Your career and COVID-19
Whether you're a student, about to graduate or job seeking, we know that many of you will be anxious about how COVID-19 could affect your career opportunities
We will continue to support and guide all students to a brilliant career. There will be no disruption to prospects.ac.uk or to the emails and services that you have signed up to.
Be prepared
It's important to remember that businesses value skilled young people more than ever. This year some of the largest employers are offering even more graduate jobs, apprenticeships and school leaver programmes than previous years. Recruitment hasn't stopped.
Here are some things that you can do to make sure you're prepared for your next move.
- Get the latest advice on job hunting in a pandemic.
- Discover how universities are changing in the wake of COVID-19 and what this may mean for you as a student.
- Read up on 7 ways to improve your graduate employability.
- If you're stuck at home brush up your CV, learn how to write an eye-catching personal statement or even create a great video CV.
- Polish your online presence to make the most of social media for your job hunt.
- Face-to-face interviews are less likely in the short term, so check out our tips for video interviews and phone interviews.
- Take a look at whether freelance or contract jobs are right for you and discover how the pandemic has affected the self-employed.
- Explore whether online learning may be worthwhile to improve your skills.
- Find out more about virtual work experience.
- Read about the skills shortages and COVID-19.
- Find out how to look after your mental health at university.
This is also a great time to listen to our Future You podcast and attend our Future You webinars. Whether you have a detailed career plan or you're not quite sure where to turn next we have expert advice to help you.
Stay in touch with your careers service
University careers services around the country are still operating. Many services have moved their entire programme of activities and events online to support students and graduates during the current crisis. Careers information, advice and guidance, and many other support services, are available through online appointments, vlogs, podcasts, live chats, Instagram or Facebook-live streams. For contact details search the database of AGCAS member careers services.
Student Space
If you're a student and the coronavirus pandemic has affected your life, help and support is available. Student Minds has set up Student Space to help you through this troubling time. Here are some ways it can help:
- You can talk to trained volunteers by text, phone, email or webchat about whatever issues are on your mind.
- Discover what support is available at your university.
- You can access dozens of articles and videos, written by expert clinicians and students, to help you through the challenges of student life.
Get information and advice
Your university will be issuing its own information and advice so make sure you visit their website and check your emails regularly.
Keep up-to-date with the latest government information and guidance.
Take a look at the information and advice from the NHS.
The Department for Education has launched a helpline for all of those in education:
- Phone: 0800 046 8687
- Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk
- Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday)