Year in Industry student shares experience with first year undergraduates
The Management School teamed up with the University’s Careers Service and a Year in Industry student to deliver a session to first year undergraduates as part of ULMS Extra.
The session, led by the University's Head of Placements, Rachael Collins, discussed the topic of confidence in the workplace, applicable to either placement roles or a graduate positions.
The interactive session gave students an opportunity to discuss their feelings on entering into a work environment and receive some important tips on adapting to change.
Current student, Calum Cooper, contributed to the session sharing his own experience and advice from his year in industry working in Aldi’s placement scheme. Now in his fourth and final year, Calum (BSc Economics with a Year in Industry) was able to reflect on his time in the world of work.
Talking about the transition from university to work, he said: “Half the battle is just dealing with a new way of life, but it's manageable. Education is very different to the working world but the Careers and Employability service at Liverpool are fantastic. They offer advice, countless sessions and even helpful services such as mock interviews. I made use of all of these”.
The session highlighted key areas which make a student employable focussing on the “bounce back” mind-set of being able to overcome setbacks in work, specifically, using feedback constructively. The ability to overcome challenges and the drive to develop your skillset all contribute to building and enhancing confidence in the workplace.
Calum commented: “For me personally, I developed my management and people skills, but of course the skills you improve will depend upon what type of company you work for.”