Employment and entrepreneurship: boosting your future career

At Kingston University we'll help you kick-start your career through work placements, internships and mentoring. Or we could help you get started on your future empire with entrepreneurship initiatives. Either way there are great opportunities and support services for you to take advantage of.

Work experience and mentoring

Work placements and internships are valuable in giving you a taste for a particular career, building your work skills and boosting your CV – not to mention the networking opportunities. Many of our courses include an optional professional placement year for students to take on a paid work placement. In your final year you can also get involved in the Inspiring Talent – mentoring programme, a fantastic opportunity to learn from and work-shadow a successful Kingston graduate.

Student Ambassador Scheme

Becoming a student ambassador is an excellent way to gain valuable, paid work experience while you study. Student ambassadors share their experiences with prospective students and assist Kingston University's student recruitment and outreach teams at events like: higher education fairs, open days, school talks and campus tours. You are provided with full training throughout, developing key skills including communication, organisation and teamwork.

Careers and employability support

Kingston University's award-winning careers service will support you during your studies and after you graduate. The service helps you develop a range of employability skills throughout the recruitment process; from creating a winning CV, to job hunting, to excelling at that interview. It also offers work opportunities like internships, part-time work and graduate roles. 

The careers and employability service works closely with industry to ensure you get the most up-to-date information and skills. Students work closely with their careers advisers, and attend regular events to learn about potential careers and network with employers.   

Entrepreneurship at Kingston University

For the eighth year running, Kingston University has been rated amongst the top two most successful UK higher education institutions for graduate start-up companies (Higher Education – Business and Community Interaction Survey).

We provide extensive support and advice to encourage your entrepreneurial capabilities. You can start by joining the Kingston Entrepreneurs Society, and participating in Enterprise! our student entrepreneurship programme. Weekly events, competitions, mentors, and micro-finance will all help you to explore and develop your ideas and capabilities. We welcome social entrepreneurs and freelancers as well as those considering more commercial products and services. Kingston University students and graduates can also access a wealth of resources, success stories, tips and news on our pages.

Going the extra mile – activities and awards

At Kingston University, we'll give you opportunities to really stand out from the competition. For example, you can learn a language for free with the Kingston Language Scheme, a special skill in any business. You'll also be able to gain valuable experience by getting involved in the volunteering scheme, run by Kingston Students' Union.

At the end of your degree you'll be able to showcase your achievements to employers with your own Higher Education Achievement Report, and celebrate your involvement in student life with The Kingston Award.