OXFORD

THE YEAR AHEAD
A
I HAVE IDEAS BUT I’M NOT SURE
WHAT’S RIGHT FOR ME?
Every Oxford student has the potential to succeed in many
more about them, although you might feel there are too many
options to explore.
Clearly the web provides masses of information, but to learn
what sets the industries, roles and organisations apart it is
most helpful to talk to people. Take advantage of the seminars
and workshops we offer, and come to our career fairs to meet
the peak
time for this is in early Michaelmas Term, and especially in
is to try it – perhaps through our employability programmes
early in the academic year if you don’t want to miss some
great opportunities.
As you explore different options, think about your core
interests and motivations and use these to start to make
decisions and narrow your options to a manageable number.
Finding some focus should help you manage your time and
energy, and improve your chances of success, whilst the
options you decide not to follow don’t disappear.
I HAVE A CLEAR FOCUS THAT I AM
WORKING TOWARDS
It’s great to have a goal, but do stop and think about what you
are basing this on, particularly if you have not had a chance
to try out the kind of work or environment that you might be
objective, test whether they are in line with your core drivers
and motivations and consider whether there are other good
alternatives.
Think about what your Plan B – and Plan C – might be to add
to your main focus.
If you have a hunch that although you are focused, you may
not have really considered a wide range of different options,
it can pay to explore some alternatives. Broaden your ideas
and company led events to seek advice from alumni and
Jane chanaa
Careers Team Leader
“We’re here to help with any
career related query - big
or small. Whether you are
wondering how to start thinking
about life beyond Oxford,
weighing up the pros and cons of further study
or seeking advice on an industry, a specific job
or any aspect of the application process from
writing your CV to the etiquette of juggling
different offers, please come and talk to one of
the team.”
employability programmes, internships and work experience
Sometimes recruitment season at Oxford can make it seem
as though everybody talks about only a few industries, which
careers with salaries to match. By all means explore these
options, but step back to consider what’s right for you.
If you have doubts or questions, consider seeing a Careers
Adviser for an unbiased conversation.
I AM WELL ORGANISED AND CLEAR
ABOUT MY NEXT STEPS
Even if you are on-track with applications or in the thick of
interviewing, do still seek support, especially if you struggled
the previous year or your early applications don’t seem to be
working. Attend key workshops or chat with a Careers Adviser
consider what your Plan B and Pan C could be.
www.careers.ox.ac.uk 7