Get connected, learn, and develop with the support of the Careers and Employability Team – making the most of your time at university and beyond.

Careers and Employability is here for everyone, at any time. Whether you have some ideas for your next steps or not, it’s our job to help you. You can start engaging with us from the moment you arrive, and our support doesn’t end after you graduate!

We are committed to supporting all students – we value the diverse backgrounds and countries our students come from, and the variety of courses you’re studying. From mature students with lots of work experience to those with none; from those studying vocational subjects with a clear career path to those choosing a subject simply because they love it – we’re here for all of you. 

Our Inspiring Futures programme is available to students from under-represented groups who may need additional support or access to activities.

We don’t just offer information, advice, and guidance – we have four teams within Careers and Employability, all committed to supporting you every step of the way.

Where are we located?

We have a full-time office at Exton Park. Our curriculum delivery can take place on any site. Many students still find it convenient to access us remotely, and we are flexible in how we deliver our services to ensure you can get the support you need in the way that suits you best.

Further info

Don’t forget to follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news and events:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Are you thinking of starting your own business, going freelance, or taking your side hustle to the next level?

The Venture Programme is here to help you grow the skills, confidence, and connections needed to work freelance or become your own boss.

Through events, workshops, and one-to-one mentoring with industry experts, you’ll learn what it takes to turn ideas into action and meet people who are just as driven as you. Take a look at some start-up stories from students and graduates who have been through the programme and successfully launched their own businesses.

You may not have a business idea just yet and want to explore the different aspects of starting up, or you may already be running a business and wish to hone and develop key skills. It doesn’t matter what stage you’re at – you can still get involved.

If you’re ready to take your idea further, our annual Venture Pitch Event gives you the chance to compete for a share of funding and business prizes to kickstart your journey.

What type of support can I access?

The Venture Programme offers a series of events, online resources, and one-to-one guidance designed to support you in starting your own business, beginning your freelancing journey, or developing your entrepreneurial skills. Whatever stage you’re at, we can help!

Venture sessions cover a wide range of topics, including:

• Introduction to Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
• Starting with an Idea
• Building on an Idea
• Developing Your Skills
• Preparing for Launch

All sessions are delivered by entrepreneurs, industry experts, and business consultants and coaches.

What businesses have started from the Venture Programme?

Whatever your business idea, you can benefit from the Venture Programme. Over the past 10 years, businesses in a wide range of sectors have taken part, including:

• Photography
• Animal Care
• Food Manufacture
• Wheelchair Design
• Illustration
• PR
• Custom Clothing

You can check out a selection of the businesses we’ve supported through the Venture Programme here.

How many sessions do I have to attend?

It’s completely up to you. Some students choose to attend all sessions because they want support across all areas, while others attend only those relevant to their current stage.

You can join the Venture Programme at any time and create a bespoke package tailored to your needs.

How do I get involved?

• For events and sessions, book via CareerHub  here.
• To chat about the programme or your business idea, book an appointment  here.
• If you’ve missed a session, you can view all online resources here.

What else do I need to know?

• Venture is open to students and graduates of the University of Chester.
• Venture is for students of any course – it’s not just for Business students.

What’s The Venture Pitch?

At the end of the year, we hold a ‘Dragon’s Den’-style pitch event. If you’ve attended 12 hours of Venture sessions, have a valid business idea, and want to pitch, you can apply.

Ten selected businesses will pitch to a panel of judges for a share of £5,000 in start-up funding and over £7,000 in business prizes, including a website, business grants, iPads, office space, and business coaching to help you launch your business.

Over the past ten years, we’ve awarded over £60,000 to student start-ups and freelancers.

Click here to check out highlights of the previous event, including a full list of all the winners.

What is the Student Ambassador scheme?

If you’ve heard of the Student Ambassador scheme but have more questions than answers, you’re in the right place. Becoming a Student Ambassador is rewarding, varied and – you might be pleased to hear – paid!

As a Student Ambassador, you represent and promote the University to prospective students showcasing all we have to offer here at Chester. By sharing your knowledge and own experience of life at Chester, you help the next cohort of students to apply to university as prepared as possible.

You can probably remember how choosing the right university can feel overwhelming. This is where Student Ambassadors really step in; by connecting with visitors and answering their queries, you can help make prospective students feel at ease and informed in their university decision making process.

The great thing about the scheme is that not only is it paid, it can also fit flexibly around your studies.

What does a Student Ambassador do?

The role of a Student Ambassador is varied – there’s so much you can get involved in! There are three core aspects: Events, Academic, and Content Creation.

The main events at the University are Open Days and Applicant Days and during these Student Ambassadors can lead campus tours, signpost visitors, or provide guided tours of the accommodation options available. There are also smaller events such as campus tour days throughout the year and occasionally even the opportunity to travel to HE fairs across the country!

