I moved to Cornwall on a whim, having never gone farther West than Somerset and having never been to the campus here, so it was a big risk for me and incredibly overwhelming at first. I knew no-one and found it really daunting moving to a place I had never been to, but once I settled in and started my course, I knew I was in the right place. I loved the scenery I was surrounded by and spending hours reading in the library; although, it wasn’t all wonderful all the time – exam season was harder than I could have imagined, I completed half my degree during the pandemic and dealt with some very tricky housing situations. Because of this, I dedicated all the time I had left to focusing on studying, so when it came to the question that I was constantly asked – “so, what are you going to do next?” – I realised I didn’t actually have an answer.
“The thought of no longer being a student after three years of being one absolutely terrified me… When I actually did graduate, I initially found the ‘what now?’ very hard.”
The thought of no longer being a student after three years of being one absolutely terrified me. I felt like I was being thrust into the big wide world with no idea of what I was supposed to be doing, and the time in my final year went by so quickly, which didn’t help. The one thing I found solace in was talking to my best friend about it constantly, as we both felt the same way and found comfort in not knowing where we were going, but also proud that we could finish our degrees, as that is an achievement in itself.
Kayleigh at work in her GBP role.
When I actually did graduate, I initially found the ‘what now?’ very hard. I had wanted to do a Master’s in Edinburgh originally and then eventually move onto a career in the publishing sector but couldn’t cover the funds myself for either of these plans, and so I knew I had to find a full-time job in the meantime. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, and so my job search was very broad. I did some freelance writing here and there and worked in my local bookshop whilst I was looking and researching what kind of things I could do with my degree. Handshake was my best friend at this time – I found it to be so much more useful than Indeed or other job search websites for a recent graduate like me. I spent a lot of time looking at role specifications and thinking about how my experience could apply to what they were looking for. Often, the applications I put the most time into were the ones that led to interviews.
“Handshake was my best friend at this time – I found it to be so much more useful than Indeed or other job search websites for a recent graduate like me.”
I found my current role as a GBP Employer Engagement Administrator on Handshake. A GBP is a Graduate Business Partnership, which is a two-year maximum role that is just for recent graduates. It is a springboard for the first step in your career journey, allowing you to gain skills and experience that you can take into your career as you progress. I really liked that it was such a varied role, involving events planning, creative social media work and placement processing, all of which could give me valuable transferable skills. I applied and thankfully got an interview (which I thought went terribly), but I had a phone call the same day offering me the job. After a long series of rejections, it really did feel like a relief, knowing I had the stability and opportunity of starting to learn all over again – much like starting a degree!
“A GBP is a springboard for the first step in your career journey, allowing you to gain skills and experience that you can take into your career as you progress… I absolutely love my GBP role.”
I absolutely love my GBP role – I get to be involved in some brilliant projects that I take the lead on, as well as trying new things that may be challenging, but that is what makes my work exciting and engaging. I have worked on several successful social media campaigns, including The Placement Diaries 2023 and the Christmas Campaign, and am currently working on some really exciting summer projects that I can’t wait to launch on our socials! It’s also really nice to get the team involved and work collaboratively on different campaigns. I have just been through my first busy events season, and it was a totally new experience for me that I learnt so much from. I have never planned events before, but going through the process and training has taught me that it’s okay to not have all the skills and experience, you can learn as you go along, and no question is a stupid question either; everyone will want to help you learn and enable you to be part of the team.
“…this job has given me the opportunity to save up for this career move whilst also being financially stable, which is hugely important after graduating and a big worry for a lot of graduates.”
Being in this role has made me realise that it was okay for me to not have it all figured out after I graduated (I wish I could go back and say this to past me!) You are allowed to not have your five-year plan all laid out and you can still land into something that is so valuable and wonderful that you had never even considered, as was the case for me. I didn’t even know GBP roles existed, and yet it has been the best way to start my career. I am still hoping to do my Master’s degree at some stage, but this job has given me the opportunity to save up for this career move whilst also being financially stable, which is hugely important after graduating and a big worry for a lot of graduates.
My main piece of advice to those Graduating this summer would be that you should try your hardest amidst all the exams and assessments stresses to soak up the last of being a student as much as you can. Embrace how stressful it is, because after you graduate, you will weirdly miss being up until 5am trying to start and finish 4 assessments in one night (something that I actually did as a student – oops).
