What is Career Ahead?
Career Ahead is a flexible points-based programme that rewards you for extracurricular activities and engagement with the Careers and Employability Service. It enables you to reflect on the skills you have developed and articulate these when making job applications.
Earn your Career Ahead Certificate
Once you have 500 points, book a ten-minute Career Ahead appointment through My Career Enriched. In this informal meeting, you’ll reflect on your activities and plan your next steps. Your Careers Adviser will then arrange your certificate of achievement.
What activities can I do?
You have a choice of activities to complete, allowing you to gather points to reach 500. Choose from the following:
Attend a careers appointment – 100 points
Book and attend a careers appointment through My Career Enriched to discuss any careers-related information, advice, or guidance. Points will be allocated upon participation.
Complete 100 hours of work experience or a 500-word self-reflection – 100 points
Activities outside your course, such as volunteering, part-time jobs, club/society memberships, and internships, count towards Career Ahead. If unable to volunteer or work, you can complete a 500-word skills reflection instead.
Gain feedback on your CV or application – 100 points
Draft a CV and cover letter or an application and supporting statement, then receive tailored feedback from the Careers Team to earn points.
Improve your interview skills with a mock interview – 100 points
Book and attend a mock interview to receive tips and strategies for job interviews. Points will be allocated upon participation.
Attend a careers workshop – 50 points
Career Ahead workshops are available as part of your course or through a range of workshops and webinars throughout the year. Search for ‘Career Ahead Workshops’ on My Career Enriched.
Learn something new with LinkedIn Learning – 50 points
Complete LinkedIn Learning online training courses to enhance your CV and earn Career Ahead points. Each short course awards a Certificate of Completion and 50 points.
Boost your knowledge and skills with Pathway courses – 50 points
Pathways are bite-size courses on key employability skills and career development topics. Complete these at your own pace.
Gain industry insights – 50 points
Attend and participate in a careers event to earn points towards your Career Ahead award.
Note: You can attend as many workshops as you like, but a maximum of 3 workshops and 3 online training modules count towards Career Ahead. All other careers activities are counted only once.
How do I get started?
Career Ahead is accessed via My Career Enriched, UoC’s careers hub. You need to be a current student to complete the award and must activate your account by completing your profile. Career Ahead is in the Pathways section.
Pathways will track your progress as you attend workshops, events, and appointments, and engage with other careers and employability activities. Each activity provides points. Once you have gained 500 points, book a Career Ahead appointment to apply for your Career Ahead certificate.
For further information, contact careers@cumbria.ac.uk