Preparing you for your future career

Thinking about life after university? We’re here to make it easier.

Person using a computer in front of a Career Centre sign

From building your confidence to finding real-world experience, ARU gives you the support and opportunities to help you take the next step toward your dream job.

The more you engage, ask questions, and actively look for opportunities, the more prepared and confident you’ll be when it counts.

Haashir Ali, BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering student

Throughout your time at ARU and after you graduate, you'll have access to a dedicated careers and employability service.

We offer:

  • careers advice, including personalised appointments with experienced advisers
  • help with your CV, job searches, applications and interview preparation
  • an online Employability Programme, which helps you hone the skills employers say they want in graduates
  • campus job fairs, workshops and employer visits
  • the Career Centre (ARU login required), an online portal packed with useful careers tools and resources
  • access to Handshake (ARU login required), where you can connect with employers and find placement and graduate job opportunities
  • once you graduate, lifelong access to the Alumni Career Centre.

Challenge yourself to embrace as many opportunities as you can, and amplify your career possibilities.

Whenever you need careers support, it’s ready for you. Our digital tools are available 24/7, so you can develop your skills and prepare for your future at a time that suits you.

What’s available?

  • CV Checker and templates: build a strong CV and create applications that stand out.
  • Virtual mock interviews: practice with hundreds of interview scenarios and get instant feedback.
  • Elevator pitch builder: perfect your pitch for networking and interviews.
  • Personality assessments and career quizzes: discover roles that match your strengths and interests.
  • E-learning library and LinkedIn Learning: free student access to hundreds of courses on career development, skill building, and more.

Want to land your dream job or kick-start your career? Our careers fairs and events can help you do just that.

They give you:

  • direct access to employers
  • insider knowledge about what employers are looking for
  • practical advice to make your applications stand out.

By attending, you’ll build your professional network and discover opportunities you might not find elsewhere. You'll also gain the confidence and skills to succeed in a competitive job market.

Current ARU students can visit Handshake to browse upcoming events and fairs (ARU login required).

If you’re career focussed and thinking about your future, ARU is for you.

  • Placement years are available in most subjects. They're a great opportunity to develop your transferable skills, while working in industry.
  • Many of our courses feature mentorship, industry collaboration or Live Briefs.
  • If you're studying law, there's the chance to work with qualified solicitors in our Law Clinic.
  • If you're studying nursing, midwifery, medicine or other healthcare courses, you'll spend time on clinical placements.
  • We can help you to find work experience, placements and internship opportunities. These include virtual opportunities that fit around your commitments.

Learning a language can help to boost your employability – and your confidence.

Our Anglia Language Programme is open to all ARU students. You can study French, Japanese or Spanish online.

Why learn a language?

  • Boost your employability.
  • Improve your communication skills.
  • Build your confidence.
  • Develop your intercultural awareness.
  • Improve your brain functionality.
  • Gain a better understanding of your own language.
  • Have fun!

Shine is our self-development and employability network for students from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic backgrounds.

It's designed to help you build confidence and enhance your career prospects.

As part of the Shine community you can:

  • connect with peers and professionals
  • access job opportunities, mentoring, and workshops
  • explore internships
  • gain real-world insights.

Open to all ARU students across our campuses, Shine gives you the tools and connections to thrive.

Gain real-world perspective, build confidence, and start shaping your future beyond the classroom.

We know that guidance from someone who’s been there can make all the difference. This mentorship programme connects you with an experienced professional. They will share insights, offer advice, and help you explore your career options.

Mentors come from a range of industries and volunteer their time to support your journey.

The programme is open to ARU students across our campuses. Second-year undergraduates get priority, but everyone's welcome to apply.

We want to ensure everyone has access to this valuable support, so we particularly encourage applications from care leavers, and students from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic backgrounds.

Gaining real-world experience is a vital part of preparing for your career. At ARU, we want to make sure cost isn’t a barrier to enhancing your employability.

Our Work Experience Bursary can help you take part in internships or work experience.

The bursary is available to eligible undergraduate students from low-income households.

There are two types of support available:

  • Work Experience Bursary if you're completing substantial work experience or an internship
  • Interview Bursary, for costs related to attending interviews, such as travel or clothing.

These bursaries are discretionary. You can access them during term time or holidays.