Professional development is about continuing to gain new skills throughout your education, career and beyond. Engaging with career and skills focused opportunities while you’re studying can start you on the right track for lifelong learning and development. Whether you're planning your career, developing leadership capabilities, or building industry connections, these activities will enhance your employability and help you achieve your career goals. You can build your skills in areas from digital technology to leadership and management, while gaining practical experience and expanding your professional network.
If you're already doing any of these activities, use this page and the Skills Glossary to think about which skills you're developing, or evaluate your skills with the Skills Discovery Tool.
Get involved
There are many opportunities for professional development in Cambridge, so look out for emails advertising events and programmes that could build your skills. Here are some suggestions to get you started.
Mentoring
A mentor is someone with an established career in a field you’re interested in who can offer advice and support as you’re starting out and building experience. You can find a mentor through your College alumni network, or through society networking events. As you work with your mentor, you'll gain insights into your chosen field while developing your networking abilities and self-awareness. You'll practice asking thoughtful questions and learn to receive constructive feedback effectively.
Skills Development Programmes
Many Colleges offer structured programmes that combine career planning, skills workshops and networking opportunities. These programmes develop your self-awareness, goal-setting abilities and professional communication skills while helping you explore different career paths. Explore the programmes listed here, or look out for emails advertising skills development workshops you can participate in.
Careers Service activities
The Careers Service offers workshops, talks and events that build essential professional skills. Attending employer skills sessions develops your industry knowledge and networking abilities, while careers planning workshops help you develop self-reflection and goal-setting skills.
Register for events through the Careers Service What's On page. Attend sector-specific talks, skills workshops, career festivals and employer events. Take advantage of psychometric tests and self-reflection toolkits to better understand your strengths and preferences.
Internships
Internships provide hands-on experience in your chosen field while developing practical skills and professional networks. You'll gain industry insight, learn about workplace culture and practice applying your academic knowledge in professional settings. Look for summer internships through the Careers Service, or directly with employers. Consider virtual job simulations via Forage covering law, banking, finance, software engineering, consulting, marketing and data analysis.
Consultancy and Entrepreneurship
Consultancy projects develop your analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities and client management skills. You'll learn to work with real business challenges, present professional recommendations and collaborate effectively in teams. Take part in consultancy projects through iTeams, Cambridge Consulting Network, 180 Degrees Consulting, Bridges for Enterprise, or CamStart.
Entrepreneurship activities build your innovation skills, risk assessment abilities and business acumen. You'll develop resilience, adaptability and learn to identify and pursue opportunities. Check out the Entrepreneurship activities page, or the Entrepreneurship & Enterprise skills page to learn more.
Armed Forces training
Training through the University Air Squadron (UAS), Officers' Training Corps (CUOTC) or Royal Naval Unit (CURNU) develops leadership, teamwork and resilience skills. You'll learn discipline, strategic thinking and gain experience in high-pressure situations. Find out more about military, air and sea training opportunities available to Cambridge students. These programmes typically involve regular training sessions and summer camps.
Learning opportunities
Learning new languages develops your cultural awareness, cognitive flexibility and global communication skills. This enhances your employability in international markets and demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning. You can enrol in courses at the University’s Language Centre – many Colleges will offer grants to contribute to the course fees.
There are hundreds of free courses available to explore on LinkedIn Learning, so you can choose whatever fits your skills development plan. Find out how to access LinkedIn Learning through your University account. You can also access many self-directed IT training courses, from programming to photo and video editing.