Nottingham students can now tap into the knowledge and experiences of their predecessors when planning their career.

The alumni career profile database – launched by the University’s Centre for Career Development (CCD) – offers students direct access to alumni’s professional information, as well as offering practical advice on how to build confidence and boost any opportunities in the job market.

Accessed via the University’s Online Careers System, students can browse through career profiles according to industry, subject or qualification level to see what opportunities could be available to them after they graduate.

More than 70 alumni are already sharing their profiles, showing their career path, how they developed their degree and their current job description. The aim is that by sharing their successes, they can help current students avoid potential pitfalls.

Project manager Roxana Cimpeanu believes that the database will be of huge benefit to students when used in combination with the expert advice, CV writing tips and job vacancy services offered by the Centre.

She explained: “This tool will provide a better understanding of the industries, job roles and opportunities available to students when they are making their own career decisions.

“From interview tips and employer research, to more general advice such as how to highlight their achievements, students will find an array of hints and tips that will ultimately build their confidence and equip them with the necessary tools to tackle job applications and interviews.”

Hints and tips already made include: ‘Get involved in a variety of activities at university to broaden the CV and make it stand out from the crowd. Don’t be afraid to try new things and get involved.’ (Project Manager, Accenture.)

Prepare. Know what the role entails, and what the context of the role in the organisation is. Anticipate. Think about what might be asked of you, and have examples of situations where you’ve needed to overcome obstacles ready to hand. Relax. It’s far easier to choose to employ someone you think will fit easily and well into a team environment. (Web Developer Team Leader, BBC.)

Create opportunities where you do not see them. Make use of expert academic staff and their networks. Get involved in activities outside of your programme of study and create your own networks. Always think of what your next step might be and what you need to do to get there. (PhD student, The University of Nottingham.)