Career Zone Podcast

Law Mini-Series: International Law: In conversation with Maria Smirnova, Human Rights Officer at the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

In our Law mini-series podcast, our Law Employability and Careers Consultants; Rachel, Tess and Sunny, talk to experienced professionals from both legal and non-legal sectors to hear their career experiences and advice.

In this episode Sunny Lalli, Employability and Career Consultant, talks to Maria Smirnova, a Human Rights Officer at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Maria shares insights into her journey, reflecting on how an internship with the UN propelled her career, the differentiation between international public law and international private business law and the credentials required to work in this practice area. Maria and Sunny examine strategies such an internships and employability schemes to enable progression into this exciting practice area of law.

In addition to this episode you can find more information to help with career planning here; University of Exeter Career Zone , My Career Zone Digital , Law and legal services: Information for Law and Non-Law Students , Employability for Law Students and The Law School.  

Further resources touched upon in the episode:

• https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/employability-schemes/globalemployability/
• University of Exeter sector page on law: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/sector/law4nonlaw/
• University of Exeter sector page on politics and government: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/sector/politicsgovernment/
• General info about careers in the UN, including internships, volunteering, young professionals programme: https://careers.un.org/home?language=en
• Portal to apply for UN jobs and internships: https://inspira.un.org/

Law Mini-Series: Ace your applications: In conversation with Ben Gardner, Reed Smith LLP, Responsible Business Team

In our Law mini-series podcast, our Law Employability and Careers Consultants; Rachel, Tess and Sunny, talk to experienced professionals from both legal and non-legal sectors to hear their career experiences and advice.  

In this episode Tess Read, Employability and Career Consultant, talks to Ben Gardner. 

Recent graduate Ben Gardner shares his remarkable personal journey to successfully getting a much prized graduate role at Reed Smith in London.  Ben describes how he leveraged his work experience in non legal sectors to successfully appeal to employers, and how he achieves significant job satisfaction in his responsible business role.  

In addition to this episode you can find more information to help with career planning here; University of Exeter Career Zone , My Career Zone Digital , Law and legal services: Information for Law and Non-Law Students , Employability for Law Students and The Law School.  

Law Mini-Series: Routes to the Bar: In conversation with Natasha Bellinger, Joint Head of Magdalen Chambers and Co-Director of Exeter Community Law Clinic

In our Law mini-series podcast, our Law Employability and Careers Consultants; Rachel, Tess and Sunny, talk to experienced professionals from both legal and non-legal sectors to hear their career experiences and advice.  

In this episode Tess Read, Employability and Career Consultant, talks to Natasha Bellinger. 

A fascinating insight into the life and work of one of Exeter’s leading barristers. Natasha Bellinger, joint Head of Magdalen Chambers. Natasha shares with Tess what drives her to run Exeter University Community Law Clinic and her top tips for success as a barrister.  

In addition to this episode you can find more information to help with career planning here; University of Exeter Career Zone , My Career Zone Digital , Law and legal services: Information for Law and Non-Law Students , Employability for Law Students and The Law School.  

Careers in Charities: In conversation with Jen Stoneman, People (HR) Business Partner at Mencap

In this week’s episode, Sarah Blunt, Employability and Careers Consultant talks with alumna Jen Stoneman, People (HR) Business Partner at Mencap, a UK-based charity that supports people with learning disabilities. Jen shares her journey from studying Politics and German to forging a successful career in the charity sector and reveals what she loves (and what she finds challenging) about her job. Throughout the episode, Jen offers invaluable insights into what it’s truly like to work in the charity sector and highlights the diverse opportunities available for those looking to make a difference.

Useful links:

• Explore your career options in the Charity Sector – include links to vacancy websites including CharityJob
• Career Zone's Pathways to Charity and Development programme – exclusive programme offering employer-led training and a paid internship
• Nightline - a confidential listening and information service run by students for students at the University of Exeter
• The GROW Model of Coaching and Mentoring

Law Mini-Series: Becoming a Solicitor: In conversation with Susan Starr, Exeter Campus Manager, University of Law, and former practising barrister

In our Law mini-series podcast, our Law Employability and Careers Consultants; Rachel, Tess and Sunny, talk to experienced professionals from both legal and non-legal sectors to hear their career experiences and advice.  

In this episode Tess Read, Employability and Career Consultant, talks to Susan Starr. 

A must-listen to podcast for every budding solicitor – SQE expert Susan Starr from the University of Law attached to Exeter University sets out all the steps involved in successfully passing SQE 1 and 2. She discusses the different options for fee structures* and full or part time completion.

In addition to this episode you can find more information to help with career planning here; University of Exeter Career Zone , My Career Zone Digital , Law and legal services: Information for Law and Non-Law Students , Employability for Law Students and The Law School.    

* Fees correct at the time of recording. Visit the Ulaw and SRA website for up to date fees.

