Career Zone Podcast

In this week's Career Zone Podcast, Jamie Tully, Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Exeter, shares his journey from missing his GCSE targets to completing a PhD and becoming an academic. Jamie talks about being the first in his family to attend university, navigating higher education, and the experiences that shaped his career along the way. He reflects on the mentors who helped shape his career, why exam results don't define your future, and how his own experiences have influenced his commitment to widening participation and supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds.

In this episode, Employability and Careers Consultant Sunny Lalli is joined by Rachel Parry, Operations Support Manager at Geotechnical Engineering Limited. Transitioning from a geology degree at the University of Leicester into managing multi-million-pound field investigations, Rachel shares her journey from a self-confessed "terrified" first-year student collecting freebies to leading a team of engineers. Rachel provides invaluable insider advice on why employers value curiosity over technical expertise, how to reframe part-time work or personal achievements as professional strengths, and how students can overcome the fear of uncertainty to have authentic, memorable conversations at careers fairs

In our Law mini-series podcast, our Law Employability and Careers Consultants; Rachel, Tess and Sunny, talk to experienced professionals from both legal and non-legal sectors to hear their career experiences and advice. In this episode we are joined by Simon Carr, Senior Business Development Representative at CILEX (Chartered Institute for Legal Executives). Qualifying as a CILEX lawyer is a completely different route from the SQE route. It happens while you are working, there is a fast track route for law graduates, the exams are all online and the pace is learner-led. The exams are roughly half the cost of the SQE and the pass rate is double. Once you are qualified the work and pay rates can be identical to solicitors; you can become a partner, a judge, work in higher courts, and set up your own legal practice. 25% of CILEX lawyers are in the South West so there are lots of opportunities here, one notable example of a local law firm employing lots of CILEX lawyers and with a CILEX lawyer as a partner is Foot Anstey. In addition to this episode you can find more information to help with career planning here; University of Exeter Career Zone , My Career Zone , Law and legal services: Information for Law and Non-Law Students , Employability for Law Students and The Law School .

In our Law mini-series podcast, our Law Employability and Careers Consultants; Rachel, Tess and Sunny, talk to experienced professionals from both legal and non-legal sectors to hear their career experiences and advice. In this week's episode Tess is joined by Matt Rundle, Real Estate Solicitor at Trowers and Hamlins LLP. Matt shares his career journey from working as a paralegal to qualifying as a solicitor. Listen to hear advice on preparing and applying for a training contract and the importance of showcasing your enthusiasm at interview. Matt also discusses the benefits of mentoring and the impact AI is having in the recruitment process. In addition to this episode you can find more information to help with career planning here; University of Exeter Career Zone , My Career Zone , Law and legal services: Information for Law and Non-Law Students , Employability for Law Students and The Law School .

Anxiety represents data for your brain, not danger to your body. In this episode Tess is joined by Laura Dean, President of the British Psychological Society and Principal Occupational Psychologist at the Cabinet Office, to discuss how you can use interview nerves to your advantage. Laura shares self soothing tips to help you prepare for pressure and how you can build up pressure tolerance. Laura and Tess also focus on behavioural success, what that means and how to deal with stereotype threat. Find out how to prep for a job interview even if it’s tomorrow! In our Law mini-series podcast, our Law Employability and Careers Consultants; Rachel, Tess and Sunny, talk to experienced professionals from both legal and non-legal sectors to hear their career experiences and advice. In addition to this episode you can find more information to help with career planning here; University of Exeter Career Zone , My Career Zone , Law and legal services: Information for Law and Non-Law Students , Employability for Law Students and The Law School .

In this episode, Rachel Hadwell, Employability and Placements Adviser, explores how you can find part-time jobs and shares her top tips to boost your applications. Rachel discusses where to search for roles both on and off campus, exploring sectors like hospitality and retail, and highlights opportunities through the university's My Career Zone platform. Plus, hear insights on how to balance work with your academic schedule, visa considerations for international students, and how to tailor your applications to stand out. Links: Streatham/St Luke’s- For paid job roles working at bars, cafes and shops on campus, students can e xpress their interest. Penryn- For casual jobs on campus at Penryn, you can check the FXPlus website for the latest vacancies. You can also approach the outlets at Penryn in person. Find out more about Student Campus Partnership roles Find out more about Student Business Partnership roles . Check out the support available from the Student Startups Team . For international students, see advice about working in the UK and contact the International Student Support team if you need further advice and guidance. You can book onto skills and advice sessions, including ‘Creating a Successful CV’ and ‘Finding a Part-Time Job’ via My Career Zone . You can contact the Career Zone directly by using the Live Chat on our webpage .

