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: Leeds (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. Students gain practical experience in CV building, networking, and real job applications, including tools like ChatGPT.
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 (Headingley) employer: GBS UK
GBS is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth and wellbeing of its employees, offering a supportive work culture in Leeds. With a commitment to changing lives through education, GBS provides extensive benefits including generous annual leave, flexible working options, and opportunities for career development through tuition reimbursement and leadership courses. Employees are encouraged to thrive in their roles, making a meaningful impact on students' career journeys while enjoying a collaborative and dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Careers Consultant (Headingley)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in your field. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before any interview, do some mock interviews with friends or family. This will help you get comfortable with common questions and refine your answers. Plus, it’s a great way to boost your confidence!
✨Tip Number 3
Research is key! Dive deep into the companies you’re applying to. Understand their values, culture, and recent news. This knowledge will not only impress interviewers but also help you decide if they’re the right fit for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After an interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation. It shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in their minds. And hey, it’s a nice touch that can set you apart from other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Careers Consultant (Headingley)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Careers Consultant role. Highlight your relevant experience in coaching and career guidance, and show how you can help students navigate their career paths.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your strong interpersonal and communication skills. We want to see how you build trust and rapport with students, so share examples of how you've done this in the past.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value an empathetic and proactive approach, so share your passion for supporting students and helping them overcome challenges.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quicker!
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 and how they align with your experience. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past that showcase your coaching skills and understanding of career planning.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
This role requires a proactive and empathetic approach to student support. Prepare to share stories that highlight your ability to connect with diverse groups and address their unique challenges. Demonstrating your understanding of different backgrounds will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Stay Current on Industry Trends
Make sure you’re up-to-date with the latest job market insights and educational pathways. Bring this knowledge into the conversation by discussing how you can help students navigate these trends. This shows that you’re not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in their success.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the department's goals, the tools they use for coaching, or how they measure success. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
