment Opportunities  
Excellent Employment Opportunities

At the University of Aberdeen, we are committed to providing you with the best opportunities and support during your time with us. As a student at the University of Aberdeen you will be developing a wide range of professional and personal skills. We are amongst the top 10 UK institutions for employment prospects (The Telegraph, 2012).

What is employability?

We use the term employability to describe the set of skills and attributes that make graduates likely to gain employment and be successful on their chosen career path. Enhancing your employability during your time at the University of Aberdeen is essential for your future career success. 

Building your skill set

During your time at the University of Aberdeen, you will be gaining invaluable skills in and out of lectures. We encourage students to start thinking about the skills needed for working life. Getting involved in all the activities available will not only be fun, but will help you develop your skills. In addition to your degree courses you will have the opportunity to enrol on interdisciplinary Sixth Century courses on a wide range of issues, from Fearsome Engines to Mankind in the Universe. We will provide you with all the tools needed to boost your skills. 

The University of Aberdeen Graduate Attributes are a set of qualities you will have the opportunity to develop throughout your courses. The four main attributes are

  • Academic Excellence
  • Critical Thinking and Effective Communication
  • Learning and Personal Development
  • Active Citizenship

The Graduate Attributes are the qualities employers expect from graduates. Our degrees and co-curriculum are designed to support you with your development.

You can gain experience and top up on your skills by becoming a Class Representative or a Careers Subject Representative. A Class Representative is the link between your fellow students, the Students’ Association and the University. A Careers Subject Representative communicates between your fellow students and the Careers Service. Both of the opportunities are great for enhancing your communication and team working skills.

Gaining work experience

We have worked hard to build close links with employers, who recruit our graduates and offer work experience to our students. We have a dedicated Work Placement Team who source work experience opportunities exclusively for the University of Aberdeen students. They are the first to hear about exciting work experience opportunities! We can help you to secure that internship or work placement which will get you ahead of the competition. 

Many students want to gain work experience while studying and we want to help you find a job that meets your needs and leaves time for studying. The Student Advice Centre can help you with finding a part-time job suitable for you. You will not only be boosting your budget during your time at University, but also gaining valuable work experience and enhancing your CV.

Volunteering opportunities

We recognise the value of and hard work you put into volunteering. The STAR (Students Taking Active Roles) Award will support you on the volunteering journey and provides the opportunity to receive credit for all your hard work. Your achievements will also appear on your enhanced student transcript when you graduate. 

We will make sure that you will be able to make the most of new opportunities. The Careers Service offers you an opportunity to give back to the local community, while gaining work experience. The BP Tutoring Scheme is an opportunity to gain experience of working with young people.

The Students’ Association provides volunteering opportunities ranging from running a society, being involved in a sports club, working at a bookshop to growing your own vegetables. Achievements outside your degree are also valuable experience to include in your CV.

Global graduates

We offer you an opportunity to study abroad as part of your degree. The University of Aberdeen has links with universities across the globe. Credits gained are recognised by the University of Aberdeen and incorporated into your University of Aberdeen academic record. We actively encourage students to undertake this experience. Employers value students with a global mindset. 

Discover your talent

We aim to encourage students to discover and develop their entrepreneurial talent while supporting those with existing business ideas by providing expert assistance in business start up. We aim to increase the number of students who consider enterprise and entrepreneurship as an opportunity during and after their studies. 

A diverse student experience

There are around 16,000 students at the University of Aberdeen – from different backgrounds and from all around the globe. This contributes to a diverse student experience. We are committed to providing equal opportunities and appropriate support to all student groups.

Supporting you on the first steps of your career path

We will give you the support you need to enhance your employability. We have the experience, expert guidance and information you need to get started on your career. The Careers Service offers specialist support when you need help in planning your future.We offer you the opportunity to enrol on a Careers Education course. The course will give you a clearer understanding of your career options and life after graduation. You will have the possibility to explore career planning, job applications, skills development and employability. 

We have a successful Career Mentoring scheme, which links student with graduates who are willing to share their professional experience and help you with developing career ideas. This is a perfect opportunity to gain an insight into a job you are interested in.

Education for life

You will graduate from the University of Aberdeen with a degree and skills set which will support you for life. Our graduates have gone to work with organisations around the UK and all over the world. The Careers Service will continue to support you on your way. As a graduate of the University of Aberdeen you are welcome to use the Careers Service after you finish your studies.

Our promise

What we provide

  • Support and guidance with planning your future.
  • Attractive and relevant courses with a focus in building attributes sought by employers.
  • Advice on finding work experience.
  • A wide selection of volunteering opportunities.
  • Help with CV building and making effective job applications.
  • The possibility to study abroad as part of your degree.
  • A record of your achievements in your enhanced student transcript when you graduate.
 

What you can do?

  • Actively seek out opportunities and be open to new experiences.
  • Participate in activities offered.
  • Reflect on your skills and development needs.
  • Actively plan life after university.
  • Take full advantage of services offered.