Career Zone Podcast

In this week's Career Zone Podcast, Jamie Tully, Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Exeter, shares his journey from missing his GCSE targets to completing a PhD and becoming an academic. Jamie talks about being the first in his family to attend university, navigating higher education, and the experiences that shaped his career along the way. He reflects on the mentors who helped shape his...

In this episode, Employability and Careers Consultant Sunny Lalli is joined by Rachel Parry, Operations Support Manager at Geotechnical Engineering Limited. Transitioning from a geology degree at the University of Leicester into managing multi-million-pound field investigations, Rachel shares her journey from a self-confessed "terrified" first-year student collecting freebies to leading a team of...

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 we are joined by Simon Carr, Senior Business Development Representative at CILEX (Chartered Institute for Legal Executives). Qualifying as a CILEX lawyer is a co...

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 week's episode Tess is joined by Matt Rundle, Real Estate Solicitor at Trowers and Hamlins LLP. Matt shares his career journey from working as a paralegal to qualifying...

Anxiety represents data for your brain, not danger to your body. In this episode Tess is joined by Laura Dean, President of the British Psychological Society and Principal Occupational Psychologist at the Cabinet Office, to discuss how you can use interview nerves to your advantage. Laura shares self soothing tips to help you prepare for pressure and how you can build up pressure tolerance. Laura...

In this episode, Rachel Hadwell, 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 My Career Zone platform. Plus, hear insights on how to balance work...

Our Law mini-series is back for the autumn term and in our first episode we're focusing on securing a vacation placement. 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 is joined by current Law student...

Whether you're exploring your options, planning to get more experience or applying for jobs, we're here to support you. In this episode find out about some of the opportunities you can get involved with including: Career Mentor Scheme , employer events and the Exeter Award .     

In our final episode of our Career Support for Graduate series, Sunny Lalli, Employability and Careers Consultant, continues his conversation with Dr. Hannah Collis, an honorary lecturer in Leadership and Organisational Behaviour in the Exeter Business School, and now academic at the Henley Business School. In this episode they explore strategies to negotiate challenging workplace settings and how...

In this episode, Sunny Lalli, Employability and Careers Consultant, continues his conversation with Dr. Hannah Collis, an honorary lecturer in Leadership and Organisational Behaviour in the Exeter Business School, and now academic at the Henley Business School. They explore how you can navigate personality dynamics in the workplace and how to integrate into new workplace environments.  Hannah expl...

In this week’s episode, Dawn Lees is joined by Emma Norman, Learning and Pilots Manager at the university, as she shares her journey through education, her experiences of being neurodivergent, and how she came into her current role.   Emma reflects on navigating school and university before her late ADHD and autism diagnosis. She talks about her experience of teaching  abroad in Spain, how the pan...

In this episode, Sunny Lalli, Employability and Career Consultant speaks with Dr. Hannah Collis, an honorary lecturer in Leadership and Organisational Behaviour in the Exeter Business School, and now academic at the Henley Business School. Together they discuss navigating the transition from university to diverse and complex workplace environments. Hannah shares insights from her research on moder...

This week, Dawn Lees is joined by Ewan Woodley, Associate Professor of Geography to explore why stepping outside the seminar room can transform the way you learn. Listen to find out: The skills you gain from field trips, such as real-world observation and teamwork. How field trips can help you to build your confidence and grow as a learner. How you can utilise the skills you develop in job applica...

In this week’s episode, Ciaran Stoker-Diver SEAS Faculty Lead, is joined by Barbara, a final year Business Management student and Vice President of Engagement for Enactus at Exeter. Ciaran and Barbara explore what social enterprise means and how students can get involved. Barbara discusses some of the current Enactus projects students are involved with including Biosmart and Oyana. Barbara also di...

In this week’s episode, we are joined by recent graduate Lowenna Luke to discuss what it’s really like to transition from university into a graduate level job. Lowenna shares her journey of searching and applying for jobs, offering tips on how to stand out in the recruitment process. We also explore the realities of transitioning into the workplace, including adapting to professional communication...

In this week’s episode, Simon Allington, Employability and Careers Consultant, is joined by current postgraduate student Gia Yu to discuss career planning across China and the UK. Gia shares her experience of working in China and in the UK and highlights the strengths Chinese students bring to the UK job market. Gia also shares how the China Career Ready programme can help students when making car...

In this week’s episode we explore the power of workplace osmosis, the often invisible learning that happens from being around others. From spontaneous conversations to unplanned collaborations and quick check-ins, we explore why a physical presence still matters in an increasingly digital world. Useful links: Planned Happenstance podcast ( https://pod.fo/e/33a7e9 )  Book onto skills sessions inclu...

This week, we catch up with final year PhD student Sophia, to hear how her PhD journey is going. Sophia shares some of her highlights of her studies, the importance of adaptability in research, and the different types of support available to PhD students.   

In this week’s episode, Dawn Lees is joined by Professor Nathan Mayne, as he shares his journey from a working class background to a successful career in academia. Nathan explores how he overcame adversity, navigating university life without a roadmap and how he has built a successful career as an academic whilst championing mental health, collaboration and support for current students.  Nathan is...

Thinking of doing doctoral research? In this episode, Kate Foster, Employability and Careers Consultant, catches up with Benny, a first year PhD student. Benny shares how his PhD is going and what he is enjoying about studying. Benny also shares the different activities he is involved with including teaching seminars, attending conferences and supporting the Mature Access Pathway programme.     We...

In this episode we explore what risk assessments are, why they matter and the key skills needed to carry them out effectively. Here we explore how risk assessments play a vital role across a range of graduate careers including engineering, finance, IT and environmental roles. We share advice on how to develop your skills and gain experience, whether through societies, internships or graduate roles...

In this episode, Employability and Careers Consultant Joan Wright chats with alumni Bhumika Mathkar and Rutuja Lokare, about their journeys from Mumbai to studying masters degrees and working in the UK. They discuss their experience of participating with the India Career Ready Programme and reflect on how work experience and university support shaped their journeys. They also share insights as to...

In this week’s episode Helen Hicks, Programme Officer talks with Harriet, one of our Student Programme Assistants about Green Consultants. Helen and Harriet discuss what is involved in completing Green Consultants, including the online learning, projects and internships. Helen shares her advice to students wanting to complete the programme and also shares how previous students have been able to us...

In this week's episode, Nicky Hutchinson, Employability and Career Consultant, is joined by alumnus Mathys Reiss, now a Climate Action Associate working at the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). Mathys completed his Masters in Sustainable Business Management in 2024, and reflects on his academic journey and his transition into a career in sustainability. He shares his insi...

In this week’s episode we’re exploring the love-hate relationship many students have with LinkedIn. For some, it is a great place to find opportunities and connections. For others, it can feel like a stream of carefully curated posts that come across as performative. We explore how to use LinkedIn without losing your sense of self.   Listen to hear: Top tips on promoting yourself in ways that feel...