<![CDATA[EXPERIENCE UDA

<![CDATA[EXPERIENCE UDA - Stories]]>Fri, 08 May 2026 02:38:15 -0700EditMySite<![CDATA[How to Make the Most of Study Abroad]]>Mon, 28 Nov 2022 18:06:43 GMThttps://www.udauk.org/stories/how-to-make-the-most-of-study-abroadOur tips for making the most while studying abroad

You get to do a lot while you're abroad, and the time can go by quickly. Although there have been millions of students who have completed similar experiences, no one has had the opportunities you have. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we want you to get the most out of it that you can!

We've created an actionable list you can review before heading abroad to help you make the most of your time away.

Have a say yes Attitude

During your time abroad you'll come across opportunities that are likely to make you nervous. If the experience is safe, we encourage you to go for it! Chances are this is an opportunity you wouldn't have had at home. The memories you'll make from this experience are worth stepping out of your comfort zone.

Although you are primarily there to learn in a new way, don't let your academics stop you from diving headfirst into the culture. If you are having a hard time adjusting to the academic routine of study abroad, check out these tips that will help you schedule in down time while still meeting your academic requirements.

Be Flexible

If there's one thing we want our students to know before going abroad, it's this: being flexible will create a more enjoyable experience.

Try your best to go into your abroad experience with the knowledge that things aren't always going to go smoothly. Don't get too caught up in the idea that everything has to go a certain way for it your experience to be great. The truth is that if everything went according to plan, you'd probably miss out on a lot of experiences that will later define how you spent your time abroad.

Be Kind to Yourself

Moving to another country for a short amount of time is never easy. So don't force the immersion process!

It will take time for you to feel comfortable in your new space, courses, and lifestyle. Especially in the beginning, remember to be kind and patient with yourself. If you are feeling overwhelmed, do your best to create a mental health practice before you go abroad so you can ground yourself when the realities of the new semester set in.

Not sure where to start? Use these tips to create healthy habits before leaving home.

Document Your experience

We hear from our students that looking back, they really value the time they spent capturing their abroad experience. From photos, to journals, to videos, there are so many ways you can collect memories of how you spent your time.

We highly recommend thinking through how you want to remember your experience, but don't make this a big project! You should spend more time actually living your abroad experience rather than crafting the perfect way to capture everything you've done.

We get it, studying abroad is a big deal! And preparing can feel like an endless task. If you are feeling overwhelmed about the preparation process, review this pre-departure check list so you can start off on the right foot.

Get the Check List

Most of all, we want them to have fun. No matter where you are in the world, there will be something local and interesting for you to learn about, and you should take every opportunity to try it out.

This is your once-in-a-lifetime chance to get out there and experience the world! This might sound like a lot of pressure, but remember, everyone's experience of university abroad is different. Don't forget, we're here to help you create an experience in a place where you can live, study, and thrive.

Show Me How

]]><![CDATA[Tips for Creating Study Habits That Stick]]>Fri, 16 Sep 2022 12:40:41 GMThttps://www.udauk.org/stories/tips-for-creating-study-habits-that-stick

A new semester always brings excitement and motivation to get started. But it also means a new round of courses, trips to the library, and late-night study sessions. Before you know it, students will be right back into the swing of things and hunkering down with their homework.

To try and help ease some of the new semester worries, we've put together a few tips that will make any study session a little bit easier to get through. Make sure to bookmark this page so you can come back to the tips that you want to try next time you're sitting down to study.