“Use the Career Zone – they are invaluable and helped me to figure out what I wanted to do vs. what I actually could do… The team can help you assess your options, and make a plan going forward which is so beneficial if, like me, you have no idea where you want to go or what you can do with your degree.”
Another thing I would say is don’t panic if you don’t have it all sorted out, because even at the last minute, there is always someone you can talk to. Use the Career Zone – they are invaluable and helped me to figure out what I wanted to do vs. what I actually could do, because you might not go straight into your dream career straight after graduating from university – and that is okay! The team can help you assess your options, and make a plan going forward which is so beneficial if, like me, you have no idea where you want to go or what you can do with your degree. Don’t compare yourself to others either, because everyone moves at their own pace and chances are they’re comparing themselves to everyone else too.
Lastly, congratulate yourself on finishing University and completing a whole degree! Graduating is such an achievement, so allow yourself time to reflect on all of your successes and accomplishments and give yourself a rest and recovery period if you can. You deserve a break after all of your hard work, and make sure you remind yourself that it will figure itself out and you will get to where you need to be, one way or another.
Antish Aubeelock, Program Officer, Trampoline ltée
Antish Aubeelock graduated from the University of Exeter in MA Creativity: Innovation & Business Strategy, 2020. He’s currently Program Officer for social enterprise accelerator Trampoline ltée, based in Mauritius.
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
Since leaving Exeter in 2020, I joined the UK Government’s Department for International Trade in Mauritius. My role was to encourage private sector-led growth, by protecting and promoting investment and leveraging the strengths of businesses in order to support the poverty reduction, investment and broader economic objectives of Mauritius, as well as supporting the UK’s investment ambitions in Africa.
I then joined Trampoline ltée in 2021, a social enterprise accelerator designed to help passionate entrepreneurs grow sustainable impact businesses. My role consists of supporting the design and implementation of the Impact Accelerator Programme to match the realities of the nascent social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Mauritius.
“My role consists of supporting the design and implementation of the Impact Accelerator Programme to match the realities of the nascent social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Mauritius.”
As a Program Officer, I adopt a tailor-made and agile approach, including working closely with the incubatees, to design value-adding solutions such as consulting services, mentorship programmes, extensive networks, training and funds, based on their needs and challenges.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
My biggest passion is transforming ideas into innovative, value-adding solutions. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Banking & International Finance, and a Master’s Degree in Creativity: Innovation & Business Strategy from the University of Exeter, I am a Chevening Alumnus with five years of experience in product development, business development, and marketing. I enjoy the way I can leverage my professional and academic background, skills and experience to support organisations to innovate and scale their social and environmental impact and become financially sustainable.
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
I was particularly attracted to the new, creative and practical approach of learning by doing. My classes were very engaging and interactive, and our assignments were practical. It pushed us beyond our comfort zone and provided a safe space to explore our potential in adopting creativity in business.
“I enjoy the way I can leverage my professional and academic background, skills and experience to support organisations to innovate and scale their social and environmental impact and become financially sustainable.”
What did you enjoy most about studying here?
I enjoyed the following: the course was creative, and practical and had a 1-month compulsory internship programme; the environment is safe and surrounded by nature; the people, lecturers, staff, and students were friendly, helpful and approachable
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
I completed my degree in BSc Banking and International Finance in Mauritius, following which I had three years of professional experience in Digital Product and Innovation. After being honoured with the Chevening Scholarship in 2019, which is one of the most prestigious and competitive international scholarships, I was keen to further enhance my skills and experience in creativity, innovation and business strategy.
I chose the University of Exeter because the MA Creativity: Innovation and Business Strategy was a pioneer programme designed to bring creativity into business, prepare us for a range of careers and enable us to pursue entrepreneurial ventures of our own.
“The following are the key skills that have been very useful in my career: Creative Problem Solving; Strategic Thinking; Project Management; Communication.”
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
During the course, I got the opportunity to network and work with different local UK businesses, including devising their product and strategy. I also got the opportunity to participate in entrepreneur and innovation workshops, which helped me better understand the entrepreneurial journey and the latest innovation methodologies. The following are the key skills that have been very useful in my career: Creative Problem Solving; Strategic Thinking; Project Management; Communication.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
Make the most of the lectures, networking and internship opportunities during the programme.
Keren Pakes, General Manager, The Bright Initiative by Bright Data
From the way we purchase our favourite brands to the way we book our travel, data has become an everyday factor that impacts what we do next, including determining the ads we click on as well as those we ignore.
