Making the Most of your Degree

A lot of students don’t know how to leverage their university education to help with the career application process.

As important as work experience and everything else is, your actual degree itself can be extremely helpful with career applications.

But only if you know how to make the most of it.

Here are four key strategiesyou need to use to make sure your degree adds the most value to your career journey:

#1 Create a Coursework Portfolio

Why it matters: Your projects and coursework can provide powerful material for CVs, LinkedIn, and interviews.

Important: Coursework projects are extremely useful to add on your CV if you do not have any previous work experience, for example, when you apply to your first internships or spring weeks.

What to Record

• What you had to do in the project/task

• Challenges or problems, and how they were resolved

• Results and feedback you received

Use It For

• Answering common interview questions like:

Portfolio Tips

• Save pictures of physical creations

• Save digital work and reports in organised folders

• Reflect on your experiences for future applications

#2 Learn Technical Skills

Use your degree to pick up industry-relevant technical skills that boost employability-even if you're not a tech student. Mention this on your CV or in your interviews.

STEM Skills

• LaTeX

• CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks)

• Programming languages: Python, MATLAB, C++, R

• Engineering tools: ANSYS, COMSOL

• Machine learning: TensorFlow, scikit-learn

Humanities & Social Sciences Skills

• Archival research

• Excel, SPSS, Tableau

• Academic writing

• Foreign languages

• Adobe Suite, Canva, InDesign

• GIS tools

• SEO writing, transcription (NVivo, Otter), social media analytics

• Project management tools (Trello, Asana)

• Public speaking & presentation

Practical Steps

• Take advantage of skill-building modules in your course

• Try software tools even if they're optional

• Add your technical skills to your CV and LinkedIn profile

• Get involved in societies and clubs where you can practice

Switching Fields?

You might want to break into a careernot directly tiedto your degree (e.g. Maths → Consulting or Arts → Software Dev). This is absolutely possible-but requiresextra effortand a demonstrated interest/aptitude in the field outside of your formal education.Start earlyto build and practice the skills you'll need in that industry.

#3 Boost Your Grades

Aiming for a 2:1 or First Class keeps more doors open-especially for competitive graduate jobs. Be aware of the fact that many graduate jobs ask for a minimum of a 2:1.

5 Practical Strategies to Improve Your Studying

1. Find a study space where you can focus deeply

1. Reduce distractions-limit social media and phone use

1. Prioritise and plan - use early mornings (they have barakah!)

1. Speak to students in the year above for advice and tips

1. Form study groups for difficult topics-two heads are better than one!

#4 Leverage University Resources

Why it matters: Your university offers free resources and support that are designed to help you succeed - academically and professionally. Most students either underuse them or don’t know they exist.

Tapping into these services can give you a huge advantage, especially early in your career.

Careers Service

Most universities have careers centres with:

• 1:1 career guidance sessions

• CV, cover letter & application reviews

• Mock interviews and assessment centre prep

• Career fairs and employer networking events

• Access to job boards and exclusive internship schemes

Academic Staff & Lecturers

Don’t underestimate the value of lecturers, tutors, or supervisors:

• They can provide personalised references

• Offer career advice within their subject area

• Introduce you to research opportunities or academic networks

• May know former students in the industry you’re exploring

Alumni Network

Many universities have:

• Alumni platforms where you can search by job title, company, or location

• Guest speakers who are graduates from your degree

Online Platforms & Tools

Many unis provide free access to costly premium tools:

• LinkedIn Learning (technical & soft skills courses)

• VMock / CV360 for CV feedback

• Handshake, TargetJobs, Bright Network for job discovery

• Vault / GoinGlobal for industry insights and global career info

Societies & Student Clubs

Joining student societies is more than just social - it can be strategic:

• Run events or hold positions = project experience

• Network with professionals and alumni

• Collaborate across disciplines

• Start initiatives that showcase leadership