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What Can I Do With My Degree?

In the UK, there are numerous career opportunities available to graduates from any degree, so your options may be wider than you realise. This section provides information about researching, choosing and planning a career. 

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  • Career planning

    Start by reading our Career Research and Planning pages for your subject area. This covers how to explore your options, how to decide on a suitable career, and how to go about planning the steps necessary to achieve your goals. 

    To access Career Research and Planning, click on your subject tab here.

    Using and building your networks can also be an effective career planning strategy. For more information click here. 

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  • Working for yourself

    Interested in running your own business? You're in the right place!  

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    The UK is a vibrant hub for innovation, and Cumbria is the perfect launchpad for your entrepreneurial journey. Under the UK’s Student visa scheme, international students are not permitted to be self-employed, freelance or own a business, however you can make the most of your time at University of Cumbria to develop entrepreneurial skills and experience while staying within visa regulations. Here are several student-visa friendly options: 

    • Join or Lead University Societies or Clubs 
      Running a society can simulate real business experience - budgeting, marketing, event planning, and managing a team all build transferable skills relevant to self-employment. 
    • Develop a Portfolio or Personal Brand 
      Create content, write blogs, design a website, or grow your LinkedIn presence. While you can’t charge for services, building a portfolio of your work is a strong step toward future self-employment once your visa allows it. 
    • Collaborate on University Projects or Research 
       Many academic or enterprise departments offer opportunities to work on real-world projects. This is great for learning how to manage deliverables, timelines, and professional collaboration. 
    •  Attend Workshops, Bootcamps, and Seminars 
    • Take advantage of enterprise or startup training offered by the university. These are often designed to develop entrepreneurial thinking, innovation, and planning skills - all vital for future business ventures. 
    • Network with Entrepreneurs and Alumni 
      Connect with others through university enterprise events or platforms like LinkedIn. Building a network now can introduce opportunities for mentorship or collaboration later. 

     Upon completion of your studies, you may be eligible for an Innovator Founder visa which will allow you to remain in the UK and put your hard work into action! 

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