Don't Underestimate the Power of Rest
- During university, it can be easy to let sleep fall through the cracks. Without a good night's rest, you're unable to give your full attention to your study materials. You might think that you'll be able to get more done if you stay up late to finish a few tasks, but for those who sleep around five hours a night, their productivity is reduced by 29%.
Finds the Times of Day When You Do Your Best Work
- Once you're aware of the times of day you find it easiest to focus, you'll have an easier time retaining the information you're studying.
Find a Place Where You Love to Study
- Maybe this is a cafe or your dorm room, but either way, find a space that's quiet and where you can get things done.
Understand How You Learn
- If you're more of a visual learner, try and find videos or visual resources that you can use to explain the topic you're studying. If you learn more from audio, then search for podcasts or interviews with professionals on the topics you're learning about. Sometimes it simply helps to have another person explain the topic outside of your course instructor.
Start Small
- When you sit down to study, your goal shouldn't be to memorize everything at once. Instead, you should break the material into chunks and plan to study only one chunk at a time. This is not only better for retention but helps prevent you from losing motivation.
Understand When You Need a Break
- It's easy to think that you need to cram in as much study time as possible before a big exam. And while that might be true in some cases, it's important to understand that breaks are an essential part of the study process. To fight stress about your upcoming exams, make sure you schedule times for breaks just like you schedule times to study. We recommend trying to study for in increments of 50 minutes with 10 minute breaks in between.

Get Active
- Studying can become mundane and stressful over long periods. Make sure to take time to get some type of movement in. It's not only good for your physical health, but this movement can help reduce stress and soothe our emotional and mental health.
Start a Study Group
- Studying is almost always easier when it's done with a friend. Collaboration can help you retain information more easily and help you gain different perspectives from your peers.
Change the Material You're Studying Often
- To help you cover a range of topics in a short amount of time, move through several different types of material during your study session. Similar to studying in small chunks, switching up the material you study can help you understand where there are gaps in your knowledge and note places you need to come back to later.
Quiz Yourself
- Before the actual exam, make time to quiz yourself. You can answer questions aloud, or type or hand write your answers. Whatever works for you will be an effective method in conquering your upcoming exam.
Be Patient With Yourself
- Not all study material comes easy to everyone. And it's normal to have questions about what you're learning. Recognizing that you need added support and understanding where to find it is a huge piece that makes up a successful student.

Everyone approaches studying differently, but these tips are in place for you to get the most out of your pre-exam period.

What's one study tip not on this list that you always use?

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]]><![CDATA[Introducing Anglia Ruskin University]]>Thu, 15 Sep 2022 19:58:18 GMThttps://www.udauk.org/stories/introducing-anglia-ruskin-universityWe're excited to welcome Anglia Ruskin University to our portfolio of partner universities!

ARU focuses on embracing each student's ambitions while offering the support they need to accomplish their goals. Throughout their few hundred undergraduate degrees, postgraduate programs, and professional courses, ARU has an option for every student.

Outside of the classroom, ARU offers employability services, cross-course collaboration, and world-class facilities. In terms of student-life, ARU's societies are completely student-run and give students the opportunity to develop or enhance new skills. In addition to their society success, ARU is a place where you'll find your biggest cheerleaders. It's a community where inclusivity, safety, and support are at the core of their values.

For location, ARU has several specialized campuses. Cambridge is home to their School of Art, Mumford Theater, and Science Center. While their Chelmsford campus is where you'll find the Business School, SuperLabs, and School of Medicine. Their London campus houses their Business, Finances and Law Degree specialities. ARU will also soon welcome the brand new Peterborough campus!

We're pleased to have ARU join our UDA community and help students live, study, and thrive abroad.

Explore ARU

]]><![CDATA[Why experiencing a new culture at university is so important]]>Sat, 27 Aug 2022 21:06:08 GMThttps://www.udauk.org/stories/why-experiencing-a-new-culture-at-university-is-so-important

A growing number of students are choosing to study their degrees abroad — and it's not hard to see why.

During your experience you get to learn from and interact with students from all over the world, study what you love in a diverse social environment, and learn skills that will stay with you long after leaving university.

