Postgraduate taught: Your career journey

Make the most of support and resources available to plan your next steps and make good quality applications.

By the end of your taught Masters programme you'll:

Have used the careers website to understand your options.
Have developed a better understanding of your strengths, skills and experience through York Strengths and the York Award.
Be able to articulate what skills, experience and knowledge you have gained through postgraduate study.
Have updated your CV and tailored it to your chosen work/study area.
Have an understanding of recruitment processes and how to succeed in applications, interviews and assessment centres.
Know where to find 1-1 support if you need help to develop or progress your career plans.
Get inspiration from other York graduates on the York for Life alumni platform.

How you'll get there

Part-time learners, or those not starting their studies in Semester 1, should still follow the journey but adjust the timings to fit the length of your course.

Semester 1

Research your options

Its never too soon to start planning for life after your Masters degree. Semester one is the time to start exploring our careers information and to make use of these extra resources and opportunities:

Join your community

The University of York Students’ Union offers events and groups to get involved in. Attend Welcome Week activities to explore opportunities.

View job listings and attend the Graduate Jobs Fair

Log in to Handshake to set up your profile and view job alerts and events, including the on-campus Graduate Jobs Fairs.

Take part in events and workshops

As well as events for all students, we also offer careers panel events and workshops specifically for postgraduate students, including guidance on applying for a PhD.

Find ideas and inspiration

Discover different jobs and sectors, and use our resources and tools to generate ideas for your own career.

Prepare for success

Brush up your CV, and take time to read about recruitment processes and the assessment methods employers are using. You can also practise the types of exercises you might be asked to do.

Start networking

Market yourself! Update your LinkedIn profile and start networking online.

Check closing dates

Start exploring UK graduate recruitment schemes if these fit with your course completion date.

Explore PhD opportunities

Considering further study? Start researching possible avenues, universities and funding opportunities.

Develop your academic and personal skills

Make the most of opportunities to gain experience and hone the professional skills employers are looking for.

Now's a great time for a 1-1 appointment to get advice and guidance from the Careers and Placements team.

There's a lot to think about, so stay supported by using the 24/7 Talk Campus app and the University's wellbeing resources.

Complete the York Strengths Professional Skills Discovery online module

Explore your personal strengths and consider these in relation to your career plans and applications.

Discover Study Skills

Advance your academic abilities through subject and skills guides, and dedicated support.

Check your visa

Find out how many hours you can work while studying as an international student.

Build your experience

Discover opportunities for internships, volunteering and enterprise.

Consider part time work

Check with your supervisor about time commitments.

Explore the York Award

Find out what you'll need to apply and highlight your achievements.

Semester 2

Build on what you've learned

Continue using our online resources to plan your next steps, and book a Careers appointment if you'd like further help.

If you're an international student wishing to stay in the UK after your course, now is the time to explore visa options.

Go global?

Find out more about working outside the UK and what you need to do to make it happen.

Join careers events and workshops

Events include those specifically for taught postgraduates and the Asia Career Insights Series for international students

Check out the 'working in research' resources

And attend our panel Q&A and 'Careers In...' events to gain extra insight.

Work for yourself

Explore enterprise, freelance and portfolio ways of working.

Find support

Get a mentor from York for Life – maybe someone from the country or sector you want to work in?

Listen to our podcast

What Do You Actually Do?, to find out what different careers are actually like.

Put your best foot forward

Make use of our resources and 1-1 appointments to help you stand out during the recruitment process.

Update your CV and LinkedIn profile

Follow our tips for writing and tailoring your CV, and use our resources to get feedback.

Apply for jobs

Find out how to apply for graduate roles or summer opportunities after your programme.

Prepare for job interviews

Read our interview advice and take a practice interview online.

Keep shaping your skills

By this stage, you'll have a good idea of the competencies and experience needed for the roles you're interested in. Take this opportunity to keep shaping your skills to help you tick as many boxes as possible.

Attend the summer jobs fair

And check the events listings for careers workshops.

Talk to your supervisor

Consider if you have time to gain additional experience this summer.

Complete the York Strengths Professional Skills Discovery online module

If you haven't already done so.

Apply for the York Award

Gain recognition for your personal and professional development beyond your studies.

After your course

Our support doesn't stop when you graduate. Whether you're seeking a new job, exploring self-employment, or looking to progress in your role - we're here to help.

As part of our York for Life platform, you can connect with alumni around the world, reconnect with those you studied with and find opportunities, courses and support just for our alumni.

Explore our alumni support