Employability at UON
When I first came to the University of Northampton (UON), I assumed university would mostly be about studying, lectures and essays.
But one of the things I quickly learned is that UON doesn’t just help you learn; it helps you get a job.
From the very beginning, the university embeds employability into your experience, so you graduate ready for the real world.
The Employment Promise
One of the standout initiatives here is The Northampton Employment Promise. This isn’t just a slogan; it is a guarantee for eligible students that if you graduate and haven’t secured employment within six months, UON will step in with dedicated support and even a paid internship opportunity to help you get back on track. If you’re still looking for work after six months of targeted support with a Careers Employability Partner, the university can connect you with a paid internship to boost your experience and CV, giving you a real advantage in the competitive job market.
Student Futures
Right at the heart of all this support is Student Futures, and they’ve become my go-to place for career help. Situated on the ground floor of the Learning Hub, Student Futures offers everything you need to start building your career. They help you tailor your CV to specific jobs, write strong cover letters, and even give personalised advice on where to find the best internship and graduate job opportunities. They also have career coaches who can guide you through your options, help you identify your strengths, and prepare you for interviews basically everything you need to feel confident in your job hunt. Whether it’s a quick drop-in or a structured one-to-one session, the team here supports you step-by-step.
Part-time Jobs
While you’re studying, UON also makes it easy to earn and gain experience at the same time. The university provides part-time job opportunities through a service called Unitemps, which acts as an on-campus recruitment agency. Through Unitemps, students can apply for roles like Student Ambassador, Student Influencer, or catering positions around campus. As a Student Ambassador, you might give campus tours, help on open days, and support marketing events all flexible around your timetable. As a Student Influencer, you could create vlogs or write blogs for the university, which looks great on your CV. On the catering side, you can work in the university’s kitchens or food areas, earning while you learn. These roles not only help cover living costs; they give you practical skills like communication, teamwork, and professionalism that future employers value.
Career-Focused University
Beyond part-time work, many courses at UON are career-focused, with real industry connections built into lectures, workshops, and project work. There are also plenty of placements and internships, including options for a full placement year in industry for certain degrees. This means you can spend a whole year working in a company related to your field, gaining experience and networking before you even graduate from something that makes your CV stand out massively. There are also shorter internships, work placements, volunteering, and employer events like the Student Futures Careers Expo, where you can meet recruiters face-to-face.
In short, UON doesn’t leave your career by chance. From the Employment Promise to Student Futures’ support, Unitemps jobs, and industry placements, the university truly helps you get a job not just a degree.
Find out more about UON supports students with career advice and guidance by visiting our Student Futures page and visiting an Open Day.