Businesses as well as public sector and non-profit organisations use big data and, more specifically, publicly available web data to guide strategic decision-making and activities. From the service or product that needs to be initiated or developed based on market research to measuring public sentiment around a certain initiative to how to price an offer in a way that is most attractive to us, the general public, all these needs are addressed with the largest public database of them all: the World Wide Web. Furthermore, newly launched AI models such as ChatGPT are transforming our world. This means that quality-driven web data has an even bigger role in training these models and keeping them at the highest level they can be.
“…the demand for data, and for people with the skills to effectively utilise it, is incredibly high – and expected to continue to rise.”
Consequently, the demand for data, and for people with the skills to effectively utilise it, is incredibly high – and expected to continue to rise. This is true for almost all roles, not only engineers. For this reason, data skills – and basic data literacy for all – sit at the core of the Government’s National Data Strategy (NDS), with ministers stressing the need for ‘the formal and vocational education system to better prepare those leaving school, further education and university for increasingly data-rich lives and careers’.
All of this adds up to huge career opportunities as employers of all types look to recruit graduate talent ready to work with data.
An opportunity for students of all subjects
The good news is that careers in data, or opportunities to enhance data knowledge are open to graduates with a wide range of skills and expertise – not only to those who have studied subjects like computer science, statistics and maths. The technical skills gained through studying these types of subjects are, of course, important but so too is the ability to determine how to get the most value from data in ways that take ethical considerations into account. This means that graduates who have studied humanities, business and creative subjects are also well placed for careers in data-driven roles.
“the ability to determine how to get the most value from data in ways that take ethical considerations into account… means that graduates who have studied humanities, business and creative subjects are well placed for careers in data-driven roles.”
Skills that employers are looking for
So, what kind of skills are data industry employers like Bright Data looking for in graduates? First, there are ‘soft skills’. The data domain is reinventing itself almost by the minute. Therefore, skills like flexibility and the agility to adapt to new technologies are fundamental needs in this domain. Graduates need to be able to quickly adopt new technologies and methodologies with zero inhibitions. This is the reality of this fast-paced domain.
Analytical skills are undoubtedly among the must-have data skills to land a role in the data domain. This is for the sole reason that dealing with mass amounts of data involves knowing how to put together a clear picture from what can be seen as a messy, unstructured and complex process. When it comes to the web data domain, where Bright Data is the industry leader, analytical skills are vital to know what customers are after, be able to anticipate that need, and deliver it with quality and clarity so organisations can simply tap into it to make fast decisions that are necessary in today’s reality.
Strong creative skills are also key. Knowing which data is most vital to a company’s mission, as well as focusing on the end result, is valuable. The most successful and innovative industry players today know which data to use for almost every strategy step they require. Whether it is for product development, a new competitive offer, a new investment direction, or even, as of recently, Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) strategies, the list of data uses is never-ending, and the creativity to use the right kind of data to make the right kind of decision is always needed.
“And of course, there are many roles that do require specific technical skills. The ability to code and conduct statistical and quantitative analysis in a pool of data remains important.”
And of course, there are many roles that do require specific technical skills. The ability to code and conduct statistical and quantitative analysis in a pool of data remains important. Simply put, knowledge of Object-Oriented Languages and data structures and algorithms is essential to data science roles, and their importance is only growing.
The types of roles that graduates could fill
As mentioned, the data domain is only growing. The latest numbers show that the data generation is expected to not only multiply but simply explode. Therefore, the data domain is the place to be. There are many roles available, from programmers to team leads to data scientists to product owners and managers as well as data analysts – the sky’s the limit. As a company that has grown rapidly in recent years and generated over 40 new roles that never before existed, it is hard to put a finger on the exact roles that Bright Data – and the wider industry – will continue to need. This means that graduates with the right skills and attributes can look forward to an ever-growing range of opportunities in the data industry for many years to come.
The Bright Initiative by Bright Data is a global programme that uses public web data to drive positive change in society. It is a member of the National Data Strategy Forum and the Data Skills Taskforce.
The Bright Initiative by Bright Data ran online workshops for Exeter students on the 15th and 16th of February as part of Digital and Coding Week.
Christopher Nash is currently Digital Product Manager at Small Robot Company part of the emerging AgriTech sector working to feed the world in a more sustainable way. He graduated from the University of Exeter, Penryn campus in BSc (Hons) Environmental Science, 2018.
