Career Zone Podcast

Épisodes

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  Managing challenging workplace situations: Career Support for Graduates 03.08.2026 28min

  In our final episode of our Career Support for Graduate series, Sunny Lalli, Employability and Careers Consultant, continues his conversation with Dr. Hannah Collis, an honorary lecturer in Leadership and Organisational Behaviour in the Exeter Business School, and now academic at the Henley Business School. In this episode they explore strategies to negotiate challenging workplace settings and how to respond to people and scenarios that prevent our thriving. Hannah and Sunny explore ways to cultivate resilience and connections to protect wellbeing and how job crafting can help employees in times of dissatisfaction. Useful links: If you are experiencing significant workplace stress or mental health concerns, do consider speaking with your GP, contacting a mental health professional or reaching out to employee assistant programmes if available in your workplace.  Mental Health Support: Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/  (24/7 helpline: 116 123) Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/  (Infoline: 0300 123 3393) NHS Mental Health Services: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/ Mental Health Foundation: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/ University of Exeter Wellbeing Services: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/wellbeing/  Workplace support and advice: ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service): https://www.acas.org.uk/ Health and Safety Executive (HSE) - Work-related stress: https://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/ Citizen's Advice - Work problems: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/ 
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  Personality dynamics in the workplace: Career Support for graduates 23.07.2026 25min

  In this episode, Sunny Lalli, Employability and Careers Consultant, continues his conversation with Dr. Hannah Collis, an honorary lecturer in Leadership and Organisational Behaviour in the Exeter Business School, and now academic at the Henley Business School. They explore how you can navigate personality dynamics in the workplace and how to integrate into new workplace environments.  Hannah explains the importance of authenticity at work, the natural process of personality transformation during career transitions, and practical strategies for understanding and working with different personality types. Useful Links: University of Exeter Career Zone Help with networking: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/helpwith/helpwithnetworking/ University of Exeter Career Zone Help with self-awareness: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/helpwith/helpwithself-awareness/ University of Exeter Career Zone Help with developing your skills: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/helpwith/helpwithdevelopingyourskills/ University of Exeter LinkedIn alumni tool: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/linkedinalumnitool/ Career Zone podcast episode on the power of mentoring https://open.spotify.com/episode/7eIRTaCzor6ZDugKsi3jnf?si=315cde2d0a974991&nd=1&dlsi=97aad6d673ce4072 
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  From study to work: In conversation with Emma Norman, Learning and Pilots Manager at the University of Exeter 10.07.2026 41min

  In this week’s episode, Dawn Lees is joined by Emma Norman, Learning and Pilots Manager at the university, as she shares her journey through education, her experiences of being neurodivergent, and how she came into her current role.   Emma reflects on navigating school and university before her late ADHD and autism diagnosis. She talks about her experience of teaching  abroad in Spain, how the pandemic prompted her to rethink her future, and how chance opportunities, from a PGCE to Graduate Business Partnerships, led her to a career in curriculum development.
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  Navigating modern workplaces 07.07.2026 30min

  In this episode, Sunny Lalli, Employability and Career Consultant speaks with Dr. Hannah Collis, an honorary lecturer in Leadership and Organisational Behaviour in the Exeter Business School, and now academic at the Henley Business School. Together they discuss navigating the transition from university to diverse and complex workplace environments. Hannah shares insights from her research on modern working arrangements, explaining the differences between hybrid, remote, and in-person work. She discusses the benefits and challenges of each model, offers practical strategies for building relationships and accessing mentoring in virtual settings, and provides essential tips for graduates to thrive in any workplace configuration. The conversation also explores future workplace trends and how students can prepare now for evolving work models. Useful LinksSkills development: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/helpwith/helpwithdevelopingyourskills/  University of Leeds Future of Workplace research: www.leeds.ac.uk/research/research-expertise/future-of-work  World Economic Forum Future of Jobs 2025 Report: https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/digest/ 
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  Field trips: What are they and how can they help you? 24.06.2026 27min

  This week, Dawn Lees is joined by Ewan Woodley, Associate Professor of Geography to explore why stepping outside the seminar room can transform the way you learn. Listen to find out: The skills you gain from field trips, such as real-world observation and teamwork. How field trips can help you to build your confidence and grow as a learner. How you can utilise the skills you develop in job applications and in interviews. How field trips are evolving to be more inclusive and sustainable.
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  Social Enterprise: What is it and how can I get involved? 16.06.2026 11min

  In this week’s episode, Ciaran Stoker-Diver SEAS Faculty Lead, is joined by Barbara, a final year Business Management student and Vice President of Engagement for Enactus at Exeter. Ciaran and Barbara explore what social enterprise means and how students can get involved. Barbara discusses some of the current Enactus projects students are involved with including Biosmart and Oyana. Barbara also discusses the shares the range of skills you can develop through getting involved with social enterprise, including project management, marketing and finance.   Useful links: Enactus Streatham: https://my.exeterguild.com/groups/GYXRW/enactus Enactus Penryn: https://www.thesu.org.uk/organisation/enactus/ Self employment and entrepreneurship page: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/research/explore/selfemployment/ Student Startups: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/centres/entrepreneurship/studentstartups/ 
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  From Graduate to Professional: Navigating the transition from university into work. 10.06.2026 26min

