Exploring student engagement with careers services

Research conducted at Buckinghamshire New University explores whether students are aware of careers services provisions on offer, which (if any) they use, and whether these help with career exploration

Key findings

• This study focused on understanding the gap between what students desired from the Careers and Employability Service (CES) at Buckinghamshire New University and what the service provided.
• Students who used the university's CES heard about the services from other students rather than from direct promotion on webpages, social media or other means. Students were largely unaware of CES and more needed to be done to promote it.
• Most students used the CES for advice on job hunting, CV and cover letter advice, and interview preparation.
• Of those who responded to a survey exploring student satisfaction with the university's CES, most were happy with the advice they received.

About this report

This HECSU-funded research assesses the way in which students at Buckinghamshire New University interact with the careers and education services available to them. The findings have implications for how the service is promoted, shedding light on students' preferences for career exploration and the areas where they most commonly seek support and advice.

Rita Kapadia is a careers development consultant at Buckinghamshire New University.

Written by

Rita Kapadia

Careers development consultant

Buckinghamshire New University