Create Your Future: Developing the knowledge, skills and resources to build the career you want

In this week’s episode, Rachel Sloan, Employability and Careers Consultant is joined by Rory a Student Programme Assistant to discuss how attending Create Your Future can help you with your career decisions. Rachel and Rory explore what you can expect at a Create Your Future session and how it can help you to get the most out of your time at university. Rory also shares how Create Your Future has helped to influence his career decisions.

 

Useful Links:

• Create Your Future
• Exeter Award
• Book onto an advice or skill session on Handshake

Thinking of leaving or changing your course

The decision to change or leave your course will be something only a handful of students consider, but for those in their first year this is a decision that can weigh heavily on you. If you are not enjoying your studies or feeling that university currently is not for you then continue listening.

In this episode we hear Careers Consultants Sarah Blunt and Fiona Hartley talking about the options and help available for those who find themselves uncertain if their degree is for them. We also hear from James a Finalist on the BA Film Studies course. James shares his own experience of the decision to switch both subject choice and institution before finally coming to Exeter. We explore how he felt about making the decision and what influenced his next steps before talking about the support he received and sharing his own advice and tips for anyone finding themselves in a similar situation.

For more information and advice about the options you have and signposted support  listen to podcast 1 or read our dedicated Career Zone webpages Thinking of Leaving or Changing Course | Career Zone | University of Exeter ‘

Other useful articles on this topic

• Changing or leaving your course | Prospects.ac.uk also addresses the FAQs asked by students on this topic.

Further Support from Exeter University Students’ Union – Guild or SU: Offer advice and support.  For more information about the support available:

• Changes to your studies - Student Life Knowledgebase (exeterguild.com)
• Interruption - Student Life Knowledgebase (exeterguild.com)
• Exeter - Advice Service (exeterguild.com)
• Penryn - Advice (thesu.org.uk)

 Transcript of the podcast: Word | PDF

Finding a part time job

In this episode of the Career Zone podcast, Rachel Haddy, Employability and Placements Adviser, explores how you can find part-time jobs and shares her top tips to boost your applications. Rachel discusses where to search for roles both on and off campus, exploring sectors like hospitality and retail, and highlights opportunities through the university's Handshake platform. Plus, Rachel provides insights on how to balance work with your academic schedule, visa considerations for international students, and how to tailor your applications to stand out. Whether you’re looking to earn extra income or gain valuable experience, this episode is packed with practical advice for your job search.

This episode was written by Jen Hardwick and Rachel Haddy and was recorded by Rachel Haddy.

 

Links:

• Streatham/St Luke’s- For paid job roles working at bars, cafes and shops on campus, students can express their interest by completing this form.
• Penryn- For casual jobs on campus at Penryn, you can check the FX Plus website for the latest vacancies.  You can also approach the outlets at Penryn in person.
• Find out more about Student Campus Partnership roles
• Find out more about Student Business Partnership roles here.
• Check out the support available from the Student Startups Team here.
• For international students, see advice about working in the UK here and contact the International Student Support team if you need further advice and guidance.
• You can book onto skills and advice sessions, including ‘Creating a Successful CV’ and ‘Finding a Part-Time Job’ via Handshake here.
• You can contact the Career Zone directly by using the Live Chat on this webpage.

Transcript:

Finding a part time job transcript - PDF version

Finding a part time job transcript - Word version

 

CVs of Failure: How can they be helpful?

In this week’s episode Rachel Sloan, Employability and Career Consultant explores the concept of a CV of Failure. Employers will often ask you about the times when you have ‘failed’ in job interviews. They are not really interested in your failure, but they do want to see how you responded to it. Rachel discusses how developing a CV of Failure can help you prepare for interviews and how to best answer this question.

Links:

• CV writing resources https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/helpwith/helpwithcvscoverlettersandapplications/
• How to…webpage https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/helpwith/

References:

Iske, P. L., & Bovelander, M. (2019). Institute of brilliant failures: make room to experiment, innovate, and learn. (No Title).

Stefan, M. A CV of failures. Nature 468, 467 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/nj7322-467a

 

This episode was devised and written by Dawn Lees and recorded by Rachel Sloan.

What are career management skills?

In this episode, Rachel Sloan, Employability and Career Consultant, explores career management skills and how they can help you to manage your career throughout your life. Rachel discusses the different types of skills and attributes you need to manage your career including  decision making, adaptability and resilience.

Links and resources:

• Build your self-awareness with the Profiling for Success assessments.
• Book onto a skill session via Handshake. Topics include negotiation skills  and networking.
• Listen to our podcasts on Spotify and iTunes:

• • Decide: How do I choose a career? iTunes / Spotify
  • Plan: I know what I want to do, but how do I get there? iTunes / Spotify
  • Compete: How to succeed in getting a job iTunes / Spotify
  • Should you do something you are passionate about or something you are good at? iTunes / Spotify

This episode was written by Dawn Lees and recorded by Rachel Sloan.