  In this week’s episode, we are joined by recent graduate Lowenna Luke to discuss what it’s really like to transition from university into a graduate level job. Lowenna shares her journey of searching and applying for jobs, offering tips on how to stand out in the recruitment process. We also explore the realities of transitioning into the workplace, including adapting to professional communication, managing deadlines and developing effective time management skills.   Whether you’re approaching graduation or just starting your career, this episode offers valuable insights and honest reflections to help you navigate the shift from student to professional. Useful Links Graduates First - https://www.graduatesfirst.com/university-career-services/business-school-exeter?v=7885444af42e Professional Pathways https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/employability-schemes/professionalpathways/ From Campus to Career sessions (https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/careers/events/from-campus-to-career/) Exeter Award (ex.ac.uk/exeteraward)
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  Introducing China Career Ready 01.06.2026 21min

  In this week’s episode, Simon Allington, Employability and Careers Consultant, is joined by current postgraduate student Gia Yu to discuss career planning across China and the UK. Gia shares her experience of working in China and in the UK and highlights the strengths Chinese students bring to the UK job market. Gia also shares how the China Career Ready programme can help students when making career decisions. Simon is also joined by Chinese Exeter alumni Stefanie and Eva as they share the importance of workplace communication, how they have strengthened their resilience and how they are using AI effectively in the workplace.   China Career Ready is a bespoke programme designed to help Chinese students from any degree programme and any level of study explore their options and receive guidance with career planning. Useful links: China Career Ready - https://business-school.exeter.ac.uk/careers/china-career-ready/  
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  Osmosis in the Workplace: Why Showing Up Still Matters 22.05.2026 6min

  In this week’s episode we explore the power of workplace osmosis, the often invisible learning that happens from being around others. From spontaneous conversations to unplanned collaborations and quick check-ins, we explore why a physical presence still matters in an increasingly digital world. Useful links: Planned Happenstance podcast ( https://pod.fo/e/33a7e9)  Book onto skills sessions including networking skills on My Career Zone.
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  Sophia's PhD Journey, Part 2 14.05.2026 9min

  This week, we catch up with final year PhD student Sophia, to hear how her PhD journey is going. Sophia shares some of her highlights of her studies, the importance of adaptability in research, and the different types of support available to PhD students.   
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  Working in Higher Education: In conversation with Nathan Mayne, Professor of Astrophysics and Planetary Climates. 06.05.2026 53min

  In this week’s episode, Dawn Lees is joined by Professor Nathan Mayne, as he shares his journey from a working class background to a successful career in academia. Nathan explores how he overcame adversity, navigating university life without a roadmap and how he has built a successful career as an academic whilst championing mental health, collaboration and support for current students.  Nathan is a Professor of Astrophysics and Planetary Climates in the Astrophysics Group of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Exeter, U.K, and a UKRI Future Leaders Fellow. He is also the Academic Director of Research Computing Infrastructure for the University of Exeter. Nathan is interested in understanding how climates evolve and how life and the planetary climate systems interact.  Part of the Working in Higher Education mini-series
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  Benny's PhD Journey, Part 2 01.05.2026 12min

  Thinking of doing doctoral research? In this episode, Kate Foster, Employability and Careers Consultant, catches up with Benny, a first year PhD student. Benny shares how his PhD is going and what he is enjoying about studying. Benny also shares the different activities he is involved with including teaching seminars, attending conferences and supporting the Mature Access Pathway programme.     We’ll be catching up with Benny regularly to hear how his PhD journey is going. Follow the Career Zone Podcast to stay up to date with Benny’s experiences, insights and reflections along the way.
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  Risk assessments: What they are and why they matter 26.03.2026 12min

  In this episode we explore what risk assessments are, why they matter and the key skills needed to carry them out effectively. Here we explore how risk assessments play a vital role across a range of graduate careers including engineering, finance, IT and environmental roles. We share advice on how to develop your skills and gain experience, whether through societies, internships or graduate roles. This episode was written by Dawn Lees and recorded by Rachel Sloan. Useful links: Get involved with a Guild or SU or AU society.
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  Top Tips from International Alumni: In conversation with Bhumika and Rutuja. 19.03.2026 29min

  In this episode, Employability and Careers Consultant Joan Wright chats with alumni Bhumika Mathkar and Rutuja Lokare, about their journeys from Mumbai to studying masters degrees and working in the UK. They discuss their experience of participating with the India Career Ready Programme and reflect on how work experience and university support shaped their journeys. They also share insights as to what it’s like to navigate the UK recruitment process as an international student.   Useful links: India Career Ready programme: The India Career Ready Programme combines a bespoke online learning programme and live workshops to give Indian students at Exeter tailored guidance with their career planning, whether they want to work in the UK or back in India after graduation. Book onto skills sessions via Handshake. 
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  Introducing Green Consultants 13.03.2026 11min