Christopher Nash, Digital Product Manager, Small Robot Company and Exeter alumn
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
Summer 2018: Internship at Small Robot Company (SRC) Remote sensing/Geo spatial analysis.I was given the opportunity to learn mechatronics, robotics and camera systems (all of which I use daily now). I used my Exeter Uni dissertation to get me the internship and the Career Zone helped me sort out my CV for my masters, and indirectly to get me the internship too.
2018/2019: MSc Agricultural Technology and Innovation at the Royal Agricultural University. The application of tech in Agriculture as well as a broad brush stoke of the state of the world’s agriculture systems as they stand. For my thesis I built a small robot the used NIR cameras to take images of crops to understand their health and nutrient requirements.
“The Agriculture sector is currently in a state of massive growth. Agriculture can help the world go beyond net zero and as a result the job market is exploding.”
2018/2019: AgriTech engineer – SRC hired me part time during my masters and full time after to progress their robot and AI capabilities. This was a mechatronics focused role which in hindsight I probably wasn’t entirely suited for, but I was excited to learn and explore how engineering and remote sensing/geospatial analysis can go hand-in-hand.
2019/2021: Assistant manager at FarmED. I got the unexpected opportunity manage a Regenerative Farm, the education centre and team that were there. I was able to control the crop rotation across the site and input systems to build farm biodiversity whilst delivering events to a wide guidance (schools, academics, unis, farmers) on sustainable food production. This job swung me way back into Agriculture and mainly involved a lot of networking and farm management. I really enjoyed this job and made me want to become a farmer if I ever got the opportunity properly. I still help out at FarmED at the weekends in a volunteering capacity as I like the outdoor work.
“…many of the jobs are in small companies wanting to make a name for themselves, so if you are enthusiastic, want to learn and develop yourself at the same time then these companies are great places to work.”
2021: Mechatronics Devlopment Engineer at B-hive innovations.Geospatial and data science focus in the AgriTech world for delivering data insights on potato crops to farmers. I ran field trials, got commercially qualified as a drone pilot and built a robot. I took this job as I was missing the AgriTech aspect of my work.
2021/2022 Innovation Scientist/ Research Engineer at SRC.Exploring how to further AI and robot capabilities, blue sky thinking, agronomy aid, business use cases/feasibility studies, part of the sales team, running field trials, fund bid writing and delivering presentations at external events. This opportunity came up as my old boss gave me call and asked if I would consider coming back to SRC. It never hurts to leave a job on good terms as you never know if they’ll want you back!
2022 to present. Digital Product Manager at SRC.
“It never hurts to leave a job on good terms as you never know if they’ll want you back!”
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
I always tried to pursue a career that enables me to learn, challenges me and enables me to explore topics that I have found interesting rather than having a direct goal/job title for my career so far. I’ve always tried to take the opportunities when they arise and as a result I have changed jobs and been able to progress my interests further.
I like where I have ended up as my day to day is never the same and I get to work across the whole company with lots of different people. I think Innovation is definitely a sector I want to stay in as I get to think about the solving problems and developing new technology a lot. Combined with Agriculture which means I get to spend a lot of time in fields and talking with people that grow the food on our plates, doesn’t make for a bad career path I think.
When I was working as Innovation Scientist/ Research Engineer at SRC an example week could be –
Monday: Writing a white paper for the marketing team and doing data analytics.
Tuesday: Robot demo day to potential customers where I had to deliver presentations and sell robots.
Wednesday: Fund bid writing/planning for a new potential bid.
Thursday: Meetings with companies in USA or Chile or Netherlands over how we can use their tech on our robots.
Friday: Research day on a topic that I want to explore and how we can look to solve the issues connected to it.
“My most used skill from Uni relates to presentations and gaining the ability to speak to others with perceived confidence. I hate doing presentations but Uni taught me a lot about how to do them and how to present myself.”
