Careers and employability

Earn while you learn

Find a course
4 individuals standing infront of the lake near the Silberrad Student Centre. They are wearing Residence Life iconic red hoodies and smiling at the camera.

Find a job on campus

At Essex you will have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience while putting a bit of extra cash in your pocket, through a wide range of paid jobs and internships. Working while you study can give you a head start in developing the skills you need for your chosen career, as well as the chance to make enduring connections.

Opportunities to earn while you learn

As part of our cost of living support package for students, we have expanded the employment opportunities available on campus and increased the number of hours of work available in both Colchester and Southend. Roles at our campuses include Student Ambassadors, Essex Interns, accommodation representatives, shop assistants, catering staff and much more.

We have our own job vacancy board, Essex CareerHub, which shares opportunities we think our students will be interested in, and it also includes local employer vacancies. You'll still have access to it after you graduate too.

Paid jobs on campus

Essex Interns 

Are you looking to develop your workplace skills, explore your career options and try out something new in a supportive and nurturing environment?

At Essex, we have our very own internship scheme designed to provide our students with paid work experience across a range of departments and roles such as Digital Marketing Assistant with Essex Business School or working at Edge Hotel

Check out our Essex Interns page for more information.

 

Students' Union Jobs

Working in one of the many Students' Union (SU) roles on campus is a great way to get some experience while you make friends and top up the money in your pocket.

The SU has a variety of roles across it's campus outlets so you could find yourself working in any of the roles below:

  • Working behind the bar at Sub Zero, Top bar or the SU Bar
  • Organising events
  • Covering SU reception
  • Working as a barista in The Kitchen or The Greenhouse Cafe
  • Working in The Store
  • Assisting with SU marketing, finance, facilities or HR
  • Leading student engagement activities
 

See the SU website for more information.

Student Ambassadors

We are not currently recruiting for Student Ambassadors. However, if you would like to be notified when we next open applications, please register your interest using our online form

Accommodation and Residence Life roles

We have a number of roles connected to our extensive range of accommodation across our campuses. Depending on the need, the duration of employment can vary from a couple of weeks to a few months and includes positions such as housekeepers and porters.  

Alternatively, why not join our amazing team of Residence Life Assistants and help to build and support your student community where you live? You will be offered training to host a range of activities and events to help your fellow students settle in and feel part of the Essex family and support their well-being. 

Go to our Jobs on Campus page for more information

Welcome Assistants

Welcome week is one the most important moments in the University of Essex calendar, when new students and their families arrive on campus for the first time.

Our Welcome Assistants get the chance to make a positive impact on how our new students experience our campuses during their first few days, particularly on Arrivals Day. They are also there to help at Registration events, answering questions and familiarising new students with facilities on campus.  

 

Essex Interns

Our Essex Interns programme provides our students with an opportunity to work with a local employer as a paid intern in a temporary position, to gain experience in a particular field. 

At Essex we want you to feel able to explore your passions and interests through paid employment where you can develop your knowledge and skills in a real world environment. As an Essex Intern, you'll get the opportunity to broaden your network in the industry of your choice, and add valuable experience to your CV.

Essex Interns have previously worked in a variety of sectors, from charity to commercial, creative to technical, marketing to IT.

Check out our Essex Interns page for more details.

Three people, smartly dressed, using mobile phones.
Essex Interns

Read our student stories about Essex internships and how you too can gain experience, make contacts, develop new skills and jump start your career while you study.

Essex Internship Blogs