Careers support for students from underrepresented backgrounds
If you’re a student from an underrepresented background, including the Plus Programme, there’s dedicated careers and employability support on offer to you.
Through Bright Futures, you have access to our tailored careers support to help you build confidence and explore your next steps.
Why Get Involved?
The Careers Service is here to help you - from your first year through to graduation and beyond.
It’s completely normal to feel unsure about career planning. That’s exactly what Bright Futures is here for. Whether you’re discovering ideas for the first time, reconsidering your direction, or simply wanting someone to talk things through with, we can help you:
- Understand your options
- Build skills and confidence
- Discover new opportunities
You don’t need to have everything figured out - you just need a place to begin.
Bespoke Careers Support Available
Through Bright Futures, students from underrepresented backgrounds can access:
Dedicated appointments
Book an initial appointment with one of our Employability and Progression Assistants, who are recent University of Leeds graduates from underrepresented backgrounds. Complete a Bright Futures appointment request form and they will arrange a time that suits you.
They can support you by:
- Outlining Careers Service advice, events and opportunities available
- CV, cover letter, application support, and mock interviews
- Getting started with planning or looking for jobs in a specific industry
- Signposting to specialist careers guidance, events and workshops
These appointments are available throughout the semester and into the summer.
Weekly drop-in sessions
Come to a drop-in session at the Careers Centre, running 11am-1pm every Thursday during term time, for a chat with a member of the team. No booking required, simply turn up to discuss any careers questions you may have.
Employer insight days
Our insight events allow you to:
- explore a range of organisations
- establish meaningful professional connections
- gain insider knowledge to inform your career choices.
These are advertised all year round on MyCareer.
Disability careers support
We provide specialist support for students with disabilities. Our partnership with EmployAbility ensures that you are supported with any applications you make.
For more information on Careers, Disability and Employability resources, visit our Sway.
Coffee mornings for care-experienced and estranged students
Join us for a hot drink, a friendly space and the chance to ask questions or access careers support.
For more details about dates and locations, visit our Find Your Future Sway.
Postgraduate study support
For any students considering applying for a Masters programme, find out about the Leeds Masters Scholarship which offers funding towards a Postgraduate Taught programme at Leeds.
Eligible UK fee paying Masters students from under-represented backgrounds may also be able to access the Plus Programme as a postgraduate student. Students will be automatically enrolled via some entry routes, however if you think you may be eligible to join the Plus Programme you can self-refer by completing a form.
If you are a current Masters student on the Plus Programme, visit the Plus Programme SharePoint to see what’s available.
Current and prospective postgraduate researchers from underrepresented or minoritised backgrounds can access additional support from the PGR Diversity Team.
Find out more
For any enquiries about Bright Futures, email the Employability and Progression Assistants team at epa.careers@leeds.ac.uk.