Background
Going to university was one of the best things I have ever done. My confidence grew in so many ways. My first year was very much finding my feet and getting used to the university lifestyle whereas second and third year was when I began getting involved in extra-curricular activities. During my time at Lincoln I was able to get involved in as many aspects as I could. I completed the Lincoln Award and I was a Course Rep for all 3 years at university. I was also part of the Gymnastics Society during my second and third year and I began volunteering in the Students’ Union Advice Centre for 9 months during my third year. Lastly I also ran in the Students’ Union elections for Welfare and Community. My experiences at university have most definitely helped me secure a graduate entry job post.
Employment Experience
I have been working for the University of Lincoln Students’ Union since July 2016 and my position within the organisation is an Employability Co-ordinator. I am responsible for ensuring that students at the university are feeling supported in relation to their employability prospects during university and after graduation. The Students’ Union provides many services that are here to support students during their time at university. My main responsibilities include presenting talks to students about Work Ready by showing them that taking part in extra-curricular activities, attending training sessions and workshops can all help them be more employable. I am also responsible for parts of the volunteering department; I make the referrals for students to organisations where they want to volunteer. I also coordinate training sessions that the Students’ Union provides. I spend time writing Work Ready materials for events such as the Refresher Fayre and other events. My daily tasks will include meeting with other academics within the university, attending lectures to talk about Work Ready, contacting students and referring them on to organisations where they wish to volunteer and spending time in the volunteer drop in – students are able to come and speak to me about any queries that they may have in relation to volunteering. There are a lot of administrative aspects to my job such as using the Students’ Union online management system, updating spreadsheets, responding to emails, calling students and organisations, arranging meetings and putting them in relevant people’s diaries. I also have a grade 4 salary for this job role.
Using University of Lincoln’s Career Services
I used the Careers Service to complete the Lincoln Award. When I was completing the award it allowed me to receive advice from the Skills Advisors, which helped me in relation to adapting my interview approach. If I could go back to university I wish that I had used the Careers Service more.
Best Career Advice
The greatest advice that I could give job-seeking graduates is how significant volunteering can be. I spent 9 months volunteering in the Students’ Union Advice Centre and it was the best thing that I could have done. From volunteering it allowed the organisation to be aware of who I was and think of me when jobs would come up. Volunteering definitely gave me a step up in securing my job that I have now. Employers truly value graduates that have volunteered because it shows them that you would be a great individual to employ. You have given up your own time for no financial gain and you are willing to give up your time to help others.
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