Our Law mini-series is back for the autumn term and in our first episode we're focusing on securing a vacation placement. In our Law mini-series podcast, our Law Employability and Careers Consultants; Rachel, Tess and Sunny, talk to experienced professionals from both legal and non-legal sectors to hear their career experiences and advice. In this episode, Tess is joined by current Law student Nando Rodriguez, who shares his journey in successfully applying for a place on the vacation scheme at Trowers and Hamlins LLP. Nando shares what the application process involved including how much time it took, and how the Career Mentor Scheme along with the Career Zone helped with networking opportunities. Nando also shares his top tips for students wanting to go into to law. In addition to this episode you can find more information to help with career planning here; University of Exeter Career Zone , My Career Zone , Law and legal services: Information for Law and Non-Law Students , Employability for Law Students and The Law School .

Whether you're exploring your options, planning to get more experience or applying for jobs, we're here to support you. In this episode find out about some of the opportunities you can get involved with including: Career Mentor Scheme , employer events and the Exeter Award .

In our final episode of our Career Support for Graduate series, Sunny Lalli, Employability and Careers Consultant, continues his conversation with Dr. Hannah Collis, an honorary lecturer in Leadership and Organisational Behaviour in the Exeter Business School, and now academic at the Henley Business School. In this episode they explore strategies to negotiate challenging workplace settings and how to respond to people and scenarios that prevent our thriving. Hannah and Sunny explore ways to cultivate resilience and connections to protect wellbeing and how job crafting can help employees in times of dissatisfaction. Useful links: If you are experiencing significant workplace stress or mental health concerns, do consider speaking with your GP, contacting a mental health professional or reaching out to employee assistant programmes if available in your workplace. Mental Health Support: Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/ (24/7 helpline: 116 123) Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/ (Infoline: 0300 123 3393) NHS Mental Health Services: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/ Mental Health Foundation: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/ University of Exeter Wellbeing Services: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/wellbeing/ Workplace support and advice: ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service): https://www.acas.org.uk/ Health and Safety Executive (HSE) - Work-related stress: https://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/ Citizen's Advice - Work problems: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/

In this episode, Sunny Lalli, Employability and Careers Consultant, continues his conversation with Dr. Hannah Collis, an honorary lecturer in Leadership and Organisational Behaviour in the Exeter Business School, and now academic at the Henley Business School. They explore how you can navigate personality dynamics in the workplace and how to integrate into new workplace environments. Hannah explains the importance of authenticity at work, the natural process of personality transformation during career transitions, and practical strategies for understanding and working with different personality types. Useful Links: University of Exeter Career Zone Help with networking: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/helpwith/helpwithnetworking/ University of Exeter Career Zone Help with self-awareness: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/helpwith/helpwithself-awareness/ University of Exeter Career Zone Help with developing your skills: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/helpwith/helpwithdevelopingyourskills/ University of Exeter LinkedIn alumni tool: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/linkedinalumnitool/ Career Zone podcast episode on the power of mentoring https://open.spotify.com/episode/7eIRTaCzor6ZDugKsi3jnf?si=315cde2d0a974991&nd=1&dlsi=97aad6d673ce4072

In this week’s episode, Dawn Lees is joined by Emma Norman, Learning and Pilots Manager at the university, as she shares her journey through education, her experiences of being neurodivergent, and how she came into her current role. Emma reflects on navigating school and university before her late ADHD and autism diagnosis. She talks about her experience of teaching abroad in Spain, how the pandemic prompted her to rethink her future, and how chance opportunities, from a PGCE to Graduate Business Partnerships, led her to a career in curriculum development.

In this episode, Sunny Lalli, Employability and Career Consultant speaks with Dr. Hannah Collis, an honorary lecturer in Leadership and Organisational Behaviour in the Exeter Business School, and now academic at the Henley Business School. Together they discuss navigating the transition from university to diverse and complex workplace environments. Hannah shares insights from her research on modern working arrangements, explaining the differences between hybrid, remote, and in-person work. She discusses the benefits and challenges of each model, offers practical strategies for building relationships and accessing mentoring in virtual settings, and provides essential tips for graduates to thrive in any workplace configuration. The conversation also explores future workplace trends and how students can prepare now for evolving work models. Useful Links Skills development: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/helpwith/helpwithdevelopingyourskills/ University of Leeds Future of Workplace research: www.leeds.ac.uk/research/research-expertise/future-of-work World Economic Forum Future of Jobs 2025 Report: https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/digest/

This week, Dawn Lees is joined by Ewan Woodley, Associate Professor of Geography to explore why stepping outside the seminar room can transform the way you learn. Listen to find out: The skills you gain from field trips, such as real-world observation and teamwork. How field trips can help you to build your confidence and grow as a learner. How you can utilise the skills you develop in job applications and in interviews. How field trips are evolving to be more inclusive and sustainable.

