At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students in their career journey with personalised coaching and guidance.
- Company: GBS, a leading higher education provider with a focus on employability.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension scheme, tuition reimbursement, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by helping them achieve their career goals.
- Qualifications: Degree in Careers Guidance or related field, plus coaching experience.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 42000 € per year.
Department: Graduate Employment and Entrepreneurship
Location: Birmingham (On-site)
Type of Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full Time - 40hrs Per Week
Salary Range: £38,000-£42,000pa
GBS is a higher education provider offering a range of sector-relevant courses across ten campuses in London, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester. Working in partnership with several of the UK’s leading higher education providers, we deliver vocational, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in finance, accounting, business, construction, tourism, healthcare, and more.
Our Vision: Changing lives through education.
What We Do: The Employability and Entrepreneurship Department at GBS is dedicated to preparing students for successful careers and business ventures. It offers tailored one-to-one guidance, a dynamic online Careers Hub via Handshake, and a structured Employability Award that builds critical job-seeking skills through Bronze to Platinum levels.
The role: The Careers Consultant supports students and graduates in their career journey, providing personalised coaching, guidance, and ongoing support to help them transition into professional-level roles. By offering tailored advice and connecting individuals with relevant resources, they ensure that students and alumni make informed decisions and overcome barriers to employment success.
Please note, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position.
What the role involves:
- Personalised Coaching: Provide proactive, one-on-one coaching to students and graduates (up to 16 months post-graduation) to support their career and professional development. Complete regular progress reviews to ensure students and alumni remain on track towards achieving professional-level roles. Offer expert advice on career exploration, industry trends, job market insights, and educational pathways.
- Career Planning and Pathways: Help students and graduates develop clear and actionable career plans, regularly reviewing and referencing these throughout their learning journey. Ensure career aspirations and progression pathways are continually discussed and updated to align with individual goals and market opportunities.
- Support and Problem-Solving: Address students' and graduates’ concerns, challenges, and barriers to employment success with tailored solutions and actionable advice. Connect students and graduates with relevant, location-specific resources and support services to address individual needs.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Work in collaboration with Employer Engagement Team to promote and prepare participants for suitable roles. Work closely with academic departments, career services, and external organizations to provide comprehensive and cohesive support.
- Monitoring and Reporting: Maintain accurate and timely records of coaching sessions, progress reviews, and outcomes. Track and report on key metrics, including progression rates, career aspirations, and challenges faced by students and alumni.
What Experience/Skills are required:
- Essential:
- Flexibility: High degree of working flexibility is required for some evening and weekend working.
- Qualifications: A degree in Careers Guidance, Education, Human Resources, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- Experience: Proven experience in coaching, career guidance, or a related role. Demonstrated success in supporting diverse groups, including mature students and individuals from widening participation backgrounds. Experience in career planning, goal-setting, and job market navigation.
- Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with students and graduates. Excellent organizational skills, capable of managing multiple caseloads and meeting deadlines. Knowledge of industry trends, labour market insights, and educational pathways.
- Personal Attributes: Empathetic and proactive approach to student support and career coaching. Resilient and adaptable, capable of handling complex challenges in a dynamic environment.
- Desirable: Certification in coaching, career guidance, or employability services is advantageous.
What We Offer:
- 25 days annual leave, plus 8 public holidays
- 1-day extra leave per year of service, up to a maximum of 5 days
- Workplace pension scheme
- Tuition reimbursement for career development courses
- Flexible Benefits: Cycle to Work, Workplace Nursery, Techscheme and much more
- Perks@Work discounts platform, wellbeing centre and much more
- Reward and recognition programme
- £500 award employee referral scheme
- Discretionary annual performance bonus
GBS supported my development by enrolling me in an external Leadership and Management course, which equipped me with the tools to drive my team towards continued growth and success. Before joining GBS, I did not envision myself as a manager, but I have now found my passion in leadership. — Ebony Bates (Professional Services Employee)
Careers Consultant (Birmingham) employer: GBS UK
At GBS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment in Birmingham that fosters personal and professional growth. Our commitment to employee development is evident through our comprehensive benefits package, including tuition reimbursement for career advancement, flexible working options, and a robust reward and recognition programme. Join us in our mission to change lives through education, where your contributions directly impact the success of our students and graduates.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Careers Consultant (Birmingham)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in your industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to alumni or professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills! Grab a mate and do some mock interviews. Focus on common questions and your personal experiences. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine in front of potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach for each application. Research the company and role, and think about how your skills align with their needs. This shows that you’re genuinely interested and not just sending out cookie-cutter applications.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to leverage our Careers Hub! We’ve got loads of resources to help you with job applications, CV building, and even interview prep. Make sure to check it out on our website and get the support you need to land that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Careers Consultant (Birmingham)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Careers Consultant role. Highlight your coaching experience and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how you can help students navigate their career paths!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for supporting students and how your background aligns with our mission at GBS. Let us know why you're excited about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your interpersonal and communication skills. We’re looking for someone who can build trust with students, so give us examples of how you've done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at GBS UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into GBS and its mission. Understand their approach to employability and entrepreneurship, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision of changing lives through education.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Skills
Prepare examples from your past where you've successfully coached or guided individuals. Highlight your ability to build rapport and trust, as this is crucial for a Careers Consultant role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think of scenarios where you had to address challenges faced by students or graduates and how you provided tailored solutions.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the collaboration with the Employer Engagement Team or how they measure success in student progression. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
