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The Graduate Advancement Placement (GAP) is a great opportunity to apply for a paid placement at the University of Bedfordshire, providing you with the opportunity to develop knowledge, skills and experience to enhance your career.

In order to replicate a typical graduate recruitment process we require graduates to apply for Graduate Advancement Placements, and if shortlisted, to attend a panel interview.

As part of the application process you will be asked to submit an updated copy of your CV tailored to the placement you are applying for and a covering letter.

This recruitment process is not designed to be intimidating; instead, it is a great opportunity to practice what it is like to apply for graduate jobs in a safe and supportive environment.

We have put together a range of resources to support you with your application. You will need to sign in to Handshake to access these resources - find out how to access Handshake as a graduate if you no longer have access to your @study.beds.ac.uk account and have not yet set up your graduate profile.

• Writing a Winning CV and Covering Letter PDF Guide
• Understanding and Evidencing your Skills PDF Guide

We also have some interactive journeys that will guide you through writing and checking your CV and preparing for and practicing interviews. Access these journeys on Handshake

We strongly recommend that you make use of these journeys to maximise your chances of success.

If you would like additional support please email careers@beds.ac.uk or call 01582 489 293, and a member of the Careers Team will be happy to discuss how we can support you.

Find out more about what graduates who have previously completed a Graduate Advancement Placement (GAP) have progressed to do and how the GAP supported them in their career journey.

Ritika Sharma, Graduate Advancement Placement 2020/21

Why did you apply for a Graduate Advancement Placement?

I applied to GAP because the Access and Participation role which I applied for seemed very appealing to me! It linked very well with my ethics and degree, and I knew this would be perfect for me as it would allow me to make a positive difference at the university I graduated from.

I also wanted to gain some experience of what it would be like to work in an office environment, which would equip me to gain transferable skills I needed for future employment. Lastly, during my three years at university I created an unbreakable bond with the university and wanted a role which would connect me with the students, staff, and atmosphere at the university after graduating.

What was your Graduate Advancement Placement?

Access and Participation Co-coordinator at Centre for Learning for Excellence.

How did your Graduate Advancement Placement support your career development?

I developed my communication, interpersonal and leadership skills whilst working on different projects during the GAP placement where I successfully worked with colleagues with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas to achieve common goals.

From this I gained greater knowledge about higher education and how to enhance the student experience. Whilst working on the PASS project I was inspired and empowered to pursue a Master’s in Education, which led me to apply for graduate schemes and other access and participation roles, which made me realise my passion for EDI and improving the student experience. I also benefited from the employability workshops from the GAP project team.

What are you doing now – following your Graduate Advancement Placement?

All thanks to GAP! I gained a range of experiences, skills, and knowledge throughout. I went onto volunteer for the Tibbs Dementia Foundation, where I project managed two events and raised over £3000, which sparked an interest for the not-for-profit sector. This then led me to apply for the Charityworks Graduate Programme, where I successfully secured a place on the programme as a HR and Governance trainee at Climate Group.

I am also continuing to work at the university as a Student Experience Leader, to champion the student voice and implement curricular and co-/extra-curricular projects, which facilitate the enhancement of student success and satisfaction.

Ishtiyaaq Ahmed, Graduate Advancement Placement 2020/21

Why did you apply for a Graduate Advancement Placement?

I initially wanted to take a different route in terms of my career but changed my mind. I then came across GAP, which had various different roles that I thought can help find a new career path for me as I was unsure on what to pursue at the time.

What was your Graduate Advancement Placement?

Recruitment Advisor in the Careers and Employability team.

How did your Graduate Advancement Placement support your career development?

GAP has opened new avenues for me, where I have gained skills and experiences, which has ultimately aided me in gaining my current position working at the University of Bedfordshire. I now have longer term plans for development thanks to the support I had during GAP.

What are you doing now – following your Graduate Advancement Placement?

I am currently working at the University of Bedfordshire as an International Admissions Assistant.

Katy Lelliot, Graduate Advancement Placement 2021/22

Why did you apply for a Graduate Advancement Placement?

I applied for a role on the GAP scheme as I wanted to further develop my employability and communication skills. I thought this was a great opportunity to learn from the team I was working within on my GAP placement and also benefit from the wisdom of the Careers and Employability team.

What was your Graduate Advancement Placement?

My GAP placement was as a Multimedia Assistant within the University’s Communications Team. My daily responsibilities included researching and drafting press releases, designing and creating multimedia visual assets, assisting with social media content, and working across corporate events delivery within the University.

How did your Graduate Advancement Placement support your career development?

The GAP placement helped my career development endlessly. It gave me new skills and a new confidence in myself and my abilities. The GAP placement provided a safe space to enhance many skills that are essential for my career, such as communication and team collaboration. The support provided by the GAP team was also invaluable and I felt comfortable and able to approach them about anything I needed assistance with, or even if I just had any questions or wanted advice about my career ambitions going forward. They were fantastic at pushing me out of my comfort zone to try new things within my role and this really helped to increase my confidence.

What are you doing now – following your Graduate Advancement Placement?

I am actually now still working within the University’s Communications team in the full-time role of Communications Assistant (Press & Events). I absolutely love my job and the fantastic team that I work within, all of whom I am still learning so much from every day. I wouldn’t have been able to secure this role without the support and encouragement of the GAP team, who were on hand to help me with interview preparation and advice. I’m very grateful to the GAP team for helping me develop those skills that are now a crucial part of my everyday role.

Priya Salzbrunn, Graduate Advancement Placement 2022/23

Why did you apply for a Graduate Advancement Placement?

After I graduated, I decided to take a break for 6 months. I received an email one day about the graduate advancement programme and was intrigued to apply for the roles. I thought now was a great chance for me to start to build on my career development and learn new skills for the future. The process was very easy and there is lots of guidance and support from the careers team along the way.

What was your Graduate Advancement Placement?

I worked as Student Experience Project Assistant. During the first few months I helped the student experience team by visiting workshops across the university to do shout outs to promote the NSS, along with a promotional event. Moreover, I was given opportunities to liaise my ideas with the Student Experience Projects Team and help introduce new initiatives.

How did your Graduate Advancement Placement support your career development?

The graduate programme is an amazing way graduates of the University of Bedfordshire can use their skills and knowledge to take their first step into their career development.

I really enjoyed the sessions arranged by the GAP Project Team, I got to learn so much from them, they are absolutely incredible! We got the opportunity to ask questions about a recruitment process, and different ways to write applications, one thing I will always remember is how important it is to use the STAR method when applying for jobs and I also got to meet fellow GAP peers on this programme. Furthermore, I was fortunate to have such an amazing Careers Mentor, who helped me to apply for my preferred job and I successfully got accepted there.

What are you doing now – following your Graduate Advancement Placement?

I am currently in the process of starting a new role, which I really could not have done without the support of an incredible team. I would 1000% recommend the GAP programme to all graduates who are unsure of what to do after they graduate!! It's such an incredible experience and you get to learn so much while you earn!