1. Apply for Internships
Internships are valuable for your CV, even for just a few weeks. Birmingham offers numerous opportunities in marketing, healthcare, law, and other fields. Local start-ups and non-profits often provide hands-on experience with flexible roles. Look for openings on your university’s careers portal, LinkedIn Jobs, and local coworking spaces.
2. Volunteer for a Cause You Care About
Volunteering highlights that you are proactive and capable of teamwork. It also helps build skills such as communication and problem-solving. Consider volunteering at food banks, festivals, or local environmental projects. Even just 1–2 hours a week can enhance your CV.
3. Take an Online Course or Certification
Platforms like LinkedIn Learning and Coursera offer free or low-cost courses that provide certificates. CV-boosting topics include digital marketing, data analysis, and project management. Many students have free access to these resources—don’t forget to update your CV and LinkedIn profile with new skills.
4. Get Involved with Student Projects or Freelance Work
Many student societies run summer projects. Opportunities include social media campaigns, writing blogs, or conducting research. If you have creative or technical skills, consider freelancing on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Building a mini-portfolio can showcase your work effectively.
5. Network
Informal networking can lead to valuable career insights and opportunities. Attend local events, connect with alumni on LinkedIn, or join online communities related to your field. Focus on curiosity and listening rather than having a perfect pitch.
Utilising even one or two of these strategies can make your CV stand out and prepare you for future opportunities. Birmingham is full of possibilities!
Choose the Right Accommodation with Unihousing
Reliable, stress-free accommodation plays a big role in easing the challenges of university life. Unihousing is a student accommodation provider near the University of Birmingham, operating since 1984. All of our accommodation in Selly Oak is owned by us, so we can respond quickly to any requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short walk away from all of our accommodation. This means we can deal directly with our tenants.
Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK's biggest fresher community, Unifresher.