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
The cross between Bio-science and Geography. I wasn’t much of a human geographer, so when I ran out of physical geography and environmental science specific modules I was able to go to the Bio-science modules to choose. The course is nice and broad which means you can choose to specialise if you want in later years or keep it broad if you aren’t sure what you want to do and try lots of things.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
My most used skill from Uni relates to presentations and gaining the ability to speak to others with perceived confidence. I hate doing presentations but Uni presentations taught me a lot about how to do them and how to present myself, and I think that that enabled me to get my first job and have a job that involves sales now. Similar to this, the GIS skills I gained as part of my course and the academic scrutiny of researching, reviewing and then writing literature are core skills that I use daily.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
The Agriculture sector is currently in a state of massive growth. Agriculture can help the world go beyond net zero and as a result the job market is exploding. Agriculture is not a sector I thought I would end up in (I thought I would be on a research ship in the Antartica by now). You need to be open to potential opportunities due to Agriculture also adopting new tech and ‘Big data’ AI. It is also following the cliche of there will be jobs in three year’s time that don’t exist now. But this is also providing the opportunity to enter the space as a data scientist, product manager, concept designer etc.
What is nice as well as many of the jobs are in small companies wanting to make a name for themselves, so if you are enthusiastic, want to learn and develop yourself at the same time then these companies are great places to work. Key areas to concentrate on for Agriculture are: Remote sensing, Biologic/ecology of plants and countryside biodiversity, and Mechatronics/AI interests.
Isabelle Brown, targetjobs First Generation Undergraduate of the Year Winner 2022, and current Exeter student
In a special post for International Women’s Day 2023 we hear from Isabelle Brown, who won the prestigious targetjobs Undergraduate of the Year Award 2022 in the category of ‘First Generation.’ She completed an internship with HSBC and is now HSBC Campus Ambassador. Isabelle is a current BA Modern Languages undergrad at our Streatham Campus. She told us about her experience of applying for and winning her category in Undergraduate of the Year, what it’s like working for HSBC, and what the future holds after Exeter.
After subscribing to the targetjobs email at the Freshers’ Fair, I received an email that advertised the Undergraduate of the Year awards. The Awards are an annual competition aimed at finding the best undergraduates in the UK within specific areas, such as future careers (CFO, Management etc.) and other categories (Excellence through Adversity, LGBTQ+ etc.). I had never thought to apply for these Awards prior to my third year, which I spent abroad, teaching in France and studying in Spain. During this year I was seeking to improve my employability and gain experience of the graduate recruitment process. Being the first member in my family to go to university, I applied for the First Generation Undergraduate of the Year Award in November. This Award was issued by targetjobs in association with SHL and was partnered with HSBC.
“Being the first member in my family to go to university, I applied for the First Generation Undergraduate of the Year Award in November.”
The application process was both insightful and exciting; I completed an online assessment with situational, numerical and inductive reasoning tests devised by SHL, a series of online HSBC assessments, three written questions set by HSBC and two 1-1 virtual interviews on the Virtual Experience day. Having listened to a panel of former award finalists/winner, I learnt that the most important thing throughout the process was to be myself, this helped to ease my nerves slightly.
“I learnt that the most important thing throughout the process was to be myself, this helped to ease my nerves slightly. Another strategy which helped me to feel calmer and slightly more confident, when completing the two interviews during the Virtual Experience Day, was by feeling prepared.”
Another strategy which helped me to feel calmer and slightly more confident, when completing the two interviews during the Virtual Experience Day, was by feeling prepared. I had briefly drafted responses to the typical interview questions such as:
Tell us about yourself
Why should we hire you?
What is your greatest strength?
Describe a time when you have been part of a successful team
What’s your greatest accomplishment
What is your biggest weakness?
Can you give an example of a time when you had to cope with a difficult situation?
Describe a time when you came up with a creative solution to a problem
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I also planned answers to more specific questions that included:
Why do you want the role of Wealth and Personal Banking?
Why do you want to work for HSBC?
What do you know about our company?
Do you know our values?
Could you guide us through your decision-making process?
Why do you want the role of Wealth and Personal Banking?
Why do you want to work for HSBC?
What do you know about our company?
Do you know our values?
Could you guide us through your decision-making process?
What would you do if a client was left unsatisfied from HSBC’s service and claimed to stop cooperating with the bank?
Do you believe that offering tailored customer service is important? How would you prioritise that if given a chance?
Describe why it is important to build relationships between colleagues from different departments
“Later in the year, I found out that I was one of the top ten shortlisted for the award in March and was invited to attend the final Awards ceremony at East Wintergarden in Canary Wharf .”
While I knew it was important to be natural in the interviews and to not sound scripted, this preparation helped to me incorporate precise examples to support my answers, as well as company-specific knowledge, to show that I had done my research and really was interested in the role. Despite the assessments being nerve-racking, I felt a sense of achievement when completing them, and benefited greatly from gaining valuable interview experience and receiving constructive feedback on my performance. After completing the Virtual Experience Day it was impossible to know if I was going to be successful in securing an internship with HSBC, making the news that I had been accepted a lovely surprise.
