If you’ve ever wondered how to polish your resume, find the right internship, or prepare for a job interview but weren’t sure where to start – you’re not alone. That’s where Peer Career Advisors (PCAs) come in. PCAs are students just like you, trained to offer career support in a friendly, approachable way. Whether you’re a first-year student exploring your options or a final-year student preparing to launch your career, PCAs are here to help.
We asked our PCAs a few commonly asked questions around resumes, career direction, skill building and more. Read on for their answers!

Q: I don’t have much experience – what can I even put on my resume?

You’re not alone! Jaspreet, one of our PCAs, says the biggest lesson they’ve learned is that experience comes in many forms. Even if you haven’t had a formal job, you’ve likely developed valuable skills through:

• volunteering
• group projects
• extracurricular activities
• leadership roles (like being a class rep or club organiser).

Highlighting transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving can make your resume stand out. And remember: a clean, well-structured resume tailored to the job is key.

Q: How can I start exploring career paths while I’m still studying?

Bianca says one of the best ways to start figuring out your career path is to get involved – both in and out of the classroom. Internships are a great place to begin. They give you real experience in a professional setting and help you see what a job is actually like day-to-day. You’ll quickly figure out what you enjoy (and what you don’t), plus they look great on your resume.

Joining uni societies is another smart move. You’ll meet people with similar interests and get access to events that give you a better feel for different industries. If your course offers professional placement subjects like Professional Experience in Medical Science (PEMS), definitely take advantage; they come with all the benefits of an internship.

Don’t skip networking events like Tech Fest or the UTS Careers Fair either – they’re great for learning about hidden opportunities and hearing directly from people in the field. You can also join professional organisations (many offer student discounts!) to access mentoring, exclusive events, and resources that help you build your network.

If you can, try to get part-time work in your area of interest – it’s a great way to get your foot in the door. And if you’re after something flexible, check out Forage virtual experience programs: they’re online, self-paced, and give you a taste of real-world tasks from top companies.

Q: How do I start networking if I don’t know anyone in my field?

Tahra’s advice is to start small and be intentional. Begin by identifying what you want to learn and who you’d like to connect with – whether it’s for career advice, internship insights, or understanding a specific role.

Start with the people around you: professors, tutors, and peers. As you grow more confident, build a strong LinkedIn profile and use the UTS Alumni Tool to reach out to graduates in your field. Follow UTS societies, check CareerHub and LinkedIn events, and eventually attend external events like conferences and meetups.

Remember: networking is about curiosity and initiative, not perfection. Most professionals are happy to support students who reach out.

Q: Where should I look for internships or part-time jobs?

Urvija highlights that internships and part-time roles are a great way to explore career paths and build real-world experience. They help you develop practical and transferable skills that are valuable across many industries.

Start with UTS CareerHub, which features a wide range of listings. For more tailored options, check your Faculty Career Hubs and the Job and Internship Search Guide. Don’t overlook your Canvas Community Announcement or Discussion pages, where academic staff often share relevant opportunities.

And of course, chatting with a PCA can make a big difference. We can help you navigate your search, recommend resources, and provide feedback on your applications – whether you’re just starting out or refining your approach.

Q: What skills do employers look for, and how can I develop them during uni?

Riyan breaks it down like this: employers are looking for a mix of soft skills and practical experience, and uni is the perfect place to build both. Communication is key, so get involved in student societies, speak up in class, and work on your writing through assignments and feedback. Teamwork? You’ll build that through group projects, sports, or volunteering. Want to sharpen your problem-solving? Try hackathons or work on projects that tackle real challenges. Adaptability comes from trying new electives, stepping out of your comfort zone, or doing an internship or exchange program.

Show initiative by starting your own project, joining a club committee, or taking extra courses online. Leadership can grow from taking on roles in class or extracurriculars, mentoring others, or juggling study with part-time work. And professionalism? That’s about showing up on time, meeting deadlines, working well with others, and getting involved in career events. There are so many ways to build these skills at uni – just start where you are and keep saying ‘yes’ to new experiences.

Q: How can I make the most of my university experience to prepare for my future career?

Rizan sees uni as way more than just lectures and assignments: it’s your launchpad into the working world. His top tip? Start early and stay proactive. Get involved in internships, volunteering, and student societies to build real-world experience while you study. These kinds of experiences help you figure out what you enjoy and build the skills employers are looking for.

Make the most of UTS Careers’ events and networking sessions to meet industry professionals and uncover opportunities you might not come across online. And don’t wait until your final year to start thinking about your career – jump onto CareerHub to explore jobs, book resume checks, and get personalised advice. Build a strong LinkedIn profile, work on both your technical and soft skills, and don’t be afraid to try new things. Your future career isn’t just about your grades, it’s shaped by the people you meet, the experiences you have, and the steps you take now. So start small, stay curious, and make the most of everything UTS has to offer.

Real talk: confidence comes after action

Many students hesitate to take the first step because they don’t feel “ready.” But as Janani puts it, “Confidence doesn’t come first – action does.” Say yes to opportunities, even if they feel a little scary. That’s how growth happens.

If you’re ready to take the leap and start making your career goals a reality, come chat with a PCA! It’s super easy – either book an appointment online via CareerHub or drop by our space in CB02.04 during opening hours. They can’t wait to meet you.