Jobs and careers

Sheffield is a thriving city with creation and collaboration at its centre. You’ll find lots of opportunities to earn and develop alongside your studies, and don’t be surprised if you decide to stay on and build your career in the region too.

Engineering student looking at jet engine
Off

Outside of the classroom, you’ll find yourself in a city full of opportunity. As a major city with an innovative ethos, there’s lots of ways to take advantage of volunteering, work and internship options.

Many students choose to work part-time during their studies, or during holiday periods, to boost their skills, meet new people and earn money. We’re home to everything from major companies and successful independents, making it possible to find part-time work* suited to you. 

Sheffield has benefitted from major investment and development in the past decade and is now a major city where businesses thrive. This means there are lots of opportunities for you to get ahead in exciting industries, and you may be able to take on work experience whilst you study.

This includes digital SMEs, independent producers, community projects, FTSE 100 giants and large public sector organisations. Our engineering and manufacturing industries are among the best in the country, and our creative and digital industries sector is thriving.

Many of our students also grow their skills, confidence and community connections through volunteering. This is a great way to give back to your local community and learn the kind of skills that make a big impact to people’s lives. Roles range from helping at community allotments to supporting mental health charities, and can be found on the Sheffield Volunteering website.

In addition to working for my academic departments and the Global Engagement team as a Student Ambassador, perhaps the most exciting opportunity I had was to do a summer internship. I first did a 100-hour internship as a marketing officer for a Sheffield-based not-for-profit. I felt very supported while doing my internships, both by my academic supervisor, my manager and by the University.

Andreea Huidan

Politics and Philosophy

* If you are an international student, you need to check the terms of your student visa before taking on any part-time work.

A great place for a career after studying

As you settle into Sheffield and start thinking about your future, you’ll find many ways to build your skills and put down roots. We’re proud that many of our students fall in love with Sheffield and decide to stay here, building their careers in the region.

Graduates in the city

Sheffield graduate Tom Buckland

Using writing skills to adapt TV and movie content

Tom Buckland BA Journalism and MA Creative Writing

Tom studied a BA in Journalism Studies, and an MA in Creative Writing at the University of Sheffield and after graduating in 2020 now works for Zoo Digital.
Rory Jones

From chemistry to software development

Rory Jones BSc Chemistry

Rory graduated with a first class BSc Chemistry degree, and now uses data driven decisions to help guide software product-development, working as a Product Manager at Sheffield-based Ed-Tech start-up Tutorful.
Conductor of orchestra

Say yes to every music making opportunity you can while at university, even if it’s something a little out of your comfort zone

George Morton BMus Music, MMus Composition and Performance

Our degrees and activities attract students who are interested in an eclectic mix of music, with many going onto varied careers. George studied the undergraduate BMus music course and went onto study MMus Composition and Performance. He now works as a freelance conductor and orchestrator.
Student Hailey Pottinger stood in front of a brick wall smiling

I've found that employers always value the skills that maths students can bring to a role

Hailey Pottinger Mathematics MMath

After graduating, Hailey joined the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme. The mathematical and problem solving skills Hailey learned during her MMath degree helped her secure her place on the scheme, and management roles in the NHS.
Sheffield graduate, Selina Treuherz in Food Works warehouse

Creating a fair and sustainable food system in Sheffield

Selina Treuherz BA Geography

Selena studied a BA Geography at the University of Sheffield and, after graduating in July 2020, now works for the social enterprise Food Works.

Related information

Careers

Four students laughing while sat at a bench, outside the Students' Union

International Merit Scholarships

We offer a generous package of financial support for international students including 75 undergraduate scholarships worth £10,000 towards the annual tuition fee and 125 postgraduate taught scholarships worth £5,000 towards the tuition fee. Applications are now open for existing offer holders.

Scholarships for international students