Later in the year, I found out that I was one of the top ten shortlisted for the award in March and was invited to attend the final Awards ceremony at East Wintergarden in Canary Wharf on Friday 29 April.
The afternoon began with a champagne reception and time to network with fellow finalists, it was then followed by a few speeches from targetjobs and a three-course lunch. The award presentation, hosted by Sue Perkins (comedian, broadcaster, actor, writer and television presenter, most notably of The Great British Bake Off), commenced after lunch.
The criteria for the Award included showing self-motivation, being naturally proactive, demonstrating and enjoying when working on one’s own initiative; embracing diversity and having the ability to build strong, trusting relationships with all kinds of people; being able to engage with others respectfully and listen carefully; and thriving in achieving results through teamwork.
“I got to meet such inspirational students, connect with HSBC members and talk to lovely the Sue Perkins.”
Out of 3968 applications and 122 amazing finalists, I felt extremely honoured and grateful to be one of the twelve winners of an Award. I got to meet such inspirational students, connect with HSBC members (some of whom I met virtually on the assessment centre day) and talk to lovely the Sue Perkins! It was an incredible experience and one that I will cherish and never forget.
Through winning this Award I benefited from an array of amazing opportunities. Alongside an 8-week Wealth and Personal Banking Internship with HSBC, which I had already obtained before receiving the Award – thanks to sitting additional tests during the application process – I also got the opportunity to attend a one-to-one breakfast meeting with a senior member of the bank.
“The criteria for the Award included showing self-motivation, being naturally proactive, demonstrating and enjoying when working on one’s own initiative; embracing diversity and having the ability to build strong, trusting relationships with all kinds of people; being able to engage with others respectfully and listen carefully; and thriving in achieving results through teamwork.”
My internship was both remote and in person. While I completed most of it at home, I did occasionally commute to both the Birmingham Headquarters and the Canary Wharf London office, to benefit from building connections with colleagues and getting an authentic feel of what it was like to work for HSBC.
Throughout my time at HSBC, I contributed not only to the business but also to the wider community. A few highlights include joining GRAD Climate Action Network and taking part in an initiative encouraging people to make more sustainable decisions, fundraising £1,630 for the mental health charity Mind and taking on the role of Social Lead, connecting interns from the 2022 cohort both in person and remotely.
In August, at the end of the internship, I completed a check-out interview, during which I expressed my interest in returning to HSBC after graduating. In early September, I received a phone call to say I had been accepted onto the Wealth and Personal Banking 18-month graduate scheme, comprised of three 6-month placements. I was very excited and felt honoured to receive this offer.
“I received a phone call to say I had been accepted onto the Wealth and Personal Banking 18-month graduate scheme, comprised of 3 6-month placements. I was very excited and felt honoured to receive this offer.”
I would encourage anyone with an interest in either banking or working for an international company, whether you’re an undergraduate in first, penultimate or final year, and no matter what your degree discipline, to apply for an HSBC internship. You will get first-hand experience of what it’s like to work for a global bank. They’re looking for people with ambition and motivation to develop their skills in a fast-paced environment. HSBC’s global internship programmes include Wealth and Personal Banking, Commercial Banking, Global Banking & Markets, and Digital Business Services.
The Emerging Talent team organise such an enriching scheme that provides you with an inclusive, supportive network, the opportunity to gain connections, grow and make a true difference to the future of banking. Throughout my internship I have found them to be a truly innovative, inclusive and caring employer.
Sophia Graham Francies, Corporate Security Consultant with Deloitte, and Exeter alumn.
Sophia Graham Francies is a Corporate Security Consultant with Deloitte. She Graduated in 2017 from the University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, in BA Politics and International Relations, and worked for Red Sift – Email Security Start-Up (2017) Senseon (a Cyber Security Startup) (2018) before joining Deloitte’s Strategy Consulting in Cyber Security (2018-Present).
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
The cyber security start-up world was great in so many respects. There was a lot of versatility and flexibility, I was able to roll up my sleeves and get stuck in. It felt really exciting to help grow a business, working closely with the founding team, and I was able to learn a lot across a broad range of topics.
