Finding out about different careers

Get ideas and get informed – do your careers research to give yourself a solid basis for decision-making and applying.

Careers research in simple steps

Doing your own careers research can help you to understand the opportunities and pathways that exist for different sectors. 

Use our Sector Research resource to find out how you can carry out your own research. In the resource, we provide top tips, useful resources and support that will help you in your research. 

To get an overview of a broad area of work such as science and pharmaceuticals, business and finance, or public services and administration, look at the job sector reports on these careers websites: 

Job sectors (Prospects)     

Career sectors (TargetJobs)  

Maybe you’ve seen or heard mention of a job title and you want to know more about it. Check out the Job Profiles on the Prospects website. There are over 400 of these - so there’s a good chance some of them will interest you. Each of them covers: 

  • typical responsibilities in the role
  • average starting salary range for new entrants
  • entry requirements
  • career progression
  • professional bodies
  • typical employers
  • where to look for vacancies 

Job profiles (Prospects)    

The job profiles and sector overviews together will give you a clear picture of a role, its wider context, and how to work towards it.   

You’ll find they provide answers to many of your questions. 


Keep up to date with developments in a particular industry or company by following them in the media. BBC Business is easily accessible, or try the Financial Times – it's not all about finance and you can access it online through Discover.Ed.   

Take advantage of the University’s subscriptions to specialist journals and business databases; try IbisWorld or MarketLine for sector insights and forecasts. MarketLine covers a wide range of regions, both cover a good selection of sectors:

Library’s list of business databases 


Some areas of work are regulated by professional bodies which accredit training and qualifications. Many of these welcome students as members, sometimes at a reduced membership rate or free of charge, and if you’ve a genuine interest in a particular career joining its professional body will give you access to information, news and networking events - and demonstrate your interest.  

The websites of some professional bodies and membership associations have lists of members which you can use to find contacts.  

Professional bodies and associations (TargetJobs) 


Researching international opportunities

Many opportunities will be excellent, but don’t assume that they all are. Here is some information on what questions to ask when researching international opportunities.

Sector information

Find out about the many different sectors and jobs you might work in.

Making connections and networking

Find out about how you can make connections to support your professional development, including practical tips on networking, finding alumni to connect with and how to have useful and productive conversations.

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