Studying in a new culture is so important because it:

Builds skills employers will value
- Whether it's in the classroom or in your social life, learning in a new culture is one way you can give yourself an edge. An international degree on a resume shows that you're up for a challenge, open to new ways of doing things, and have a willingness to learn. There's nothing that compares to an international degree!
Grows your confidence
- When you move to a new country and learn a new way to do things, it stretches you out of what's comfortable and creates a new normal that in turn, boosts your confidence.
Broadens your perspective
- One of the best and most important reasons why an international degree is so valuable is because it gives you an opportunity to see how others get things done both in and out of the classroom.
Challenges you academically
- Once you begin learning in a new environment, you'll be able to soak in everything that an international degree provides. From understanding how other education systems work, to learning new perspectives on topics you might already be familiar with.
Builds a global network
- During your degree you’ll meet so many people from all over the world. You’ll even be able to meet students outside of your degree course who can connect you to their own networks once you leave university. Not only will you get to know those in your cohort, but you'll have the benefit of connecting with your professors who are experts in your field of study.
Teaches you how to adapt to different situations and environments.
- Whether it’s trying to use public transport or navigate the grocery store you’ll be challenged every day.
Makes you more open minded and culturally aware.
- When you study an international degree you’ll constantly be exposed to new things. This means you’ll get to learn a variety of different perspectives and have a new appreciation for diversity.
Teaches you about yourself
- There’s no better way to learn about yourself than to be thrown into the new normal that an international degree offers.

By broadening your horizons, expanding your network, and bringing some fresh perspectives from other cultures, you will surely walk away from the experience of an international degree with a greater understanding of yourself and the world around you.

Let's Find You A Program

]]><![CDATA[Managing finances as a University Student]]>Sun, 21 Aug 2022 11:46:43 GMThttps://www.udauk.org/stories/managing-finances-as-a-university-studentWhen it comes to money, students have a lot on their minds. They might be worried about paying for tuition and books, finding job opportunities after graduation, or getting accepted into graduate school. These concerns can make it hard for students to focus on managing their finances effectively.

Here is our best advice for students who want to take control of their finances so they can have a successful university experience.

Learn Our Tips!

Now that you've taken the first step in deciding you want to go to university, you're now ready for the next step: managing your money. There's no clear right or wrong answer as to how you should manage your finances while in school, but it does help to be aware of your options.

Here are some tips to help you find success with managing finances while at university:

Before you depart to school, talk openly about money with those you trust. It's important to get an opinion from someone who you know will give you honest advice.
Review your current finances so you know what you can afford.
Set a budget that makes sense for your situation.
- Don't forget to leave money aside for socializing and fun activities you want to try.
Save for large purchases ahead of time.
- Think through what types of purchases you might need to make shortly after starting university that have a large price tag like computers or noise cancelling headphones.
Track what you earn, save, and spend.
- This is a good habit to start before you leave for school, and a good one to continue as you move through your university years. We recommend setting up a spreadsheet where you can easy divide your income and expenses into categories so you have an idea of how much money is being used. If you don't want to set up a spreadsheet, research apps that can keep track of this for you.
Set up an emergency fund.
- An emergency fund is crucial because it can help cover unexpected expenses like car repairs or medical bills while you're in school. This should be an account separate from any other savings account that isn't used for anything else besides emergencies. Keep this account open but unused until an emergency arises, at which point you'll be glad that it's there!
Learn about your bank options.
- Especially if you're studying abroad, you might need a credit card without international fees, or a debit card that takes a low percentage from every purchase. Do your research and stop into your local bank to learn what they recommend.
Set up automatic transfers and bill payments.
- If you have monthly or reoccurring payments due, make sure you use automate them so that you don't miss one!

Overall, creating a budget and being reasonable about your expenses will make life easier while in university. With these tips, you'll be off on the right foot when it comes time to pack your bags!

Pro Tip: Book mark this page so that you can refer back to it throughout your university experience.

Want to learn more about how you should prepare for university?

Ask Us a Question

]]><![CDATA[The Hidden Benefits of Studying Abroad]]>Fri, 12 Aug 2022 18:12:20 GMThttps://www.udauk.org/stories/the-hidden-benefits-of-studying-abroad

Not to be dramatic, but we think studying abroad is one of the most beneficial experiences our students can have. It opens students' eyes to what's out there and provides them with the ability to interact with people from around the world, learn about new cultures, push their comfort zones, and discover new interests.

If you're on the fence about getting your passport stamped, here are some of our best reasons to study abroad to get you out the door and into new experiences.