  In this week’s episode Helen Hicks, Programme Officer talks with Harriet, one of our Student Programme Assistants about Green Consultants. Helen and Harriet discuss what is involved in completing Green Consultants, including the online learning, projects and internships. Helen shares her advice to students wanting to complete the programme and also shares how previous students have been able to use the learning they gained from completing Green Consultants in their future experiences.   Green Consultants is an employability programme designed to provide students with skills and experience required to work in the sustainability sector. It is open to all students and you can start at anytime. Useful Links Green Consultants: open to all students, start the online learning now. Book onto a Skills session via Handshake. 
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  Working in Corporate Sustainability: In conversation with alumni Mathys Reiss, Climate Action Associate 06.03.2026 26min

  In this week's episode, Nicky Hutchinson, Employability and Career Consultant, is joined by alumnus Mathys Reiss, now a Climate Action Associate working at the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). Mathys completed his Masters in Sustainable Business Management in 2024, and reflects on his academic journey and his transition into a career in sustainability. He shares his insights into what it's like to work within a global organisation at the forefront of corporate responsibility. Mathys shares: His tips on how to stay resilient during the job hunting process. What he did to stand out from other applicants. The value of networking and making the most of local opportunities. Useful Links: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7261652140689936384/?originTrackingId=af%2F0EkrgTd%2B7%2B6NSQQv0Sw%3D%3D  - this is the video which Mathys made we referred to in the episode. This is the video which Mathys refers to which inspired his video https://scroll.in/video/1064546/watch-marketing-manager-gets-fired-creates-unique-video-to-present-herself-in-the-job-market Listen to our Planned Happenstance podcast: https://pod.fo/e/33a7e9 Green Consultants is as an excellent opportunity to develop skills and enhance a CV in this area. Open to all students. 
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  Using LinkedIn without losing yourself 27.02.2026 8min

  In this week’s episode we’re exploring the love-hate relationship many students have with LinkedIn. For some, it is a great place to find opportunities and connections. For others, it can feel like a stream of carefully curated posts that come across as performative. We explore how to use LinkedIn without losing your sense of self.   Listen to hear: Top tips on promoting yourself in ways that feel natural, not forced. Simple steps to start engaging with posts How to set boundaries so LinkedIn works for you, and not the other way round.   Useful links: Attend a LinkedIn Essentials session - Book via Handshake Sign up to the Exeter Award  Attend an employer event or alumni panel - book via MyCareerZone This episode was devised by Dawn Lees and recorded by Rachel Sloan.
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  ADHD and Academia: In conversation with Sian Robinson, Senior Lecturer 19.02.2026 36min

  In this week’s episode, Sian Robinson shares her career journey to becoming Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management. Sian reflects on her non-standard route into higher education and talks about the challenges and positives of having ADHD. Sian also shares the strategies that have helped her and explores how being open about neurodivergence has shaped the way she teaches and supports students. _____ Sian is a Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management. She is also the Programme Director for the BSc Business and Management and BSc Business Studies.  Sian is passionate about improving the student experience, especially for inclusivity, linked with her experiences of having ADHD, and for widening participation, as a previous non-standard route entrant to higher education. She has developed inclusive programme-level initiatives, such as the 'Your Toolkit for Success' reframing student support project, introducing Focus/Writing retreats at a programme level, and the creation of a Programme Hub for information.    Part of the Working in Higher Education mini-series  
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  Global Leaders in action: Student experiences from the EAIE Conference 12.02.2026 10min

  In this week’s episode, current students Zabi, Jeremy, Kunal and Owen, discuss their experience of taking part in the EAIE Conference. They share how they have applied the skills they developed from their Global Leaders Experience to real life situations, how their experience has influenced their career aspirations and provide advice to students considering applying for a Global Leaders Experience. The Global Leaders Experience is a unique opportunity to develop your intercultural skills as part of a short, outbound mobility experience. Typically a week in duration and covering themes such as sustainability, human rights and digital heritage, you will travel to a significant city or location outside of the UK and be immersed in the local environment, presented with real-world challenges and work closely with a diverse range of other students and professionals. What is EAIE?  The EAIE is the European centre for expertise, networking and resources in the internationalisation of higher education. They are a non-profit, member-led organisation serving individuals actively involved in the internationalisation of their institutions.   Each year, the EAIE visits an exciting city in Europe and organises a large Annual Conference for 7000+ professionals interested in international higher education.  Useful links: Global Leaders Experience
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  Showcasing the skills from your degree 05.02.2026 5min

  Often in careers, we talk about developing skills alongside your studies, through volunteering, societies, part time work or internships. In this episode we focus on  the skills you have gained directly from your degree and how you can articulate them with clarity and confidence. Rachel Sloan, Employability and Careers Consultant, explores the technical, academic and personal skills you develop throughout your studies and how to demonstrate them effectively to employers in CVs, application forms and interviews using the STAR technique.   Links: Attend a Careers and Employability session, book via Handshake. CV and Application Form support. Visit our 'Explore what Exeter graduates do' webpage. Interested in Green Consultants? Find out more (ex.ac.uk/greenconsultants)