---
title: "How Arden Cares supports care experienced students at university and beyond"
description: "Discover how Arden Cares supports care-experienced students with guidance, practical support and opportunities to succeed at university."
canonical: "https://arden.ac.uk/knowledge-base/career-advice/how-arden-cares-supports-care-experienced-students"
published: 2026-09-10
updated: 2026-09-10
author: "Arden University"
---

# How Arden Cares supports care experienced students at university and beyond

Starting university is a big step for anyone.

But if you've spent time in the care system, you may be facing additional challenges alongside your studies. You might not have the same support network that others rely on when making decisions about university, careers or life after graduation.

Many care experienced young people experience what's often described as a "cliff edge", where the support they've received through childhood reduces significantly as they become adults. [Arden Cares](https://arden.ac.uk/student-life/care-experienced) aims to provide continuity during this important stage, ensuring students continue to have people they can turn to throughout their university journey and beyond.

We spoke to Arden University Careers Consultant, Umar Farooq, about how Arden Cares is helping care experienced students feel supported, build confidence and prepare for their future from the moment they join Arden University until long after they graduate.

#### You don't have to navigate university on your ow**n**

Many students turn to parents or family members for advice when they're applying for jobs, writing a CV or deciding what career they want to pursue.

If you've been in care, those kinds of support networks may not always be available.

Arden Cares recognises that everyone's journey is different. Rather than expecting you to overcome every challenge alone, it brings together teams from across the university to provide personalised support throughout your time at Arden.

As Umar explains:

"It's about building confidence, creating opportunities and supporting students throughout their entire university journey."

The aim isn't simply to help you find a graduate job. It's to help you thrive during your studies and feel confident about whatever comes next.

#### You probably have more strengths than you realise

If you've had to become independent from a young age, manage difficult situations or overcome significant challenges, you've already built qualities that employers value, including resilience, adaptability, problem solving and responsibility.

The challenge is recognising those experiences as strengths.

A big part of the careers team's role is helping you identify those transferable skills and explain them confidently in job applications and interviews.

As Umar puts it:

"Careers guidance isn't about telling you what to do. It's about asking the right questions, helping you see your experiences differently and giving you the confidence to recognise everything you already have to offer."

#### Careers support that's built around you

As part of Arden Cares, you'll have access to dedicated [careers support](https://arden.ac.uk/student-life/careers-employability-alumni-hub/careers-support) from someone who understands the unique challenges care experienced students can face.

Having a dedicated Careers Consultant means you don't have to explain your story every time you ask for support. Instead, you can build an ongoing relationship with someone who gets to know your goals, understands your circumstances and helps you make progress throughout your university journey.

Together, you'll work on things like:

- Exploring career options
    • Identifying your strengths
    • Building confidence
    • Creating a professional CV
    • Preparing for interviews
    • Finding work experience opportunities
    • Growing your professional network

Rather than waiting until your final year to think about your career, the support begins as early as possible, giving you more time to build skills, confidence and opportunities before graduation.

#### Support that works together

Career support is only one part of Arden Cares. Depending on your needs, you may also receive support from wellbeing advisers, disability support, academic skills tutors, funding advisers and student support teams.

Rather than leaving you to coordinate everything yourself, these teams work together, with your permission, to make sure you receive joined-up support throughout your studies.

The focus is on supporting you as a whole person, not just helping you prepare for your next job application.

#### Flexible support that fits around your life

No two students have the same circumstances, which is why Arden Cares is designed to be flexible.

Where appropriate, you'll be able to book longer one-to-one careers appointments, giving you the time and space to talk through more complex situations without feeling rushed.

Dedicated online resources are also being developed through [Arden Futures](https://arden.ac.uk/student-life/careers-employability-alumni-hub/arden-futures), giving you easy access to guidance on topics including:

- Career planning
    • CV writing
    • Job applications
    • Interview preparation
    • Graduate recruitment
    • Finding work experience

That means support is available whenever you need it.

#### Helping you connect with employers who value your experience

The careers team also helps students identify employers that are committed to diversity, inclusion and social mobility.

An increasing number of organisations are recognising the importance of supporting care experienced people through initiatives such as mentoring programmes, contextual recruitment and inclusive recruitment practices.

We'll help you understand these opportunities and identify employers whose values align with your own, so you can make informed decisions about your future.

#### A place where you belong

Perhaps the most important goal of [Arden Cares](https://arden.ac.uk/student-life/care-experienced) is helping you feel like you belong.

University isn't just about earning a degree. It's about building confidence, discovering your potential and creating opportunities for the future.

Whether you need [careers guidance](https://arden.ac.uk/student-life/careers-employability-alumni-hub/your-career-journey), [wellbeing support](https://arden.ac.uk/student-life/wellbeing-services-home) or simply someone who understands the challenges you've faced, Arden Cares is here to help you every step of the way.

As Umar says, success isn't just about securing your first graduate role. It's about making sure you have the confidence, support and opportunities to build the future you want.

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