University of Surrey
Researcher Careers & Employability Consultant

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The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research.
We are ambitious and have a bold vision of what we want to achieve - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee.
Our culture empowers people to achieve this aim and to collectively, and individually, make a real difference.
The role
The University of Surrey places the support and development of researchers at the heart of our research strategy. The Doctoral College team at the University provides a broad range of personal and professional development opportunities for PGRs, working with internal and external stakeholders to create sector-leading learning opportunities and the optimal research culture in which to build and launch a stellar career.
To support this ambition, we are seeking a part-time (0.5 FTE) Researcher Careers and Employability Consultant to enhance our Researcher Development and Employability team.
We are seeking someone who is creative and has exceptional planning, organisational and interpersonal skills to help shape and deliver a programme of careers and employability support for our PGR community.
Key Responsibilities Will Include
- Identifying and designing careers and employability content for the Researcher Development and Employability Programme, including workshops, e-learning and other modes of delivery such as webinars and podcasts to enable participants to meet these learning outcomes.
- Empowering PGRs through one-to-one careers advice, workshops and presentations to stimulate early consideration of career options and employability skills and to enable them to take responsibility for their own professional development. Successfully supporting them in making effective and appropriate career choices and making successful transitions.
- Facilitating specific professional skills events and activities, including coordinating events with alumni and employers.
- Liaising with employers to understand their requirements and selection procedures and to promote Surrey PGRs to them.
- Contributing to the development of appropriate careers and employability information resources to enhance the Doctoral College’s website and SharePoint.
- Keeping abreast of appropriate career pathways for PGRs, including self-employment and business start-up, as well as keeping up to date with developments within the skills and employability agendas.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
About You
The successful applicant will have a suitable qualification in careers guidance, a number of years' experience supporting students, and ideally a good understanding of the employment market for PGRs, and will be encouraged to bring a highly professional, proactive, and collaborative approach to the role, with strong communication and stakeholder engagement. You will join a collegiate team, with support to enhance your own professional development.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
If you have a passion for providing careers guidance, understand the context and challenges of postgraduate research studies, and enjoy working with postgraduate researchers to support their development and understanding, then we would welcome your application for this key role in our team.
We appreciate that sometimes people can be put off applying if they do not match every requirement. However, if you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we would welcome your application. If you are unsure whether this role is right for you, please contact us for an informal conversation.
How to apply
Please apply on the University website including a CV and covering letter detailing your reasons for applying and demonstrating how you meet the essential requirements outlined above and in the role profile.
For informal enquiries relating to the role, please contact Dr Ruan Elliott, Dean Doctoral College - (r.m.elliott@surrey.ac.uk)
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