Your guide to choosing a university for greater career opportunities

With over 20,000 universities worldwide covering everything from art curation to zoology, there are many factors to consider when choosing the best fit for you. It’s important to do your research into the programme details, academic expertise, student life on campus and most importantly, how your degree will prepare you for a successful and thriving career in the field you choose. 

From the careers service to work experience and live projects on the curriculum, there are many different ways that universities can offer a rich experience that leaves you ready to take on the world once you graduate.  

Here’s how you can find out whether a university will increase your employability.  

Most universities will have a dedicated careers service for students and recent graduates to access. Employability experts can help you with everything from finding a part-time job to working abroad and workshops on interview prep, CV help and more. Some universities will offer guest talks from alumni in your field of interest, so you can see the potential opportunities open to you after your studies. 

Making the most of the careers service while you study – and receiving careers guidance as you get closer to graduating – will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed when you come to the end of your studies. You can find most information about a university’s employability support on their website, but it’s also a great opportunity to ask about this service at open days and when speaking to current students.  

At Columbia University, ranked 10th best university in the US, students can attend career exploration summits to explore and engage with organisations and alumni across different industries. It's a chance to understand more about potential career paths and to learn about the most pressing trends and challenges in a range of industries. 

While it might not be related to the career you’re interested in, taking on a part-time role at university can help you to learn transferable skills like time management, organisation and even managing a team.  

Find out what opportunities are available on campus for part-time student work. Often, university careers services and students’ unions have a job centre, where you can see the vacancies, how much they’re paid and apply through an online portal.  

You could work as a student ambassador, talking to future students and parents at open days about your experiences. Or you could work in one of the university cafes or bars. Alternatively, if you can’t find a student job then getting involved in a student society is a great way to meet new people, organise events and gain new skills.