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Your Future: Building Careers, Confidence & Opportunities at Hartpury.

www.hartpury.ac.uk

Welcome.

Your future starts here – whatever stage you’re at. At Hartpury, careers support is for every student. You don’t need a clear plan or a fixed goal to get started. Whether you’re exploring ideas, building experience, or getting ready to take your next step, we’re here to support you. Careers isn’t something you save for your final year. It’s about understanding yourself, developing skills, and making informed choices at a pace that works for you. Many students change direction along the way, and that’s completely normal. What matters is having the confidence, awareness and support to move forward. Our careers support is: For all years – from your first weeks at Hartpury to graduation and beyond For all aspirations – jobs, placements, internships, self‑ employment, entrepreneurship and further study Available throughout your time at Hartpury – when you need it, not just at key milestones Whatever your background, subject or ambition, you’ll find guidance that’s relevant, practical and focused on helping you succeed in ways that matter to you. From developing employability skills and gaining experience, to applying for opportunities and preparing for what comes next, we’ll help you build a future you feel confident about.

Careers is: – Exploring options and discovering what suits you – Building confidence in your skills and strengths – Developing the skills employers value – Making informed choices — even if you change your mind – Engaging with careers early helps you make the most of your time at Hartpury. It allows you to connect what you’re learning with the world of work, try things out, and grow gradually — rather than feeling under pressure at the end.

What you gain by getting involved early Students who engage with careers support often experience: – Stronger CVs and applications – Real‑world experience through work, placements or volunteering – Clearer goals and direction – More confidence in interviews and networking – Better preparation for life after university Why careers matter Careers is more than a job at the end of your degree. It’s an ongoing process that supports your learning, confidence and future choices — whatever direction you take. Many students think careers support is only for certain people or certain moments. In reality, it’s for everyone.

CONTENTS: P4. HE Careers and Placements P6. Support for Every Stage P8. How to access our support P10. Developing Employability Skills – Connecting university to work

“Students who engage with careers services are more confident about life after university.”

P12. Work Based Learning P14. Accessibility in Career

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HE Careers and Placements

YOUR HE CAREERS TEAM Hello from Vicky, Helen and Fliss — your HE Careers Team at Hartpury University.

We offer a range of support to help you develop your employability, including one-to-one appointments (available both online via Teams and in person), interactive workshops, and a variety of online resources available on our Careers Moodle page:

YOUR PLACEMENTS TEAM The HE Placements Team offer a range of support to help you with your placement journey, including a variety of online resources available on The Placements Moodle page: HE Place‑ ment Resources and one-to-one appointments (available both online via Teams and in person on campus). Placement one-to-ones can be booked via Grofar, and the team are also available to answer any questions via email: Placements@hartpury.ac.uk

Moodle online career tools

Scan the QR code here to access Moodle

Moodle online career tools

Fliss can support you with: Writing CVs and Cover Letters, Careers Advice and Guidance. She specialises in both the Equine and Veterinary Nurses industries.

Scan the QR code here to access Moodle

You can find us in the Employability, Skills and Careers Department, located in the Student Zone near Reception. Come in and visit us!

Vic can support you with: Writing CVs and Cover Letters, Careers Advice and Guidance. She specialises in Sport and Business.

Helen can support you with: Writing CVs and Cover Letters, Careers Advice and Guidance. She specialises in both the Agriculture and Animal Industries.

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Your Career Starts at Hartpury

Personalised support just for you You’ll have access to 1-to-1 support from our Careers Advisers, helping you to: – Create a strong CV or portfolio – Prepare for interviews – Plan your career path – Appointments are available to fit around your studies Career Resources at Your Fingertips – Access online career tools and advice via Moodle Course: Employability, Skills and Careers (University) | Moodle – Explore different industries and career options – Learn about your choices after graduation – Get support if you want to start your own business

At Hartpury, our Careers Team is here to support you every step of the way — from your very first day to graduation and beyond. We help you build the skills, confidence and experience you need to secure a high-skilled job and achieve your career goals.

Our 3-step career journey We support your career development through three key stages:

PILLAR ONE: EXPLORE (YEAR 1) Start thinking about your future – Discover your interests and strengths – Explore career ideas linked to your course – Build curiosity and confidence PILLAR TWO: EXPERIENCE (YEAR 2) Try things out and build skills – Gain real-world insights into different careers – Develop key skills employers look for – Make informed decisions about your future PILLAR THREE: EMPLOYABLE (YEAR 3) Get ready for your next step – Understand and showcase your skills – Build confidence explaining what you can offer – Prepare for graduate jobs or further study

Moodle online career tools

Scan the QR code here to access Moodle

Boost Your Career Even Further Take advantage of additional opportunities to stand out:

– Placement year options – Work experience support – Volunteering opportunities – Student enterprise and business advice

Your future starts here, and we’re with you every step of the way.

