Future You: achieve your career goals

In this week's episode, we're breaking down five stories every student, graduate and early-career professional should know about:  Why MPs are calling for changes to the student loan system and what that could mean for future students. UCAS Clearing is now open, and not just for people who missed their grades. The latest student satisfaction survey reveals that more students are enjoying their uni...

In this week's episode, we're breaking down five stories every student, graduate and early-career professional should know about:  What new research says about GCSEs and future earnings and why your results don't define you. Could new government proposals create more apprenticeships and work placements. Why one of the world's biggest car manufacturers found that AI can't replace human experience....

Getting your results and heading into Clearing might feel scary - but it doesn’t have to.  In this episode, Amy shares her story, from opening her results to finding her place at the University of Reading. She talks about what it’s like going through Clearing and why it actually turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to her.  We’re also joined by Yasmin Bell, student recruitment...

In this week's career news roundup, we're breaking down five stories that could affect students, graduates and early-career professionals across the UK.   In this episode:  The UK is set to rejoin Erasmus+  How your degree subject could affect your future earnings  The barriers international students are facing  Why university rankings don't tell the whole story  Why more students are skipping lec...

In this week's career news roundup, we're breaking down five stories that could affect students, graduates and early-career professionals across the UK.  In this episode:  why the minimum wage could rise above £13 an hour - and what that means for job opportunities  how flexible and hybrid working are reshaping early careers  why studying abroad could have long-term career benefits  what new resea...

Job hunting may feel exciting at first…Then the applications pile up, the rejections start landing, and suddenly you’re thinking 'what am I even doing?'  In this episode, we’re talking honestly about the realities of searching for work - from staying motivated after months of applications to handling rejection and figuring out what employers are actually looking for. We’re joined by Eve, who spent...

In this week's careers roundup, we break down five important stories shaping the future of work in the UK. From the challenges facing young people entering the job market to the growing demand for technical skills and postgraduate qualifications, we explore what these trends mean for students, graduates and anyone planning their next career move.  In this episode:  Why opportunity, not motivation,...

It's volunteers week! ( https://volunteersweek.org/ )  Volunteering is a great way to build new skills, grow your confidence, and develop qualities employers really look for. It also gives you something meaningful to talk about in interviews - plus, it can be genuinely rewarding along the way.  This week, Amelia shares her journey with volunteering - from getting involved at university with her st...

From student life and placements to career support in an AI-driven world.  With insights from students, lecturers, and industry-experienced academics, we explore how Loughborough Business School brings learning to life. From placement years and internships to global opportunities such as partnerships with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), discover how the university helps students build...

Your CV gets you noticed. Your social media gets you hired - or rejected.  In this episode, we dive into the growing reality that your social media presence is part of the job application process.  I’m joined by Susie Thomson, founder of Security Watchdog, and Martin Hardy, founder of Right2Socials, to discuss how and why employers screen candidates online, and what they’re really looking for when...

What is it like studying a Masters degree across three countries? In this episode of Future You, Simone Saccaggi shares his experience completing a triple Masters in Management, Finance and Tech in France, Italy and the UK. He shares tips for prospective students on making the most of international study opportunities, building connections across campuses, and using internships to test and refine ...

Want to land a competitive graduate scheme with no rail experience? In this episode, Megan Taylor shares how she went from studying psychology and working in healthcare to securing a place on the TransPennine Express graduate scheme, beating 1,500 applicants. We cover: The full graduate scheme application process (psychometric tests and assessment centre) What it’s like day-to-day How transferable...

Welcome back for Season 6 of Future You: achieve your career goals. This year we're tackling topics chosen by you. If you have a suggestion for something you'd like us to cover, get in touch podcast@prospects.ac.uk .   We kick off with everything you need to know about apprenticeships.   Host Emily Slade is joined by: Erin McKelvey, talent attraction manager at Forvis Mazars Holly Slater, early ca...