Studying Abroad Can:

Teach gratitude and appreciation
- Once you're away from your immediate comforts for some time, you begin to appreciate the little things.
Allow you to get away from 'normal' life.
- Whether you swap big city life for country living or vice versa, studying abroad gives you the opportunity to see how other people live.
Show you different levels and styles of education.
- Education styles vary all over the world and being able to experience one you're not familiar with can help you improve your own learning or push you to think more critically.
Provide a deep dive into a new culture.
- You get the once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn what it's like to live in a different culture with new norms, customs, and traditions.
Open your eyes to new opportunities.
- When you're away from home and experiencing something new almost every day, you'll probably discover a few new passions or opportunities that you enjoy. For example, when your graduate with a degree from the UK, you are eligible to stay and work for up to two years!
- Offer the best opportunity for personal growth
  - If you're looking to push yourself out of your comfort zone or have a life-defining experience, studying abroad is for you!
It's just fun.
- Sometimes there's just no other word for it. It's simply f-u-n.
You'll learn about the world.
- No matter where you go, you'll learn a little bit about the world as a whole.
Create lifelong relationships
- With your roommates, classmates, professors, or even your local barista. They're all game for new friendships!
Set you up for quick employability.
- Degrees in the UK are focused which means you'll spend time deep diving into your selected course or field with hands-on training and experiences. Once you graduate you'll be able to find a job or enter further education because of your specific training.

Study abroad doesn't have to be a life-changing experience, but it can certainly inform your future choices. If you're not sure where to start, we recommend shifting through available degrees at our top partner universities. Remember, that if you graduate with a UK degree, you're eligible to stay and work for up to two years!

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]]><![CDATA[What does a focused degree mean?]]>Mon, 25 Jul 2022 15:05:53 GMThttps://www.udauk.org/stories/what-does-a-focused-degree-meanWe often describe our UK degrees as focused. Let's dive into what that really means, why they are beneficial to our students, and resources you can use to make your degree course choice simple.

What is a focused degree?

To cut to the chase, a focused degree is a program that is dedicated to one path of study. It could end in a certification in a specific field or professional level knowledge in one area.

Students studying focused degrees don't take courses in other field or programs so that they can focus their efforts on becoming experts in their field. The end goal of a focused degree is to help students be prepared for a career in their chosen area.

When students study in the UK they dive head first into their chosen program of study for three consecutive years (for an undergraduate degree). Essentially, focused degrees allow students to get the most out of their intended program. Over the course of their degree, students will learn the nitty gritty of an area including the skills necessary to thrive in the field.

Of course this doesn't mean students can't explore their other interests. Our seven partner universities offer hundreds of clubs and societies in which students can join groups or organizations in a variety of topics and passions.

Why are focused degrees beneficial for students?

There are so many reasons why focused degrees set students up for success in the classroom but also in their real world experience. Here are some of the top benefits students gain with a focused degree:

A program cohort of fellow students who act as a built in resource for learning and asking questions.
Hands on experience that translates into work experience.
- UK program modules are project based and most require experiential, real life work experience as part of a degree course.
Immediately employable in their skill field.
- After intensely studying a program for three consecutive years, students will be considered a professional in their area of study making them ready for work experience.
A network of some of the best in the business.
- Not only will students have access to their cohort who they'll be learning right alongside, but they'll be able to gain one-on-one advice from professors.
Confidence in the field.
- After graduation students have gained the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a career they're passionate about.
The ability to easily gain another degree.
- Since students leave their focused degree as an expert in their field, they'll have the ability to easily grow their knowledge base through another degree or certification. Plus, hands on experience is a great added bonus on postgraduate applications!
An international degree.
- Students will have built a resume and network connections that only an international degree can provide. After graduating with a UK degree, students are eligible to take what they've learned and stay and work for up to two years with the Graduate Extension Scheme.

Need help navigating the world of careers?

If you find yourself intimidated by the term career, start with our career conversations guide. Then, book an appointment with our Career Coach Partner, Nadia.

Get the guide

Take advantage of our resources:

Once you become apart of the UDA family, we're there for you throughout the entirely of your academic journey. Through our unique Dream Maker Program you'll be connected to companies that match your skills and aspirations in order to help you find a productive and purposeful career path.

