5 ways to improve your employability outside of your degree

<p paraeid="{9c2f05ea-fb6b-4ea7-98e5-62684e77074f}{83}" paraid="1827598063">In a competitive graduate market, speaking to someone who has done it all before can be a great source of comfort and advice. By taking part in a mentoring scheme, you will be able to ask for careers advice from a professional in your chosen industry who knows exactly what you’re going through and who can support you through the job decision making and application process. </p>

<p paraeid="{9c2f05ea-fb6b-4ea7-98e5-62684e77074f}{107}" paraid="1079422388">The University of Reading’s <a href="https://sites.reading.ac.uk/imagine/project/thrive-career-mentoring/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">THRIVE career mentoring scheme</a> is available to students across all disciplines. Students are partnered with University of Reading alumni who are successful and seasoned professionals and work closely with undergraduates to prepare them for starting their career.  </p>

<p paraeid="{9c2f05ea-fb6b-4ea7-98e5-62684e77074f}{122}" paraid="491568791">“These alumni help students to gain insight into their profession so they can compete successfully for graduate roles. Many of these mentors are working on all continents,” said Fiona Corby, a careers consultant at the University of Reading. </p>

<p paraeid="{9c2f05ea-fb6b-4ea7-98e5-62684e77074f}{132}" paraid="1915667177">In addition to bolstering your CV, an internship can help you develop a range of transferrable soft skills that will help you succeed in your future career.  </p>

<p paraeid="{9c2f05ea-fb6b-4ea7-98e5-62684e77074f}{142}" paraid="1107180934">Internships are usually around one to three months long and are a great way to try working in roles and industries that interest you. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies are now offering virtual internships to help students stay safe while completing their work experience.  </p>

<p paraeid="{9c2f05ea-fb6b-4ea7-98e5-62684e77074f}{156}" paraid="2026412624">The Reading Internship Scheme is a partnership between the University of Reading and local start-ups businesses and not for profit organisations. Students have the option to complete paid, professional four-to-six-week internships at these local businesses in a diverse range of fields. </p>

<p paraeid="{9c2f05ea-fb6b-4ea7-98e5-62684e77074f}{176}" paraid="101378748">Corby said: “Our <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk/essentials/Careers/Gaining-experience/RIS" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Reading Internship Scheme</a> gives students experience of working for a start-up or not for profit organisation.  Students can also boost funds and enhance their skillset and cultural understanding by working part-time on campus and in the town centre.” </p>

<p paraeid="{9c2f05ea-fb6b-4ea7-98e5-62684e77074f}{191}" paraid="216549622">Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Reading has given students the option to complete these internships virtually. </p>

<p paraeid="{9c2f05ea-fb6b-4ea7-98e5-62684e77074f}{201}" paraid="84212740"> “We have provided students with virtual work experience opportunities to compensate for reduced in-person work experience. This means that students can gain experience wherever they are situated,” said Corby. </p>

<p paraeid="{9c2f05ea-fb6b-4ea7-98e5-62684e77074f}{231}" paraid="94895290">Skills certificates are becoming an increasingly popular way to demonstrate your abilities to potential employers.  </p>

<p paraeid="{9c2f05ea-fb6b-4ea7-98e5-62684e77074f}{237}" paraid="1411728278">LinkedIn Learning courses offer students the option to boost their expertise in certain skills, and throughout the pandemic, many universities offered <a href="https://www.topuniversities.com/student-info/distance-learning/9-top-universities-offering-free-online-courses" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">online resources</a> to help people boost their knowledge and employability by teaching them about certain subjects. </p>

<p paraeid="{9c2f05ea-fb6b-4ea7-98e5-62684e77074f}{248}" paraid="150064234">The University of Reading offers students something slightly different. The <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk/essentials/Careers/Gaining-experience/RED" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Reading Employability Award (RED)</a> helps students make the most of extra-curricular activities and experience on offer. It involves gaining 35 hours of work experience (which could include part-time-job, an internship or volunteering), as well as five hours of workshops, which helps with training and development. </p>

<p paraeid="{48c249da-df57-4e04-af37-23e66ec965a7}{28}" paraid="1375579031">“The RED award facilitates students gaining relevant experience and development of the skillset which leading recruiters are looking for worldwide,” said Corby. </p>

<p paraeid="{48c249da-df57-4e04-af37-23e66ec965a7}{40}" paraid="1750921919">For students considering a career in research, the <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk/urop/">Undergraduate Research Opportunity Programme (UROP)</a> provides students with valuable work experience. </p>

<p paraeid="{48c249da-df57-4e04-af37-23e66ec965a7}{56}" paraid="1092620721">Most universities offer careers fairs throughout the academic year where employers are invited to the university to talk to students about the opportunities available to them after university.  </p>

<p paraeid="{48c249da-df57-4e04-af37-23e66ec965a7}{70}" paraid="1425825335">At careers fairs, students can learn more about the career options available to them and ask any specific questions they may have. By gaining information about the companies and industries available, students can be better prepared for their job application, boosting their chances of employment. </p>

<p paraeid="{48c249da-df57-4e04-af37-23e66ec965a7}{86}" paraid="1489814483">The University of Reading offers a range of <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk/essentials/Careers/Events/Fairs" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">careers fairs</a>, webinars and employability initiatives. </p>

<p paraeid="{48c249da-df57-4e04-af37-23e66ec965a7}{101}" paraid="1772091075">Corby said: “Through our fairs and webinars students can find out about a wide range of career opportunities and ask questions to professionals.   </p>

<p paraeid="{48c249da-df57-4e04-af37-23e66ec965a7}{113}" paraid="1256536169">“We also run sessions on how to network and provide openings for developing this technique in a safe environment. Students have access to employers world-wide.” </p>