Thrive

Being at work

What work is like

Leaving university and starting your first professional job can feel like a huge change. But it doesn't have to be an overwhelming experience and the transition isn't as complex as you may first think. No two workplaces are the same and they all have different practices, expectations and cultures.

Disability and work

We want to support you to reach your potential and access the array of jobs that are available to you as a graduate. Across the UK there are thousands of individuals who are prevented from securing jobs due to employer misconceptions around accessibility.

Employment rights

Your employment rights are your legal rights to ensure you are being treated fairly at work. Your rights will depend on your employment status. There are 3 main types of employment status under employment law (Employment Rights Act, 1996): worker, employee, and self-employed.

Staying in the UK after graduation

If you are an international student who has just completed an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, you are eligible to apply to stay in the UK for up to 2 years after your studies.

To make sure that you are following the right processes, we would recommend using Student Circus for information around visas, sponsorship and hiring trends for graduate jobs.

There is also a very useful FAQ which will help answer some of the questions you may have as a graduate in the UK. 

Student Circus

Widening participation graduates and employability

For graduates who are care leavers, estranged, or from a Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showman or Boater (GTRSB) community, you may face additional barriers to employment due to not having the same support networks that other groups of students and graduates have.

Along with providing lifelong careers support, we have collated some additional resources for you below.

Growing your networks

Networking is when you create and develop connections to find career related opportunities. Networking can help at all stages of your career and is something you should look to do regularly through positive interactions with people professionally and socially. It can help you develop your career in a continued or new direction and also help you find and secure a job to take you to the next level. Networking can be both in person or virtual.

Looking after yourself

Managing your wellbeing

It is essential to look after your own wellbeing throughout recruitment processes and your working life. It can be difficult to navigate as you juggle deadlines with applications and finances, adjust to the world of work, or even face imposter syndrome and setbacks.

Whilst setbacks are normal, it is important to have coping strategies in place to help you feel confident and supported in your own abilities. Asking for feedback from employers when you haven't been successful in your applications is the first place to start.

Managing your money

After you have completed your studies, you may have to become financially independent. This means it's important to plan and budget accordingly. We recommend that you read through our resources for some advice around managing your finances. 

York St John have subscribed to Blackbullion, an award-winning online financial wellbeing tool which equips you with money skills for life. It can help you with planning for a life after university with their pathways about tax, pensions, inflation, credit scores, mortgages and so much more. It is free to use and all you need to do is register with your York St John email on Blackbullion.com.