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How to access Careers support

Flexible support that fits around you We know you’re busy so we make it easy to get careers support in a way that works for you. – Book appointments in the morning or afternoon – Choose what suits you best in person or online via Teams Easy booking You can book your careers appointment using Grofar: 1. Go to grofar.com 2. Sign in using your Hartpury email via ‘Sign in with Microsoft’

3. Choose a time that fits your schedule Prefer to speak to someone first?

Just email us at HEcareers@hartpury.ac.uk and a Careers Consultant will be happy to help.

Online support anytime You can access a range of helpful resources on

our Moodle page, including: – Making informed career choices

– Building your confidence with networking – Developing essential employability skills – Writing strong CVs and cover letters – Preparing for your next steps with career readiness

Moodle online career tools

Scan the QR code here to access Moodle

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Developing Employability Skills: Connecting university learning to the world of work.

CREATE / WHAT CAN I DO?

CREATE / WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

CREATE / WHAT EVIDENCE DO I HAVE? Dissertation project. Business Start Up. Leading a team. Innovating within a role.

Combine my skills to perform a new activity/task. Solve problems that I have come across before independently.

I designed a research question and tested it. I used my knowledge to craete a programme. I have led on a project. I have adapted to uncertainty and challenge well.

I can say what worked and what did not. I can suggest changes, my work shows evidence of improvement after feedback. I can identify what I am good at and where I have gaps. I can identify what I need to do to address any gaps and create a plan to help me achieve this. EVALUATE / WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE? LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3 LEVEL 4 LEVEL 5 APPLY / WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE? UNDERSTAND / WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE? KNOW / WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE? KNOW / WHAT CAN I DO? UNDERSTAND / WHAT CAN I DO? APPLY / WHAT CAN I DO? EVALUATE / WHAT CAN I DO? I used Excel and other softawar, e.g. SPSS to analyse data. I applied theory to an assignment project. I perform tasks reliably e.g. I always submit work before the deadline. My attendance at lectures is above X%. I can deliver a presentation explaining a concept in my own words. I can explain why communication matters and how it adapts. I know what project management is. I can name software used to do this task. I can list reasons why this skill is important to an employer. Reflect upon and form an option on quality and suggest improvements. Reflect and learn from feedback and experience. Use my knowledge and skills in practice. Follow a process to complete a task. Explain ideas in my words. Make connections between concepts. Recall facts, terms, equipment, rules or process. Name the skill, know why it is important.

EVALUATE / WHAT EVIDENCE DO I HAVE? Reflection assignments. Improved draft and submission work. Clear evidence of planning actions and self-led improvement plans. performance review and check submissions.

Employability skills are the skills that help you succeed in the workplace, on placement and beyond graduation. At Hartpury, you develop these skills every day through your course, practical learning, sport, part time work, volunteering and wider university life. Careers support helps you recognise them, strengthen them and explain them clearly to employers. Employers don’t just look at what you study. They want to see how you apply your knowledge, work with others and adapt to real world challenges. Developing employability skills early helps you feel more confident and prepared for whatever path you choose. Discover and build your employability skills at Hartpury: Developing your employability skills is about more than just gaining knowledge – it’s about learning how to apply, reflect on, and grow your abilities over time. Skills such as communication, teamwork, problem solving, time management, professionalism, adaptability, and self-awareness are built step-by-step through your studies and experiences. This journey moves from understanding what these skills are, to applying them in real situations, reflecting on how well you’ve used them, and eventually creating and leading your own ideas and projects. You can build and demonstrate these skills through your academic work, placements, part-time jobs, as well as volunteering, coaching, leadership roles, and involvement in sport, clubs, societies, and student activities. By recognising where you are on this journey and gathering evidence along the way, you can clearly show employers what you can do now—and how you’re continuing to grow.

APPLY / WHAT EVIDENCE DO I HAVE? Academic work/results. Part time work, placement, volunteering etc.

UNDERSTAND / WHAT EVIDENCE DO I HAVE? Lecture notes, reading lists, feedback/marks on presentations. Contribution.

KNOW / WHAT EVIDENCE DO I HAVE? Lecture notes, reading lists, attendance at workshops, etc.

Careers support helps you connect the dots. Showing you how your university experiences translate into skills employers value, and how to talk about them in applications, interviews and the workplace. You may already have more employability skills than you realise. Our role is to help you make them visible and use them with confidence.

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Work-based learning Building your experience, your way.