We always encourage students to join our Dream Maker Program during their first year of university. This allows students to create a personalized portfolio that can evolve just as they do throughout their university experience.

Ready to explore your options?

Explore our partner university degree courses and ask us any questions you have. If you're unsure where to start, check out our guide on how to choose a degree course you're passionate about.

Get the Guide

If you want to walk through a one-on-one meeting with our staff on finding the best fit for you, schedule a noncommittal call. We can't wait to get to know you.

Ask us a question

]]><![CDATA[How to Choose the Right Degree Course]]>Mon, 20 Jun 2022 23:55:56 GMThttps://www.udauk.org/stories/how-to-choose-the-right-degree-courseOur Guide to Finding a Program That's Right for You

So you’re graduating high school and have no idea what degree course you’re going to pursue. You’ve seen your peers hit it out of the park with their specialized degree, and you’re intimidated.

But, what they do, doesn’t align with your vision (however hazy at the moment) and you want to be sure the course you choose will be a perfect fit for you.

Why Choosing The Right Degree Course is Important?

Choosing the right degree course can end many struggles in your journey. It can be a gateway to your dream life. But, with thousands of courses to choose from that our partner universities offer, it can soon become overwhelming.

But, you shouldn't be making one of the biggest decisions of your life uninformed. The impact that a right degree has on your life is incalculable.

This Guide Will Help You identify:

1. Your core skills/interests and how to use them to shortlist the right courses.
2. A smart framework to pick the best course that fits you.
3. How you can leverage the power of a UK degree at 1/3rd the cost.
4. Tips for making an informed and intelligent decision.

Let's get started.

First things first, you need to be sure about what drives you. If you have a passion for filmmaking, writing or drama then, of course, you must explore options to do a bachelor's or master's in the same field.

But, if you are worried about how you’re going to cope while you make it big, here’s some advice on what you should do first.

Set Goals. As you know ‘if we fail to plan, we plan to fail’.

Open a notes app or go old school with a pen and paper and ask:

What am I Interested In?

Write about tasks or activities you truly enjoy. It could be sculpting, painting, game designing, or even learning foreign languages. We live in the age of the Internet where all the world’s information is a few clicks away.

By choosing the right direction, you’re already halfway there. Use it to your advantage.

Follow These Steps

1. List down all the areas you're interested in.
2. Next, jot down the related jobs and career options in that field. If you aren't sure of these, research them!
3. Study market trends. A search with ‘Industry/Job Title + Trends’ is all it takes.
4. Understand the ballpark estimate of salaries and income in the current market.
5. Find which professional qualifications you'll need to be successful in that space.

Pro Tip: Check out job descriptions on LinkedIn or any Job site for your intended profession. It will give you a good idea of the qualifications and salary ranges.

Let’s say you’re interested in facial painting. Assuming there aren’t many opportunities for the same, you could then pivot to a different niche that requires a similar skill set.

For example a Prosthetic Make-Up Professional. (Someone needs to paint the zombies right?)

It doesn’t have to be perfect yet, but it helps to identify the direct and indirect spots where your interests and skills align.

Creating a SpreadSheet Like This Can Help:

Pro Tip: Research whether the industry you’re going after is growing or shrinking. As the world is changing, so are jobs.

Once you’ve gathered the data and prepared a shortlist. Ask next:

What Are My Core Skills?

Determine your assets and equip yourself with the in-demand skills that will set the foundation for your professional career.

Audit skill gaps and then find courses that help you gain them. Having an early career conversation with people you trust working in a similar domain can be very valuable.

Identifying the skills you lack in the areas of your interest is the best way to find the right degree. But then, again, which is the best one for you?

To make an intelligent and calculated decision use our chart below.

Pick the top 5 courses and rate them out of 10 in the following metrics.

(*Calculate difficulty in reverse, the more difficult a course, the lesser the score. Similarly the more affordable the course, the higher the score.)

This is a great way to analyze many courses and shortlist the best ones. Now that you’ve analytically shortlisted the courses, you may need help with your applications.