Deloitte is a reputable firm with a graduate scheme that has the capacity to invest in training and professional growth. In addition, I felt it was important to have a recognisable brand on my CV at an early stage in my career. Many reasons why I enjoy my role some of which include:
Working with, and connecting with hugely interesting and talented people, both fellow graduates, senior leaders in Deloitte and clients.
It’s also been a nice balance between being super exciting and also tackling challenging client face.
I’ve had the opportunity to experience the programme with a group of like-minded people.
Build my own path and form my own connections – everyone’s experience is unique which is unlike many graduate schemes where you are put on a series of placements or rotations as a pseudo-intern: in consulting from day one you’re doing the job, and you’re interacting with clients.
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
The programme taught me to listen to my peers, engage in discourse, be open-minded and flexible in terms of the way I approach with problems. I particularly enjoyed all the environmental politics, philosophy and human security modules. It’s a very special place that I look back on with very fond memories. Living by the beach and all the extra-curricular activities the campus and surroundings had to offer!
“What matters the most is that you show you’re enthusiastic and eager to learn and whatever it is that you try or do, you do to the very highest standard to the best of your ability.”
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
It’s useful to understand yourself and your preferred way of working with other people and be able to articulate it. For example, do you perform best when you work with a team live or do you prefer to go away and think about a problem independently and come back and present it to the team. There are lots of different tools to help you do that for example the Myers-Briggs – Personality Test that you can do online.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
When you start working, remember you’re not on your own: You’re not expected to solve problems on your own, instead your job is to use the people and expertise around you. At school you’re spoon-fed, and they don’t let you fail and to a certain extent at University. At work however, you quickly learn that you’re on your own. You find your own opportunities, and organisations will take and take and so you have to set your own boundaries. What matters the most is that you show you’re enthusiastic and eager to learn and whatever it is that you try or do, you do to the very highest standard to the best of your ability. For example, you should include on your CV if you have played ultimate frisbee for England, or cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats, it shows, drive and determinate which is important in whatever you do.
Flora Stewart is Community Wellbeing Champion for Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity. In 2016 she graduated from the University of Exeter in BA Sociology and Anthropology.
Flora Stewart, Community Wellbeing Champion for Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity.
Thinking about careers can sometimes feel overwhelming, so this week we’re partnering with our friends in Wellbeing to bring you a range of career-focused sessions on the topics you’ve told us are the most stressful.
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
I graduated from Exeter in 2016, and started working part time at Marks and Spencer’s whilst volunteering with Young Carers, and gaining IT certificates as I wasn’t confident with Excel and wanted to apply for administrative positions.
I then started paid employment at Carers in Bedfordshire in December 2018 as Dementia Services Activity Organiser within which I carried out administrative duties, events and activity organisation, hosted events and activities, facilitated and led therapeutic and social sessions for people living with dementia and their family/friend carers. There was a lot of communication and liaison with other local charities, organisations and services including Age UK, Fire Service, and Memory Assessment Service.
I started a new role in March 2022 as Community Wellbeing Champion, delivering Social Prescribing in Bedford. I work for the charity Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (BedsRCC) and am the Social Prescriber for two local surgeries, taking referrals from GPs and other healthcare professionals to help support people in linking them to their local community to help them improve their health and wellbeing. I completed a Foundation Certificate in Psychodynamic Counselling in July 2022.
“I wanted the opportunity to support people to connect to their community and its projects, groups, services so that they can live as well as possible.”
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
Studying Sociology and Anthropology helped develop my understanding of the wider determinants of health and wellbeing. I wanted the opportunity to support people to connect to their community and its projects, groups, services so that they can live as well as possible. I have seen friends and family been discharged from the more traditional health services and not be given further support other than medication. Social Prescribing acknowledges that other changes can be made in a person’s live to improve their health and I think this holistic approach is logical and the future of healthcare and I wanted to be involved.
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
Anthropology modules were so eye-opening and helped expand mindsets and question perspectives consistently. I enjoyed most when we were challenged to think differently about our culture in relation to other cultures, particularly when these challenges broke down ideas of Western ‘superiority’ or the idea of Western culture as the norm vs just one of the many cultures.
There were great opportunities for discussion particularly within modules run by Anthropology lecturer named Hannah (Human-Animal Interactions, my dissertation tutor) and Tom (first year core Anthropology modules lecturer). The fieldtrip to Skanda Vale Ashram was brilliant.
