Career prospects

A successful career requires more than just a degree. During your time at university, you will have plenty of opportunities to develop both personally and professionally in addition to your formal education. 

Accessing the University Careers Service

The Careers Service is there to support you from your very first day at university. They can help with everything from developing your skills and confidence whilst you are at university, finding part-time and vacation jobs to making job applications and preparing for interviews. As a new student, you may not be thinking yet about life after graduation, but it is highly recommended that you access the Careers Service early to help you make the most of your time here to develop your future career prospects.

Find out more about the Careers Service

The Edinburgh Award

Any activities you choose to get involved with alongside your studies, such as running a sports club, part-time work on campus, providing peer support or volunteering in the community, can prove rewarding in many ways. The Edinburgh Award is a programme that students can undertake alongside a particular activity. It aims to recognise student involvement in a wide range of co- and extra-curricular activities, and the skills and attributes they demonstrate.

The University will support you to make the most out of your extra-curricular activities, by encouraging you to:

  • increase your self-awareness
  • make the most of existing strengths and develop new skills/abilities
  • make an impact in whatever situation you are in
  • confidently sell and demonstrate what you can offer to employers

Many employers expect something extra from today’s graduates, and the Edinburgh Award helps demonstrate what it is that sets our students apart. 

Find out more about The Edinburgh Award

Finding part-time jobs

Working whilst studying is a great way to earn extra money, learn new skills, and take time out of university to meet others. However, you should only aim to take on work that will not interfere with your academic priorities. If you are a full-time student, the University recommends you do not work more than 15 hours per week. 

Find out more about working part-time 

The Careers Service regularly advertises hundreds of part-time jobs throughout the year on MyCareerHub. You will be able to access MyCareerHub approximately 6 weeks before the start of your studies.

Find a part-time job on MyCareerHub

This article was published on