You probably knew the Careers Network at Loughborough help loads of students find graduate and part-time jobs. You might also know they offer advice on things like CVs, placements and work experience and host multiple events throughout the academic year to help you meet potential future employers. But what about the hidden gems of the careers service – the things on offer you may have missed?

1. More placement and graduate job opportunities for Loughborough University students and alumni

You don’t have to book an appointment or call someone to get help from the Careers Network (but of course, you can do that too!) Over the last three years, there’s been a 40% increase in the number of jobs advertised via Careers Online – meaning you can browse more of the options available to you from home.

Careers Online is where the university themselves advertise a variety of opportunities which you can filter. I’ve used it when looking for internships, and applied for a number of them as a result.

Charlotte Harvey, Arts, English and Drama 

2. New ‘drop in’ careers help point in Bridgeman Building

Booking appointments can be inconvenient; if something last minute comes up, you feel bad about cancelling late and the slot goes to waste. Did you know the Careers Network set up a new Careers Help Point? It’s open 9.30 – 4.30 on weekdays in the Bridgeman Building and acts as a drop-in area – no appointment necessary. Also, sometimes they have chocolate…

Who wants free chocolate?! Come to Bridgeman building this week between 11-4 to grab a bar and find out more about what we do! pic.twitter.com/ORT2ugdDen

— *old* Lboro Careers (@lborojobnetwork) October 4, 2016

3. More lectures and workshops on careers, CVs and application skills

The Careers Network team is always out and about on campus delivering lectures and workshops in each School and also run ‘Direct Your Career’. DYC is a series of presentations and workshops to help you develop your employability that you can book via Careers Online.

I initially found out about what the Careers Network offer through a lecture at the beginning of university, where  my School’s Career Consultant spoke about CV and cover letter advice, ways to broaden your career prospects, and having general appointments with the office…I plan to take advantage of the sessions on LinkedIn, CVs and cover letters, as these are incredibly important, but easy to get wrong.

Charlotte Harvey, Arts, English and Drama 

4. Launch of Graduate Attributes skills framework

Loughborough also have a brilliant initiative called the Loughborough University Graduate Attributes that basically highlights all the transferrable skills you attain whilst being at Loughborough, whether you’re a student or a staff member. This university certainly sets you up extremely well for life as a graduate!

Symrun Samra, Arts, English and Drama 

5. Launch of Lboro Connect student and alumni networking and mentoring community

Think LinkedIn, but just for the #LboroFamily. Lboro Connect is aimed at current students and alumni, helping to forge relationships and provide employment opportunities to current students!

Graduate Recruitment and Placement Fair 2016

6. Access to the largest Careers Fair in the UK

Everyone knows about the Careers Fair on campus – but did you know it’s the biggest of it’s kind in the UK? There’s also loads of support available around the Careers Fair, like how to make the most of your day and some tips on how best to prepare in advance. There are also careers fairs in semester 2.

We were advised to research certain firms before the fair, explained the info that the prospectus offered, told about the fact that some companies were only there one of the two days, and to perhaps go with a list of companies we were eager to talk to. There was also a visitor from PWC in the session that was on hand to answer any questions. I then attended the careers fair itself and felt extremely prepared when doing so. Understandably, some people may find the fair overwhelming, so sessions like this would certainly help.

Charlotte Harvey, Arts, English and Drama