As you approach the end of your course, you will start thinking about what to do next. Whether you want to continue your studies or go into employment, your university will have Careers Advisors who can help you to choose the right way forward.
What to do next?
There are many career options open to you and combining an academic achievement with some work experience can give you good points when writing your CV.
Going into the working world can feel quite daunting, but there is a variety of guidance and support to help you into employment such as the Access to work scheme which can help pay for access technology, adjustments to the workplace, travel in work or a support worker.
We also provides information on setting up your own business and including choosing a career and finding vacancies, writing a CV, completing application forms, interview skills and details of where you can get further support to help with your job search. Learn about your rights in employment and read about success stories of blind and partially sighted people in employment.
For further information about moving into work and obtaining work experience visit our starting work section.
Who to talk to?
RNIB supports blind and partially sighted people in finding work across the UK. Our specialist advisers offer advice and guidance on all aspects of employment including skills training, assessments and information on the latest assistive technology to support you at work.
In England
Action for Blind People (part of RNIB Group), have specialist Transition and Employment Co-ordinators who offer advice and guidance on all aspects of moving from education into employment.
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Transitions Co-ordinators offer support, advice and guidance to young people with a visual impairment, between 14 and 25 years of age. This could be moving from school to college or from college to university, gaining your first job or work experience, taking charge of your personal finances, or moving towards independent living. Contact your regional Transition Co-ordinator.
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Employment Co-ordinators offer support in relation to helping people of any age by offering guidance on making the most of your skills and advice for developing new skills valued by employers. They also offer information on Access to Work - financial support whilst in work, information on support for travelling to work and information on support available in the workplace. Contact your regional Employment Co-ordinator.
In Northern Ireland
If you are studying in Northern Ireland, get in touch with RNIB NI's Employment service.
If you would like support or advice, or if you just want some more information, contact one of the Employment/Technology team by emailing: employmentni@rnib.org.uk or call: Belfast 028 9032 9373 or Derry/Londonderry 028 7136 6060.
In Scotland
If you are studying in Scotland, get in touch with the RNIB Scotland Employment & Learning Services team. They can offer support with writing your CV, applying for jobs or learning more about moving into employment and are there to support you in your journey after graduating.
To make contact with our RNIB Scotland Employment & Learning Services team please contact Kate Storrow on 0131 657 8201 or email Kate.Storrow@rnib.org.uk.
In Wales
If you are studying in Wales or will be moving to Wales after graduating you can get in touch with the RNIB Transitions and Employment team. Whether it's support with CV's, job applications or the chance to attend one of our work clubs we are here to support you in your journey after graduating. In addition to the support outlined above, RNIB Cymru runs a residential scheme each year which is specifically designed for undergraduates and graduates with sight loss and aims to give you the skills, knowledge and information you'll need to translate your qualifications into work. To make contact with our Transitions and Employment staff please contact 02920 450 440.
Across the UK
To find out further information on employment support in your area, visit our country specific employment pages: