Your Leeds Toolkit: Making the Most of Career Resources Before Graduation

Balancing coursework, society commitments, part-time jobs and career planning all seem like a hassle, right? As freshers starting university, we tend to say, ‘we'll figure it out later’. But the truth is university life moves fast. Before you know it, it's graduation day, and you're wondering where the time went and wish that you'd started preparing just a bit sooner. 

To all the first years, your career doesn’t begin at graduation - it's already unfolding. That is exactly why it’s essential to start exploring what Leeds offers while you still have time to experiment and figure out what you actually enjoy. 

The Leeds Careers Centre (a hidden gem at the university) offers one-to-one guidance. Whether you need to refine your CV, prepare for an interview or explore new career options, their careers advisers are there to help you. You can even book mock interviews or practice assessment centre exercises! 

But there’s still one big question left: How do you know which companies are actually offering internships? 

It can be overwhelming to figure out deadlines and when to actually start applying for spring weeks. However, tools like ‘MyCareer’ and ‘Handshake’ which list placements, employer events, internships and exclusive opportunities for Leeds Students can act as your job-hunting dashboard. 

The next step is saying yes to opportunities and putting yourself out there. And trust me on this one: network! network! network!. And the best part? Leeds offers such opportunities everywhere. 

The business school regularly hosts employer talks and insight panels where you can meet professionals from banking, consulting, FinTech and beyond, giving you the chance to understand what employers actually look for. Business, finance, and trading societies take this a step further. They often bring in alumni, analysts, senior leaders, and recruiters for workshops, Q&A sessions, and networking nights. 

These smaller, student-led events are often more relaxed, which means it’s easier to build genuine connections. Whether you’re attending a stock trading workshop, a case-study challenge, or a panel with Big 4 representatives, you’re not just gaining skills - you’re connecting with people who work in the industries you’re aiming for.

These conversations might feel casual, but they can prove incredibly valuable. You’re learning directly from industry insiders, hearing advice you won’t find online, and showing your enthusiasm to people who remember exactly what it was like to be in your position. 

Nevertheless, do not limit yourself to only academic societies. Employers prefer people with versatility and who bring something unique to the table. So join societies. Leeds prides itself on the number of societies on offer. From skydiving to freestyle dancing, there’s truly something for everyone. 

Trying new things isn’t just about having fun, it’s also about building skills that matter to employers and to yourself. Leadership, teamwork, organisation, creativity, and communication are all developed through society involvement. Whether you’re running events, managing a committee, or collaborating on a project, these experiences give you concrete examples to display on your CV and in interviews. And beyond skills, societies help you expand your network, meet people from different backgrounds, and discover passions that could shape your future career.

Your career doesn’t begin at graduation; it starts with the small steps you take throughout your time at Leeds. Yes, your degree opens doors, but your initiative turns the handle. So dive in and let your experience here at the university set you apart when the time comes to step into the professional world.