You could also be supporting academics at these events by acting as a course advocate and sharing your learning experience, taking part in presentations and talks or just generally chatting to prospective students.

If you’re a social media whizz or a dab hand at writing, you can be involved in the digital content creation side of things! From creating informative blogs to TikToks or even Instagram takeovers, there are tonnes of jobs to get involved with from our digital team!

You can also get involved with our Unibuddy site, where you can answer questions from prospective students from across the world!

What are the benefits of being a Student Ambassador?

University isn’t just about a degree – it’s about getting involved with new things and building your skills. Being a student ambassador is the perfect opportunity to focus on self-development and employability skills.

Competitive Pay: Earn while you learn

Flexible Hours: Fit shifts around your schedule

Skill Development: Improve communication, teamwork and confidence

CV Boost: Gain experience that stands out to employers

Variety of Roles: Get involved in events like Open Days, support academic staff, and create digital content such as blogs and TikToks

Meet New Friends: Connect and work with fellow students

Full Training Provided: Feel confident and prepared in your role

Make a Difference: Share your student experience and represent your course to future students

Why not check out Yana’s blog about her experience of being a Student Ambassador and watch this short video where Student Ambassador Dallas talks about the different aspects of the role, to give you a further insight into what you can expect from the role!

How to get involved

If you’re eager to embark upon the Student Ambassador scheme and excited to make an impact on prospective students, we’d love to have you on board! Rest assured we provide training before you start so you feel confident and prepared in your new role.

Please note – recruitment for Student Ambassadors only takes place at certain points throughout the year. Keep an eye on CareerHub for the latest vacancies.

Chester Students’ Union (CSU) is an independent organisation focused on helping students to love their student life, and have a strong voice during their time at the University of Chester. While we’re independent, we work closely with the University and have great knowledge of its policies and processes, which means we can provide you with support and representation on a wide range of issues, from social opportunities to academic struggles and disciplinary issues.

We are led by a full-time elected officer team, governed by a Trustee Board, overseen by Student Council, and the services are delivered by our professional staff team.

We serve every single student at the University of Chester, regardless of your campus.

We have four key services that drive everything we do:

• Voice – represent your views on student experience
• Opportunities – join a society and run events!
• Democracy – become one of our officers
• Advice – seek free and independent advice

Now you know a bit more about us, come and get involved! Whether it’s joining a society, attending one of our events, or representing your course – there are so many ways to engage with your student community.

Be sure to check out our website for all the information you need and follow us on social media!

Keep Connected

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Website

The Disability and Inclusion team are here to support any student who tells us they have a disability; you can do that at any time during your studies.  

You might not think of yourself as disabled, but if you have a condition that affects your day-to-day life, even temporarily, you could be entitled to support.  

Appointments can take place over the telephone, MS Teams, or in person at some sites.   

Advice will vary depending on your situation but will always be guided by you and tailored to your needs.  

All of this support is available free of charge to all students at the University.  
 

We support students with: 

• Mental health conditions (like anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD or eating disorders) 

• Specific Learning Differences (like dyslexia, dyspraxia, or ADHD) 

• Autism or other communication differences 

• Neurodiversity  

• Physical disabilities or mobility issues 

• Blindness or serious sight problems (not fixed by glasses) 

• Deafness or serious hearing loss 

• Long-term health conditions (like cancer, HIV, diabetes, epilepsy, or heart disease) 

• Any condition that meets the Equality Act definition 

• Temporary injuries or conditions (like a broken arm) 

We offer information, advice and guidance on a range of areas, examples include: 

• Reasonable adjustments and support during your studies 

• Obtaining suitable supporting evidence 

• Creating Inclusion Plans 

• Exam arrangements or provision of Support Workers 

• Academic Skills Tutors to talk through Educational Psychologist reports 

Funding Support: 

• DSA (Disabled Students’ Allowance) is a grant for UK students. It helps pay for things like equipment, software, or one-to-one support. It’s not based on income and doesn’t need to be paid back. 

• ESFA funding is similar support for Apprenticeship students. 

• If you’re not eligible for DSA or ESFA (like some international students), we still support you. 

We recognise that managing a disability whilst being a student can be challenging and want you to know that support is available if you need it, here is more information about our Wellbeing and Mental Health team. 

Our Student Assistance Programme is extra support available to all students, alongside what the University already offers. You can get free, confidential help 24/7, every day of the year – just call 0800 028 3766.  

Contact us  

To find out more, or ask about booking an appointment, please email our Student Services Helpdesk at studentservices@chester.ac.uk or call 01244 511550. Opening hours are Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm, Friday 9am to 4pm.   

More information can be found on our Disability and Inclusion pages.