Work-based learning is a key part of your development at Hartpury. It’s about gaining real-world experience alongside your studies, helping you connect what you learn at university to the environments you may go on to work in. You don’t need to have everything figured out to get started. Work-based learning gives you the opportunity to explore different roles, test your interests, and build confidence in your abilities as you go . What does work-based learning involve in the UK? In the UK, work-based learning is widely recognised as an important part of higher education. It often forms part of your course through placements, practical modules or industry-focused projects. It can also include additional experiences you choose to take on alongside your studies. Work-based learning helps you develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours employers are looking for — not just through theory, but through practical application. It allows you to understand industry expectations, workplace culture, and how your skills can be used in real situations. Why is it important? Work-based learning supports your career development in a way that feels manageable and meaningful. It gives you the chance to: – Build confidence by applying your skills in real situations – Develop key employability skills such as teamwork, communication and problem solving – Explore different career paths before making decisions about your future – Strengthen your CV with relevant, hands-on experience – Make connections with employers and industry professionals Many students find that these experiences help them feel more prepared and confident when thinking about life after university. What counts as work-based learning? Work-based learning looks different for everyone. It’s not limited to one type of experience — what matters is that you are developing skills, gaining insight, and reflecting on what you’ve learned. This can include:

LMI (Labour Market Information) and Work Based Learning Labour Market Information (LMI) and work-based learning work together to support informed and purposeful career development. LMI helps you identify in-demand skills, sectors, and roles, enabling you to choose placements and experiences that align with current and future job opportunities. Work-based learning then allows you to apply this insight in real-world settings, developing relevant skills and building evidence to strengthen your employability. What is LMI (Labour Market Information)? Labour Market Information (LMI) is data that tells you what’s happening in the world of work right now and in the future. In simple terms, it helps answer questions like: – What jobs are out there? – Which careers are growing or shrinking? How does knowing LMI help you make informed career decisions? Understanding LMI helps you to: – Choose pathways that align with real job opportunities, not just job titles – Identify skills gaps early and plan how to fill them – Decide whether further study, placements, or experience are needed – Be realistic about progression, competition, pay and location – Feel more confident explaining their choices to employers In short, LMI helps students move from “I like this subject” to “I know where this could realistically lead and how to get there.” You can think of LMI as a career “reality check”, based on evidence rather than guesswork. How LMI links to work based learning Work based learning is where LMI really comes to life. LMI helps you confidently decide: – Which placements or internships will be most useful – What skills you should focus on developing while on placement – How to choose experiences that match industry trends, not just convenience. This demonstrates you’re committed to professional development and growth. For example, if LMI shows employers value effective customer communication you should actively develop this skill and look for opportunities to gain experience and build expertise. Or, if the sector you wish to progress in to is competitive, you know you will need varied or specialist experience to stand out. Work based learning then becomes strategic, not just a course requirement. – What skills and qualifications do employers want? – Where are jobs located and how much do they pay?

– Course placements, internships and micro internships (Internal) – Live industry briefs, projects and research projects (Internal) – Practical course elements or live projects with employers (internal) – Part-time jobs or seasonal work (External – Volunteering or community projects (External) – Industry placements or work shadowing (External) – Freelance work, self-employment or running a small business (External) Every experience contributes to your development.

Even roles that may not seem directly related to your future career can help you build transferable skills and confidence.

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Accessible Careers at Hartpury Supporting your journey, your way.

Your future is important – and we’re here to help you navigate it confidently. Careers support at Hartpury is designed to be inclusive, flexible and tailored to you. Wherever you are in your journey, the Careers Team is here to help you explore your options, build confidence and take your next steps in a way that feels right for you. You do not need to have a clear career plan to get started. Careers support is about helping you develop your ideas, understand your strengths and access the tools and guidance you need to move forward. What does accessible careers support involve? We understand that everyone engages with support differently, which is why we offer a range of flexible options. You can book a 1:1 appointment in a format that suits you, including: – Online via Microsoft Teams (with or without cameras) – Face-to-face on campus – Short, focused sessions of 20 minutes or longer appointments of up to one hour You are also very welcome to bring support with you to any appointment if that helps you feel more comfortable. We can also support via e-mail should this be a better option for you. Appointments are student-led, meaning you can focus on what matters most to you. This might include developing your CV, writing a cover letter, preparing for interviews, exploring networking opportunities or accessing careers information, advice and guidance. Why is this support important? Accessible careers support helps you engage in a way that works for you. It gives you the opportunity to: – Build confidence in your own time and at your own pace – Access tailored guidance that reflects your individual needs – Develop practical skills to support your career goals – Feel supported and understood throughout your journey Many students find that having flexible, personalised support makes it easier to take the next step, no matter how big or small.

Additional resources and support

Alongside appointments, there is a dedicated Padlet resource hub Accessibility - HE Careers designed to support a wide range of needs. This includes guidance on: – Who each of the Careers Consultants are and what we can help you with – Making a disclosure – Requesting reasonable adjustments – Identifying your skills and strengths as a neurodivergent or disabled individual These resources are available for you to access at any time, allowing you to explore information at your own pace. Every student’s path is different, and careers support at Hartpury is here to reflect that. Whether you are just starting to think about your future or preparing to apply for your next opportunity, you are supported every step of the way.

Scan the QR code here to access the hub. Padlet Resource Hub

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