If you have a very good understanding of different job roles...
Start researching specific employers
As you have a good understanding of the work involved, you should start to compile a short list of employers to apply to. Sending out 100 badly researched applications is not an effective application strategy. It is important to spread your risk - the employment sectors section of the website will help you expand your search from the well known/large organisations (often very competitive) to the lesser known/smaller organisations (can be less competitive).
Contact LSE alumni
Speaking to LSE alumni working for a range of organisations can be helpful in expanding your list of possible employers and giving you a head start for the application and interview process. If conversations progress well you may even find work experience off the back of it! To set up informational interviews contact LSE alumni through LinkedIn (see our advice about using LinkedIn if you're unsure).
During term time we also run a series of Meet An Alum sessions. These are very small events where LSE alumni from different sectors meet with a few students to answer your specific questions about their role, sector or background.
Get some experience
If you are finding it difficult to choose between several different roles, you could start trialling the roles you are interested in. To find relevant work experience, view internship, volunteering and part-time vacancies on CareerHub.
If you have a general understanding of different job roles...
Do some research online
It would be useful to expand your knowledge on what roles involve. The LSE employment sectors section of the website includes information about a range of roles available within each sector.
Meet employers
You are probably ready to start meeting with employers to find out more about their roles. For the opportunity to meet with a wide range of employers in different settings, view our employer events programme on CareerHub. Useful events to attend at this stage would be employer presentations and employer-led seminars.
During term time look out for our Friday morning breakfast events, which are themed networking sessions with two or three employers.
Get some experience
Reading about roles is helpful but getting real life experience is important to see if you like the work in practice. The internships and work experience section of the LSE website provides information on selecting and securing an internship. You can also browse work experience opportunities on CareerHub.
Join a student society
Career focused societies may provide additional opportunities to meet with employers in an informal setting. Use these opportunities to find out more about the roles on offer. Joining societies can also demonstrate a real interest in a sector and usually there are opportunities to take on positions of responsibility, all of which is attractive to employers.
If you have a limited understanding of different job roles...
Find out what roles LSE graduates are doing
It may help to think about the roles that alumni with similar subject backgrounds have selected. The graduate destinations website has useful summaries for your department and your degree programme.
Do some research online
It is important to understand the difference between employment sectors and the roles within them. For example, you may want to work for a particular sector but you are unlikely to enjoy every role that sector offers. Alternatively you may decide that the typical activities related to a role is what is important and you would be happy to do this role within any sector. The resources on the employment sectors section of our website provide information on roles and the typical activities involved.
Attend a panel event
Panel events and conferences involve a panel of speakers discussing all aspects of their careers. Forums give you an overview of a range of roles within a sector. They are ideal if you are starting to explore career options as you can hear about the activities people do in their daily jobs without being forced to ask questions. View our panel events and conferences on CareerHub.
Attend a careers fair
Careers fairs provide a good opportunity to start meeting employers face to face. Employers usually bring representatives from a range of roles so it's an ideal opportunity to find out more about their day to day work and the type of projects they are involved in.
Prospects Career Planner
The Prospects Career Planner uses questionnaires and psychometric tests to explore your interests, strengths, personality and abilities. The report then matches you to possible roles to explore further.
Explore general graduate career websites
Prospects and TargetJobs list detailed role descriptions including typical work activities, employers within the sector, salary and conditions, entry requirements, career development and related jobs.