How CareersPlus has prepared me for life after uni

Undergraduate student, Kyla, shares how she has utilised the CareersPlus services at WBS.

CareersPlus has played an important role in helping me build confidence in my career and feel more prepared for life after university.

One of the first tools I used from the CareersPlus services was VMock, an AI‑powered platform available through WBS. Before uploading my CV, I felt it was already strong, but VMock highlighted areas that could be improved, particularly around clarity and impact. What stood out to me most was the way the platform encourages tailoring your CV to specific roles. Being able to match my experience more closely to job descriptions made the application process feel less overwhelming and more manageable, especially with so many applications to get through.

After using VMock, I booked a one‑to‑one appointment with a career’s adviser through myAdvantage. Talking through my CV with someone helped me understand not just what needed changing, but why. The adviser also helped me think about how to explain my experiences in interviews, which gave me more confidence when discussing my skills with employers.

I also used careers appointments for long‑term planning. I was considering applying for a master’s degree and an international scholarship, but I felt unsure about the process, particularly around letters of recommendation and differences between university application systems. The careers team supported me by breaking everything down clearly, sharing relevant resources, and even connecting me with a member of the admissions team from the university I was interested in. This made the process feel far less intimidating and helped me approach it with more clarity.

There were also times when I felt unsure about which career path I wanted to take. Instead of pushing me towards a specific route, the careers advisers reassured me that it is okay not to have everything figured out. They helped me explore different options, recommended useful career‑planning resources, and suggested reflective tools such as strengths and personality‑based assessments, which encouraged me to think more carefully about what might suit me in the long term.

One of the most memorable experiences I had through CareersPlus was attending a careers bootcamp in Birmingham with the company Rund. During the bootcamp, we learnt more about the company and the sector they operate in, and worked through case‑based tasks as a group. It was also a wonderful opportunity to ask questions, gain a better understanding of the industry, and network with professionals in a more relaxed and informal setting.

Outside of appointments and events, I regularly use the CareersPlus page on my.WBS to explore opportunities and prepare for next steps. Having everything easily accessible has helped me feel more organised when approaching applications, making the process far more manageable and less rushed.

The weekly Thursday drop‑in sessions have also been particularly helpful. Knowing that I can speak to someone quickly when a question comes up has been reassuring, especially during busy periods. Having that consistent access to support has made career planning feel less isolating.

Overall, my experience with the WBS CareersPlus team has been genuinely positive. From practical tools and personalised guidance to opportunities like bootcamps and ongoing drop‑in support, their services have helped me feel more confident and informed about my future. Making use of CareersPlus earlier and more consistently has shown me that career development is not just about securing a role, but about understanding yourself and your options along the way.