New Year and it’s time to make those resolutions. It might be to get more exercise, eat healthier, have more sleep, learn a new skill, recycle more – all equally worthy. If you haven’t got any new year’s resolutions, why not consider making a careers resolution? Something to help your future plans along?

Here are some suggestions…

Attend a careers event 

Whether it’s one in your department/faculty or one of our centrally-hosted presentations, sign-up to an event. There are plenty to choose from (virtual and in-person), so browse the events section of Handshake, filtering on ‘UoY’ to find them easily. 

Highlights this term include: 

• Careers in Media and Publishing
• Careers in Virtual Business
• Virtual Assessment Centre Experience
• The Ins and Outs of Being a Professional
• Skills workshops on project management; networking; commercial awareness; your personal brand

Research potential careers or check out jobs on offer 

If you’re not sure what you might want to do as a job when you finish University, make a start by creating some ideas from the explore ideas section of the website.

Whatever year of study you are at, if you’ve got some ideas, search job sites for opportunities in your chosen field – it could be work experience or graduate jobs in particular sectors.

Develop a strength or skill

Have a look at the employability skills and qualities on our website. There are suggestions on how you can develop them further while at York.
If you haven’t attended a York Strengths Development Day session and you’re not sure about where your strengths lie, have a go at York Strengths Online. You can complete this interactive course at your own pace, as you discover or review the things you’re good at and love to do.

Try a new experience

Doing something new is a great way to meet new people, learn a new skill, gain something new to add to your experience (and CV!).

There are volunteering opportunities through Careers and Placements, Colleges, YUSU and ones you can find yourself.
Enterprise activities can teach you about commercial awareness, not just about starting your own business.

Develop yourself and gain recognition for your achievements

Our student leadership programmes can help you whatever your year of study. 

• First year undergraduates – York Strengths
• Second or middle year undergraduates – York Leaders
• Final year undergraduates – York Award

Taught postgraduates – York Strengths and York Award

So, why not give something a go this new year? Just one action can make all the difference!

Happy new year from all of us in Careers and Placements!