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 growth and flexibility.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by guiding them to successful careers.
- 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. 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.
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 (Hockley) employer: GBS UK
At GBS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment in Birmingham. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored professional development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement for career advancement courses and a robust reward and recognition programme. With a focus on changing lives through education, our culture fosters collaboration and innovation, ensuring that our Careers Consultants can make a meaningful impact on students' futures while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Careers Consultant (Hockley)
✨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 makes perfect! Before any interview, do some mock interviews with friends or mentors. 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
Tailor your approach! When applying for jobs, make sure to customise your pitch for each role. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position. This shows employers that 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 for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that can leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Careers Consultant (Hockley)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Careers Consultant role. Highlight relevant experience in coaching and career guidance, and don’t forget to showcase your interpersonal skills. We want to see how you can connect with students and help them succeed!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about supporting students in their career journeys. Share specific examples of how you've helped others navigate their career paths, and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Flexibility:Since the role requires some evening and weekend work, make sure to mention your flexibility in your application. We appreciate candidates who are adaptable and ready to meet the needs of our students whenever they arise.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows 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 and how they align with your experience. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've supported students or graduates in their career journeys.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Skills
Since the role involves personalised coaching, prepare to demonstrate your coaching style. Think of scenarios where you’ve successfully guided someone through a career challenge. Highlight your ability to build rapport and trust, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Stay Updated on Industry Trends
Make sure you're clued up on current job market insights and industry trends relevant to the sectors GBS operates in. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in helping students navigate their career paths.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the team dynamics, the tools used for career planning, or how success is measured in the role. It shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
