December 21, 2023, by brzms6

Navigating careers: resources for under-represented students

By Amrina Kaur, Employability Officer – © iStock by Mikolette

Your career journey as a university student or recent graduate can be a challenging yet rewarding experience, especially for those from historically marginalised or under-represented backgrounds. Recognising this need for support, various organisations and charities have dedicated themselves to fostering diverse, inclusive, and equal opportunities. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore a curated list of resources tailored to specific under-represented groups, providing valuable support for current university students and recent graduates in achieving their career goals.

General

Rare Recruitment focuses on increasing diversity in graduate recruitment. They work with organisations to attract, develop, and retain talent from university students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Mature students

Mature Students’ Network is a network at the university to raise awareness of issues affecting mature students and to promote and protect the welfare of mature students. The network aims to create a safe and engaging space for mature students through events, social gatherings, support, advice and guidance, as well as acting as a point of contact for any issues or queries. 

Care leavers

Buttle UK provide financial assistance, educational support, and personal development opportunities to help care leavers pursue their educational and career goals.

Students from areas of low higher education participation, low household income, or low socioeconomic status

• Brightside is a charity that helps young people from disadvantaged backgrounds achieve their career goals through their online mentoring programs, guidance, and resources. 
• Social Mobility Foundation works closely with universities to deliver talks, workshops, and networking events that support students from low-income backgrounds, including those who are the first in their families to attend university.
• Unloc partners with universities to deliver workshops, entrepreneurship programs, and employability support for underrepresented students, including those from low-income backgrounds and ethnic minority groups.

Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) students

• Black Cultural Archives is the only national heritage centre dedicated to preserving and celebrating the histories of African and Caribbean people in the UK. While they focus on heritage, they provide valuable resources, exhibitions, and educational programs that can benefit BAME university students.
• SEO London partners with universities to provide talks, workshops, and mentoring programs for students from underrepresented backgrounds, including students from low-income households and ethnic minority groups.
• Taylor Bennett Foundation exists to encourage people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds to pursue a career in communications.

Carers

• Carers UK is a national charity that supports unpaid carers of all ages. They provide information, advice, and resources to help carers manage their caring responsibilities while pursuing their education and future career aspirations.

Refugees

• Refugee Education UK offer mentoring, tutoring, and guidance to help refugee university students navigate the education system and transition into the workplace.

Children from military families

• The Armed Forces Covenant provide resources, information, and initiatives to support the education and well-being of children from military families, including university students.
• Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT)  provide funding and support for research, projects, and initiatives that improve the transition experience for military families, including educational and employment opportunities.

Whether you’re a mature student, a care leaver, or someone from an underrepresented background, these resources aim to bridge gaps, provide guidance, and create opportunities for a diverse range of individuals. Embrace the support available, connect with these organisations, and embark on your journey towards a fulfilling and successful career.

Ready to get started? Check out our section on the website for programmes supporting under-represented students and graduates into employment, 0r to gain work experience. 

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