We are extremely proud of our employability support. By preparing students to be career-ready, as well as earn their globally ranked university degree, we help open up a world of employment and entrepreneurship once they graduate.
We have a strong reputation for producing top graduate talent as students start their employment journey with leading firms. Many will start their own businesses, with 42% expressing an interest in entrepreneurship. Our Successful Futures programme encourages students to reflect on their skills throughout their studies and through real-world experience. And partnerships with respected and well-known employers guarantee employability opportunities for students.
Global 'Top 110' best university for employability
UK's #15 university for graduate prospects
UK's #10 university targeted by top employers
Research shows that the more students plan their careers during their time at university, the more likely it is they will get a graduate-level job or move into further study. As a result, each programme at the university has employability awareness and development embedded through an approach that we call Successful Futures.
The Successful Futures approach delivers a uniquely Southampton skills model through both an online self-assessment and a personalised employability and enterprise learner journey. Through it, among other, we focus on equal access to careers education and on preparing students for lifelong learning by empowering them to identify, reflect on and develop their employability and enterprise skills.
The University of Southampton skills model comprises 14 skills which have been identified by research with employers, academic colleagues, students and graduates as key skills graduate recruiters want. All our degree programmes have been mapped against the skills model.
Each student undertakes a skills self-assessment online at start of their journey with the university and on an annual basis thereafter. This digital resource was developed using global recruitment data and is designed to encourage students to explore career ideas, consider their career choices, reflect on skills gained and signpost opportunities for skills development. We believe that if students have awareness of what skills employers want for their career choice, which skills they are developing in their course and where they can find opportunities to develop skills further, they will be better prepared for a graduate recruitment market that places increasing emphasis on skills rather than simply on qualifications.
We support students to:-
So that when engaging with employers students will:-
University of Southampton has a long and proud tradition of seeing graduates start successful careers in India and worldwide locations, with globally recognised companies in a variety of market sectors. We have been proud to empower our graduates to join these top names over recent years:-
Our curricula incorporate global perspectives through case studies, projects, and literature. Internships, placements and career guidance are extensive, recognising their importance to students and families. We seek the same qualities in all our campuses regardless of location - academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, strong ethical values, and a willingness to tackle global challenges. We value students who have an international outlook and an open mind, since we are shaping future global leaders.