Welcome back to Future You. This year, we’re diving into the topics that matter most for your next steps - from clearing, to apprenticeships, changing careers, salary support, and so much more. Wherever you are in your journey, Future You is here to help you plan what’s next with confidence. 🗓️ New episodes drop on a Wednesday. Don’t forget to sign up for free at Prospects.ac.uk to register with u...

This week James, a captain based at Heathrow shares his career journey from training in the RAF to becoming a certified trainer. He talks about the importance of both technical and soft skills, how you can practise flying a plane at home, and what qualifications you’ll need to become a pilot.   Airline pilot job profile: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/airline-pilot How to become a pilot...

Catherine joins us this week to talk us through what the role involves, how she got there despite studying ancient history at university, and the key skills that make her successful in the job. Read more from Catherine: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/case-studies/sustainability-analyst-catherine-barker/   Explore being a sustainability consultant: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/sustainabili...

What’s it really like working in sales? This week I chat to Hollie, an account manager for Prospects who shares her career journey so far - from the shop floor at Argos, to taking on cruise ship contracts and working at sea, and now to her current role in the education sector. Explore an overview of the UK's sales industry: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/job-sectors/sales/ove...

This week we're joined by Dr Elle Boag, head of psychology at the University of Essex Online, to explore the MSc Psychology programme. Dr Boag breaks down the  structure, key modules, research project, and the type of students who thrive on the course.    ⬇️ Connect with Elle Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elle-boag-3056b62a4/ Learn more about the course: https://online.essex.ac.uk/courses/...

This week I'm joined by Luke Sambridge, who became a magistrate at just 20 years old. Luke explains what magistrates really do, the skills that matter most, and why people from all backgrounds, not just legal experts, can apply.   ⬇️ Connect with Luke:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukesambridge/     Learn more: https://www.gov.uk/become-magistrate   Read about being a voluntary magistrat...

This week I’m joined by Dr Vickie Bates and Dr Ranjit Khutan, programme directors for the University of Liverpool’s Online Master of Public Health (MPH). We discuss what makes this flexible, part-time course stand out - from its industry-focused curriculum, aligned with the World Health Organisation (WHO), to its strong global community of students and expert academic support ⬇️ Connect with: Admi...

This week, to mark Discover Creative Careers month, I go behind the scenes at the National Theatre (NT) to chat to Simon Stephens, head of the NT Skills Centre. We talk about the opportunities the programme provides to help people of all ages get into the arts. I also speak to Lily and Jade, two scenic design apprentices who explain what their roles involve and why they enjoy them.   ⬇️ Connect wi...

In this episode, we chat with Aref Hussein and Professor Padraig McAuliffe from the University of Liverpool about the online LLM in International Business Law. They explain what the course offers, who it’s for, and how it helps students to enhance their legal and business expertise to progress in their careers.   ⬇️ Connect with: Admissions: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/studentsupport/staff-hub/adm...

This week we’re joined by Harriet Kirby who works as a play therapist. She tells us about her educational journey, which included taking some time out to re-think what she really wanted to do, and what being a play therapist involves. ⬇️  Connect with Harriet LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harriet-kirby-84a801a3/     Learn more about being a play therapist: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-p...

This week I’m joined by Heidi Fraser-Krauss, the Chief Executive of Jisc as she shares her career journey. We talk about the lessons she’s learned about resilience, communication, and self-awareness, and why true leadership is more about responsibility than power.  ⬇️  Connect with Heidi  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-fraser-krauss-23b0424/     https://jisc.ac.uk/   https://www.prosp...

This week, I'm joined again by Helen Garcia, discussing her role as an ADHD coach who has carved out a unique and much-needed role in today’s workplaces. We explore what it means to support neurodivergent employees, how ADHD shows up in professional environments, and why understanding brain diversity is crucial to creating more inclusive and productive teams.    ⬇️  Connect with Helen LinkedIn: ht...