In this week’s episode, Ciaran Stoker-Diver SEAS Faculty Lead, is joined by Barbara, a final year Business Management student and Vice President of Engagement for Enactus at Exeter. Ciaran and Barbara explore what social enterprise means and how students can get involved. Barbara discusses some of the current Enactus projects students are involved with including Biosmart and Oyana. Barbara also discusses the shares the range of skills you can develop through getting involved with social enterprise, including project management, marketing and finance. Useful links: Enactus Streatham: https://my.exeterguild.com/groups/GYXRW/enactus Enactus Penryn: https://www.thesu.org.uk/organisation/enactus/ Self employment and entrepreneurship page: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/explore/selfemployment/ Student Startups: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/centres/entrepreneurship/studentstartups/

In this week’s episode, we are joined by recent graduate Lowenna Luke to discuss what it’s really like to transition from university into a graduate level job. Lowenna shares her journey of searching and applying for jobs, offering tips on how to stand out in the recruitment process. We also explore the realities of transitioning into the workplace, including adapting to professional communication, managing deadlines and developing effective time management skills. Whether you’re approaching graduation or just starting your career, this episode offers valuable insights and honest reflections to help you navigate the shift from student to professional. Useful Links Graduates First - https://www.graduatesfirst.com/university-career-services/business-school-exeter?v=7885444af42e Professional Pathways https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/employability-schemes/professionalpathways/ From Campus to Career sessions ( https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/events/from-campus-to-career/ ) Exeter Award (ex.ac.uk/exeteraward)

In this week’s episode, Simon Allington, Employability and Careers Consultant, is joined by current postgraduate student Gia Yu to discuss career planning across China and the UK. Gia shares her experience of working in China and in the UK and highlights the strengths Chinese students bring to the UK job market. Gia also shares how the China Career Ready programme can help students when making career decisions. Simon is also joined by Chinese Exeter alumni Stefanie and Eva as they share the importance of workplace communication, how they have strengthened their resilience and how they are using AI effectively in the workplace. China Career Ready is a bespoke programme designed to help Chinese students from any degree programme and any level of study explore their options and receive guidance with career planning. Useful links: China Career Ready - https://business-school.exeter.ac.uk/careers/china-career-ready/

In this week’s episode we explore the power of workplace osmosis, the often invisible learning that happens from being around others. From spontaneous conversations to unplanned collaborations and quick check-ins, we explore why a physical presence still matters in an increasingly digital world. Useful links: Planned Happenstance podcast ( https://pod.fo/e/33a7e9 ) Book onto skills sessions including networking skills on My Career Zone.

This week, we catch up with final year PhD student Sophia, to hear how her PhD journey is going. Sophia shares some of her highlights of her studies, the importance of adaptability in research, and the different types of support available to PhD students.

In this week’s episode, Dawn Lees is joined by Professor Nathan Mayne, as he shares his journey from a working class background to a successful career in academia. Nathan explores how he overcame adversity, navigating university life without a roadmap and how he has built a successful career as an academic whilst championing mental health, collaboration and support for current students. Nathan is a Professor of Astrophysics and Planetary Climates in the Astrophysics Group of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Exeter , U.K, and a UKRI Future Leaders Fellow . He is also the Academic Director of Research Computing Infrastructure for the University of Exeter. Nathan is interested in understanding how climates evolve and how life and the planetary climate systems interact. Part of the Working in Higher Education mini-series

Thinking of doing doctoral research? In this episode, Kate Foster, Employability and Careers Consultant, catches up with Benny, a first year PhD student. Benny shares how his PhD is going and what he is enjoying about studying. Benny also shares the different activities he is involved with including teaching seminars, attending conferences and supporting the Mature Access Pathway programme. We’ll be catching up with Benny regularly to hear how his PhD journey is going. Follow the Career Zone Podcast to stay up to date with Benny’s experiences, insights and reflections along the way.