University careers services, traditionally the domain of students preparing for their first job, are now seeing a significant shift. A growing number of UK institutions are opening their doors to a new demographic: alumni in their 40s and 50s seeking to refresh or completely change their career paths.
Lifelong Access Becomes the Norm
More than 40% of universities in England and Wales now offer their graduates lifelong access to campus careers services. This move reflects a changing job market and the needs of professionals decades after graduation. Jeremy Swan, head of policy and advocacy at the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services, confirmed that this lifetime access is rapidly becoming standard practice, though many graduates remain unaware of the support available to them.
The services provided are comprehensive, mirroring those offered to current students. They include practical help with writing CVs and cover letters, intensive interview preparation, and guidance for identifying new opportunities for those feeling stuck in their current role.
From Feeling Stuck to a New Start
The story of Gil Hamilton is a prime example. After 17 years in the same job, she felt increasingly unhappy but daunted by the prospect of change. "I hadn't had a job interview in 18 years," Hamilton explained. "I didn't have a CV, I didn't have anything. It was quite daunting." A chance remark about alumni services led her back to Lancaster University, where she had studied in the mid-2000s.
There, she was connected with career coach Rachel Beauchamp, who provided crucial support. Beauchamp proofread Hamilton's CV and helped her translate her extensive experience into skills attractive to new employers. "Rachel was really good at saying: look at all these things that you've done and how you could use those in different contexts. That was probably the most helpful thing, as well as a bit of confidence," Hamilton said. The preparation paid off, and Hamilton successfully secured a new position.
Addressing Modern Career Challenges
Career coach Rachel Beauchamp notes that older graduates often share common challenges. Many have not formally applied for a job in 15 to 20 years and crave trusted, expert advice. "I've had quite a few people who have had caring responsibilities and have been out of work for quite some time. Now they are going back into the workplace and don't know how to approach it," she said.
Others are facing redundancy or organisational changes, prompting thoughts of retraining. A key part of Beauchamp's role is helping clients recognise valuable skills gained outside the traditional workplace. She recently assisted a graduate who had been out of the workforce for 12 years while running parent groups at her children's schools. "I saw that she'd undersold herself," Beauchamp noted. With a confidence boost and CV support, the graduate has now started an administrative role in the NHS.
For professionals like Gil Hamilton, this service is a lifeline. "More people need to know it's easy to get help – and it's free as well – to get a bit of confidence to go out there and try something else," she urged, highlighting a potentially untapped resource for millions of mid-career graduates across the UK.
