Employment, careers and future planning

Career advice for estranged and care leavers

Conversations about careers, placements, and “what’s next” can feel both exciting and overwhelming.

For estranged and care-experienced students, these transitions can carry additional pressure, especially when you don’t have family networks, financial safety nets, or someone to guide the process.

Here are some places you can reach out to for career and future planning support.

Accessing the careers centre

At the University of Leeds, the Careers Centre is one of your most valuable resources and it’s there for you throughout your degree and after you graduate

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You can access one-to-one appointments, workshops, employer events, and online tools at your own pace.

Dedicated support: Employee and Progression Assistants

Employability and Progression Assistants offer one-to-one careers and employability support to students on the Plus Programme.

Employability and Progression Assistants (EPAs) are recent University of Leeds graduates from underrepresented backgrounds, so they know first-hand how overwhelming career planning can feel.

What If you don’t have professional networks?

Many students rely on family connections or informal advice when entering the job market. Without that, it can feel like you’re missing an important advantage but there are other ways to build meaningful connections.

Start where you are

Your network can begin with lecturers and tutors in your school, student societies you are a part of and careers fairs and employer events both in the University and across Leeds. These spaces are designed to be accessible, you don’t need prior experience to take part.

You can discuss what would suit you best with the Plus Programme or find out more about the various opportunities.

The team is available Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm.

Email: theplusprogramme@leeds.ac.uk.

Finding a placement or internship without family support

Finding work experience can feel more challenging without financial backing or guidance at home — but there are realistic, achievable ways forward.

Prioritise paid opportunities

Look for:

• Paid internships advertised through the University of Leeds website
• On-campus roles such as the International Welcome Team or Content Creators
• Part-time jobs that develop transferable skills

If finances are a concern, speak to the Careers Centre or your support team as funding or bursaries may be available.

Graduating as an independent young adult

Graduation is not just an academic milestone, it marks a major transition into independence.

Without family support, this step can feel particularly significant.

You might feel pressure to have everything planned and anxiety about stability or uncertainty. This is completely normal but it can help to stay connected with supportive staff or services before leaving and acknowledge how far you’ve already come!

Planning ahead can also ease some of the uncertainty.

Speaking to Plus Programme before you leave can help you understand your options clearly.

Remember what skills you have already developed

It can be easy to compare yourself to others who appear to have more support or clearer direction but your journey has required independence, determination, and adaptability, all of which are strengths highly looked for by employers.

Your experiences:

• Build resilience
• Strengthen problem-solving skills
• Show initiative and self-motivation

Planning your future without family support can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. Make use of the services available and prepare sooner than later to be prepared for life after graduation.