Improve your job prospects

If you're just starting university you're probably busy making friends and settling in. You're unlikely to be thinking about your first job interview as a graduate, but actually, there isn't a better time to start building up your CV.

Overall, graduates get paid more (up to 40% more), but in an increasingly competitive job market employers are interested in life skills as well as academic ability. What you do with your time outside of lectures can often be a deciding factor in a job interview.

Most universities offer you lots of opportunities to get involved in additional activities. These are a great way to show employers your skills stretch beyond academic achievements. You'll gain work experience, increase your transferable skills, meet lots of new people (including potential employers), and have a fun and rewarding experience.

Getting the most out of uni

Here are The City University Career Centre's top tips on maximising your opportunities at uni and gaining those all-important skills employers are looking for.

Before you do anything...

Visit your careers centre in the first few weeks of starting university to seek advice on how to make the most out of your university experience. It might seem strange turning up this early, but they'll have plenty of advice on how to make the most of your first year.

Working at university

There are opportunities to work with your university in a number of interesting and rewarding roles, such as working in schools to promote higher education, working in university departments and working at events.

Jobs also exist in bars, cafes and halls of residences. Most universities have a job shop with a range of part-time jobs on offer.

Unpaid work

People are often surprised by the range of volunteering opportunities available to students. Think about what you are interested in doing and what you hope to get out of it for your career. Be imaginative when you search and your may find opportunities that you never even knew existed.

Start by visiting do-it.org.uk, where you can find opportunities local to your university and apply online. If you want to talk to someone in person, contact your uni's nearest volunteering centre.

Internships and work placements

Gain vital industry-related experience by spending part of your time at university working for companies on their work placement schemes. This will not only provide you with skills you can talk about at interview but also presents a great networking opportunity. It will also give you first-hand experience of the jobs available in your chosen industry and an insight into the working environment; an excellent way to find out if it's really for you. Have a chat to your course tutor or careers advisor to find out what's available to you.

Study abroad

University courses can often offer the opportunity to study for a period abroad. This enables you to develop language skills, demonstrate experience of other cultures and think with a global perspective; all skills employers appreciate.

Student activities

Get involved as a class representative, become an officer in, or start up a new club or society or become involved in the students' union. All these activities tell employers you are a responsible and pro-active individual.