Independent Students

The Careers Service at The University of Manchester offers bespoke support to students who are Care experienced or Estranged from their families / parents / carers. Throughout your degree and for up to two years after you complete your course, you have access to professional and impartial careers information, advice and guidance.

There is a wealth of opportunity for you to access as a student and recent graduate. You can undertake part-time work experience opportunities, travel to other countries to build your networks and confidence, bursaries to support work experiences, and so much more. Check out our student Timeline for suggestions.

Explore your career

We encourage you to explore your career by ‘having a go’, this can help build your skills and develop your breadth of experience. This might include:

Do you know what you can offer an employer? Why not undertake a strengths assessment and start to think about articulating your skills to others!

Prepare for your future

Access help and support from the Careers Service, whether that be:

You can also build your network to learn from others by using LinkedIn and following groups such as Greater Manchester CEES Students and Graduates.

When you are ready to apply for jobs and experiences, we are here to help. Learn about the different appointments and drop-ins we offer to support you.

Your dedicated Careers Consultants

As an Independent Student you have dedicated Careers Consultants to support you, whether that be the Explore, Prepare or Apply stage. We are here to support you as an individual and help you succeed in the future!

  • Penney Gordon-Lanes supports students studying subjects in the faculties of Science and Engineering and Biological Sciences. Penney's LinkedIn profile will tell you more about her.
  • Ushma Khadia supports students studying subjects in the faculty of Humanities. Ushma's LinkedIn profile will tell you more about her.

Build experience

Whatever your interest, there are different ways to build experience and below, we have highlighted some of the opportunities that are popular with our Independent Students here at The University of Manchester.

  • Part-time jobs Learn about ways to access part-time jobs to support you financially and help you develop skills. Look out for jobs within the University of Manchester many of which are advertised on CareerConnect.
  • CareerConnect CareerConnect is the Careers Service’s platform which advertises exclusive job opportunities, workshops, and employer events. It is also where you book careers appointments.
  • upReach Personalised support as well as networking and internship opportunities for students who meet their eligibility criteria.
  • Global Graduates A fully funded week where you can visit a city across the globe meeting with alumni from a range of business and industry sectors.
  • Work experience bursaries The scheme offers financial support for full time undergraduates of all years to undertake career enhancing work experience.
  • Mentoring Apply to access a mentor who can provide you with industry specialist knowledge and support you with career planning.
  • Student Experience Internships Student experience internships are paid opportunities for students in the penultimate year of their studies.
  • School of Biological Sciences Summer Research Placements These are exclusive opportunities for students studying subjects within the School of Biological Sciences.
  • Manchester Graduate Talent (MGT) Manchester Graduate Talent internships are exclusive internship opportunities University of Manchester graduates can apply for.