Speaking of applications, did you know that the costs of higher education, specifically in the USA are prohibitive for many families as a four-year option. With tuition costs between $20,000 and $60,000 per year.

A UK degree offers tuition between £12,000 and £15,000 over a three-year period. This offers huge savings that significantly reduce student debt.

Also in the UK, students do a ton of hands-on work. You'll be out in the field doing work in your chosen degree course which will give you on-the-ground experience.

64% of surveyed employers said that graduates with an International Degree are often given more responsibility. Needless to say that an international degree does add a unique charm to your resume.

Many of our partner universities offer automatic scholarships for international students. They have hundreds of degree courses and are some of the best in the UK. Besides, it's possible to find funding outside of what the university offers.

Once we get to know each other, we can help you find scholarships that fit your needs.

Have Any Questions?

We've got you covered.

Check out our process and learn a little bit more about who we are.

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]]><![CDATA[Tips for Preparing to Study Abroad]]>Sun, 22 May 2022 19:32:30 GMThttps://www.udauk.org/stories/tips-for-preparing-to-study-abroadA Pre-Departure Check List

Preparing to study abroad isn't always easy. It can be a confusing process trying to understand what you need and where to find all the relevant information.

We've broken down some of the top things you'd need to know before diving into being an international student. It might be helpful to bookmark this post so that you can visit it again later to make sure you didn't miss anything.

Get Our Tips

finances and Scholarships

Now is a good time to save as much as you can. Although school in the UK is significantly cheaper than studying in the U.S., education is an investment.

To financially prepare we recommend looking into credit and debit card options that can be used abroad and discovering which one may be the best fit for you. If you're unsure, professionals at your bank can help you assess your options.

In terms of scholarships, many of our partner universities offer automatic scholarships for international students. In addition, it's possible to find funding outside of what the university offers. Once we get to know each other, we can help you find scholarships that fit your needs.

Phone Plan

Since you'll be diving into university life, it's important to have a way to stay in contact with the friends you meet and those at home. Before purchasing a UK sim card, we always recommend checking with your current phone carrier to see if they have any international plans that might be the best for your situation.

Visas

The Visa process can seem overwhelming. But, we're here to help! Once you've been accepted at a university, don't wait to start the Visa process!

Don't worry, we'll help you kick things off.

Know who to ask

Before leaving on your journey, make sure you identify a point of contact at your university. This should be a person who can help you answer questions leading up to your trip and after your arrival.

Knowing how to contact this person can offer you peace of mind and save so much time and energy in the long run.

Learn about UK Culture

If you're coming from the U.S., you might not experience a ton of culture shock. Besides the high amounts of black tea and milk, you'll most likely feel at home.

However, there are quite a few cultural differences that you won't notice until you arrive. Do some research to uncover some of the norms you might not have known about before you're faced with a new culture.

Choose how you'll remember your experience

There are so many ways to document your experience abroad, but choosing one will do! Don't put pressure on yourself to create something amazing. But, being able to look back on how you spent some of your days is something you can cherish forever.

Some ways you can keep track of your experience is by journaling, blogging, jumping into photography, and even videography. What's one unique way you would choose to document your experience?

be over prepared

The steps you take now to set yourself up for success once you're abroad will go a long way. The more time you put into preparation now, the easier your adjustment will be.

For example, we recommend making copies of every important document you have before leaving home. Bring along paper copies of your passport in case yours is lost and make additional copies of credit cards, addresses, vaccine cards, passports etc., to leave at home with someone you trust.

Overall, the earlier you start, the better!

Questions?

We've got you covered.

Check out our process and learn a little bit more about who we are.

Sources:
Wander Her Way and Sojournies

]]><![CDATA[The Importance of Early Career Conversations]]>Tue, 12 Apr 2022 17:40:58 GMThttps://www.udauk.org/stories/the-importance-of-early-career-conversations

The term career is intimidating to anyone at any stage of their education. However, the career conversations that happen during university set the stage for a successful job course to come.

Since students studying in the UK aren't required to fulfill general education requirements, the career conversations students have during their time at university can help shape and guide them through the rest of their degree program. Before we dive into that, let's understand what a career conversation is.

