ISE members got together to discuss how to open students’ eyes to sectors they may not be aware of.
Some students grow up knowing exactly what they want to do. But for many, their understanding of jobs and sectors is shaped by one thing: exposure. Or more accurately, a lack of it.
Too often, career choices are based on what students see, whether that’s family members’ jobs, people in their immediate networks, or the occasional talk at school. This narrow view means entire sectors get ruled out before they’re ever explored.
At this year’s ISE Student Recruitment Conference members got together to discuss how we can widen the talent pool and attract more diverse candidates by busting myths and opening minds.
1. Leverage role models
If you can’t see it, you can’t be it. Students are far more likely to apply to roles or organisations where they can see someone who looks like them, sounds like them, or shares a similar background.
If a young person’s first job idea comes from a family member or friend, we need to break that cycle - not by erasing those paths, but by widening the possibilities.
That’s why visibility matters. Students need to see people like them thriving in unexpected places - from finance to tech, construction to consulting.
2. Get in front of students early and often
The earlier we show up in a student’s journey, the better. That means expanding outreach beyond universities:
- School engagement is critical for reshaping perceptions before they become fixed.
- Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) can help bring relatable role models into classrooms and campuses.
- Don’t just send recruiters - send people with real stories, who’ve joined your business from non-traditional routes or different degree backgrounds.
Read how to engage schools and colleges and 8 reasons to engage schools.
3. Use TikTok
TikTok isn’t just for dancing videos - it’s a massive discovery tool for Gen Z. Career-focused content is booming, with students turning to the platform for insights on jobs, companies, and day-in-the-life content.
Want to bust a myth about your industry? Start showing it.
- Partner with student and career influencers to talk about career journeys.
- Run a ‘Myth vs. Reality’ series spotlighting lesser-known roles in your business.
- Use humour and authenticity to engage, not just educate.
Being where students already are is half the battle.
4. Rethink your target audience
Are you only speaking to STEM students for tech roles, or business students for finance?
You could be missing out.
Students with degrees in psychology, English, or history often bring critical thinking, communication, and people skills, which are perfect for roles in marketing, user research, data ethics, consulting, and more.
Taking a less targeted approach helps challenge outdated narratives around ‘what my degree allows me to do’.
5. Create familiarity through repetition and representation
Careers myth-busting is not a one-off event, it’s a long game. It’s about turning the unknown into the familiar.
The more students see a brand, hear real stories, and understand the breadth of roles available, the more likely they are to feel a sense of ‘I could do that’.
Final thought
Changing minds doesn’t require glossy brochures or complex campaigns. It starts with visibility, authenticity, and showing up where it matters.
When students start seeing your sector as their sector, the myths begin to fall away, and the future talent pipeline gets wider, richer, and far more inclusive.