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, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by guiding them to successful careers.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and experience in coaching or career guidance.
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 (Aston) employer: GBS UK
At GBS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Located in Birmingham, our Careers Consultant role provides the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, flexible working options, and professional development opportunities. Join us in our mission to change lives through education and be part of a team that values collaboration, innovation, and personal success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Careers Consultant (Aston)
✨Tip Number 1
Networking is key! Get out there and connect with people in your desired industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before any interview, do a mock session with a friend or use our resources to prepare. Focus on common questions and your personal story. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! When applying for jobs, make sure to customise your pitch for each role. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that match the job description. This shows employers you’re genuinely interested and have done your homework.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After an interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the position. It’s a simple gesture that can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Careers Consultant (Aston)
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 support students and graduates in their career journeys!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for helping others succeed and how your background aligns with our vision of changing lives through education. Let us know why you're the perfect fit for GBS!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your interpersonal and communication skills. We’re looking for someone who can build trust and rapport with students, so give us examples of how you've done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at GBS!
How to prepare for a job interview at GBS UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the role of a Careers Consultant. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities like personalised coaching and career planning. Understanding the specific needs of students and graduates will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in helping them succeed.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in coaching or career guidance. Prepare examples of how you've supported diverse groups and helped individuals overcome barriers to employment. This will highlight your ability to connect with students and provide tailored solutions.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the Employability and Entrepreneurship Department and how they collaborate with other teams. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility
Since the role requires flexibility, be prepared to discuss how you've adapted to changing circumstances in past roles. Share examples of how you've managed multiple caseloads or worked outside of standard hours to meet student needs. This will reassure them that you're ready for the dynamic environment at GBS.