Learn More About Career Conversations

What is a Career Conversation?

Career conversations are meetings you have with professionals who can help you understand the specifics of an industry or profession. They can be informal where you ask questions of an employee at a company you admire. Or, they can be through conversations where you explore the opportunities within a field and how they align with your skillset and goals with the help of a professional.

Career conversations can help you determine what type of work you want and what it can take to get there. In essence, these conversations help you maximize your potential so you can put your best foot forward when it comes time to apply for positions you're interested in.

What are the benefits of a career conversation?

There are countless benefits you'll reap when you take charge of your career goals. Especially as a university student, and especially early in your degree, the possibilities are endless. Here are just a few benefits of career conversations:

Discover What You're Interested In

You might utilize a career conversation when trying to determine if a field you're interested in would be a good fit. These conversations are a great opportunity to dive into a profession you want to learn more about, with someone who's already living the reality. By talking with folks who are in these positions you'll have a clearer idea if what they do might be the best for you.

Don't be afraid to ask those you meet what they like about their role, how they got there, and what they find most challenging about their current position. Understanding what their day-to-day looks like will help you get an understanding of what to expect when working in that industry.

Understand Your Skill Set

Career conversations help you understand your own set of talents and skills. If you meet with a professional coach, they can help you determine what your skills are and in what type of industry they may be best suited.

From there you can hone in on developing those skills over your university experience so that once you graduate they are polished. Fortunately, UK degrees are heavily focused on experiential learning so you'll be able to put your skills into practice through the course of your program.

Understand Your Next Steps

When you chat with employees in positions or companies you believe you'd like to work for, you'll gain an understanding of what it takes to get the positions you are interested in. These conversations can also lead you to understand if there are any skills you'd need to establish or develop to work in a certain industry or at a certain company.

Especially when meeting with someone in an industry you hope to work in, getting an understanding of new trends and things to look out for can be really helpful when you begin the application process. These conversations may allow you to score a few insider tips on how to seal the deal in an interview at a particular company. In addition, you can learn what similar companies like to see on candidates' resumes or portfolios.

Build a Network

Career conversations are also a great way to establish a relationship with the person you are speaking to. They can quickly become a mentor and keep you in mind as a possible candidate when opportunities arise.

Meeting with a coach is always helpful, but while you figure out which coach is right for you, you can learn a lot from people who work at companies you admire in positions you'd like to fulfill.

Not to mention, having conversations about your goals and interests builds your communication skills which are essential in any profession and across every field.

Who should I have a career conversation with?

Career conversations shouldn't be daunting. Start with the people you know. Utilize your family members even if they aren't in a career you are necessarily interested in. Their knowledge and perspective on how corporate, start-ups, or freelancing structures work is great insight into the world of employment.

To gain more insight into the fields you are most passionate about, reach out to employees in roles you believe are your dream job, or at companies that mirror your values. One way to find these employees, CEOs, and managers is via LinkedIn. Once you find someone you'd like to speak to, tell them you are interested in what they do and ask if they have a few free minutes to chat. Or, visit a company's team page to gather any email addresses of employees you'd like to contact.

One of the most unique ways to contact employees is with the app Anyone. This app allows you to have five minute voice calls with business leaders, CEOs, employees, and entrepreneurs who use the platform. The philosophy is that just about anyone is willing to give five minutes of their time to offer advice, ideas, and knowledge. Let us know if you give it a try!

Career coaches in particular can help you create portfolios and resumes that stand out. They can also help you develop interview skills, assist you in networking, help you discover your passions and skills, and aid you in setting goals to get there.

No matter how you choose to contact those you're interested in speaking to, we recommend starting those conversations early. When you are ready, use our partner, Coach Nadia as your north star.

Once you have a basic understanding of your goals and skillset, put them to use in our Dream Maker Program. This program aims to help students develop a professional portfolio and connect them with prospective employers seeking talented people. We want to ensure that our graduating students find a career that leads to a purposeful and productive life.

We'll be with you every step of the way. Let's get started.

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