Employability and Career Support

The University of Kent is committed to equipping students with the skills and experiences needed to thrive in a competitive job market. Our employability-focused approach integrates career development throughout your degree, ensuring you graduate ready to launch a successful career. With a strong emphasis on practical learning, our programs boast high graduate employment rates, with over 90% of leavers in work or further study within six months of graduation, according to the latest Graduate Outcomes survey.

Career Services and Resources

At the heart of our support is the Kent Employability Online platform, a comprehensive resource hub accessible to all students. It offers personalized career advice, CV building tools, and access to exclusive job listings. Our dedicated Careers and Employability Service provides one-on-one consultations with expert advisors who help tailor your job search strategy.

• CV and Interview Workshops: Regular sessions to refine your application materials and practice interview techniques.
• Mentoring Programs: Pairing with industry professionals for guidance on career paths.
• Online Modules: Self-paced courses on topics like networking, personal branding, and salary negotiation.

Internships and Work Placements

Hands-on experience is key to employability, and the University of Kent excels in providing real-world opportunities. Many of our degree programs include optional or mandatory placements, allowing you to apply academic knowledge in professional settings. We partner with over 1,000 employers, including global giants like Deloitte, PwC, and the NHS, to offer paid internships and summer placements.

Program Type	Duration	Examples
Summer Internships	8-12 weeks	Marketing at Unilever, Engineering at Siemens
Year in Industry	9-12 months	Finance at KPMG, Tech at Microsoft
Volunteering Placements	Flexible	Community projects with local charities

Our Placement Year Scheme boosts your CV and often leads to full-time offers, with participants earning an average of £18,000 during their placement.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Opportunities

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Kent offers a vibrant ecosystem to turn ideas into reality. The Canterbury Innovation Centre provides incubation spaces, funding advice, and mentorship from successful alumni entrepreneurs. Join the Kent Enterprise Hub to access:

1. Startup Competitions: Annual pitches with cash prizes up to £10,000.
2. Business Incubators: Low-cost office space and legal support for new ventures.
3. Workshops and Accelerators: Training in lean startup methodologies and investor pitching.

Recent successes include alumni-founded companies like a sustainable tech startup that secured £500,000 in venture capital shortly after graduation.

Global and Networking Opportunities

Kent's international outlook opens doors worldwide. Through our Go Abroad Program, you can undertake internships in Europe, Asia, or the US, supported by partnerships with organizations like the British Council and Erasmus+. Networking events, such as our annual Careers Fair attended by 200+ employers, connect you with recruiters from diverse sectors.

Additionally, the Alumni Network spans 180 countries with 150,000 members, offering lifelong access to job boards, events, and mentorship. Hear from our alumni: "Kent's global connections helped me land a role at Google in Dublin," says Sarah L., a Computer Science graduate.

Subject-Specific Opportunities

Opportunities are tailored to your field of study. For example:

• Law Students: Mooting competitions and clerkships with top barristers.
• Business and Management: Case study challenges with FTSE 100 companies.
• Creative Arts: Exhibitions and collaborations with the Canterbury Festival.
• Sciences: Research internships at the Medway School of Pharmacy.

These initiatives ensure you build a portfolio of experiences that stand out to employers.

Success Stories and Outcomes

Our graduates excel across industries: from journalism at the BBC to engineering at Rolls-Royce. The university's Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework underscores our commitment to career-ready education. With dedicated support from day one, you'll navigate your professional journey with confidence.

Explore these opportunities to maximize your potential at the University of Kent—your future starts here.