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
I made a list of my top 5 options and put a tick against categories such as ‘social life’, ‘course’, ‘location’, ‘entry requirements’ and Exeter came out as having the most positive marks, so I put it as my first choice. I felt confident in the quality of teaching I would receive and the overall experience I would have, partly because of its status and also because of positive reviews on review sites and league tables. The city was somewhere my family had lived before and I knew one or two people who had gone to the University and had a positive experience.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
Cultural awareness and sensitivity particularly from Anthropology modules which gave a rich and varied opportunity to look outwardly at cultures different to that which I had grown up within but with plenty of opportunity to reflect inwardly at my own perceptions and viewpoints that I had gathered throughout life so far.
This has been very helpful because I work in a culturally diverse town with service users from many different backgrounds and walks of life. I feel open to listening to everyone as an individual, and make time for reflecting on my own interactions with the situation to make sure I acknowledge what I am aware of and what I need to work on in terms of my learning.
“By getting involved in opportunities such as Grand Challenges and The Exeter Award, I developed my interpersonal skills and this has been really useful for confidence with connecting with colleagues throughout my career so far.”
I feel studying modules including Disability and Society which introduced concepts such as ‘people are not disabled, it is their environment that disables them’ has been an ongoing encouragement to consider different angles when it comes to other people and my own wellbeing. By getting involved in opportunities such as Grand Challenges and The Exeter Award, I developed my interpersonal skills and this has been really useful for confidence with connecting with colleagues throughout my career so far.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
Make the most of opportunities for discussion and reflective thought within your modules to make sure you’re challenging your viewpoints, as you will need to be able to be open to new perspectives and ways of seeing the world in any job that is focussed on working with and supporting others.
Attend extra talks and lectures that interest you. If someone has an interesting job, ask them how they got there. Make the most of online learning options to boost your skills and knowledge such as FutureLearn. If you have time, get volunteering – anything and anything that sounds remotely interesting to you can leave you with a wealth of experiences to draw from.
“Learning to balance life and ‘work’/study is so useful for your future and especially in a line of work where you are hearing a lot of people’s struggles and challenges, you must have space outside of work that is for you and keeps you well whilst you are supporting others.”
I recommend all students treating their week like a working week and studying wherever suits you best roughly between 9-5 with a good lunch and coffee break or two. Then make the most of evenings and weekends to socialise and explore the beautiful city and surrounding areas you’re in! You will not regret it. Learning to balance life and ‘work’/study is so useful for your future and especially in a line of work where you are hearing a lot of people’s struggles and challenges, you must have space outside of work that is for you and keeps you well whilst you are supporting others.
Get involved in as many societies as you are interested in – especially in first and second years when you might have more time than final years. This is so you have chance to mix with people outside of your course and accommodation, and try out different interests – as you will want to do this throughout life.
What are your plans for the future?
I would like to learn British Sign Language and gain a TEFL qualification so that I can steer my career towards helping others communicate. I would then consider either teaching BSL / TEFL to others or using these skills, combined with my other job experiences, to work in advocacy or accessible counselling.
Explain why the course at this particular university appeals to you. The course may have a distinct structure, modules which are exclusive to this course or links to industry.
Clare Johnson is the Career Zone Officer, based on the Streatham Campus.
You may have discussed your options with a Careers Consultant, by contacting us to book an appointment via our live chat at https://www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/ in person at your Career Zone, or by phone on 01392 724493.
You’ve decided postgraduate study is for you.
Now all that stands between you and that fantastic postgraduate course is a great application, particularly the crafting of a persuasive personal statement. The statement is your chance to show what you have to offer and how good a match you are for the course.
How can you maximise your chances of success? Here are some tips to help you:
Preparation:
Plan ahead as you’ll often need to submit your application early, particularly if the course is very competitive. Think about who you might ask for references and who could give you feedback. Start doing some research on the institution and the course.
Read the Rules and Guidelines provided by the Institution. Many universities will have a particular procedure they want you to adopt and will give you advice about this. Also check the selection criteria.
Getting Started: 3 top tips
Keep the focus on why you want to study a particular programme and your potential to successfully complete the course.
Use a positive, enthusiastic and professional tone and aim for clarity of expression. If you enjoy writing the statement, that will shine through.
Tailor your statement to the course you’re applying for and make it unique.
Structure your Personal Statement
Although there’s no single way to write a personal statement, the following guidelines are useful to consider:
Your statement should have an introduction, main body and conclusion and follow a clear methodical structure.
The introduction should get straight to the point, to grab the reader’s attention from the beginning, and show your enthusiasm for studying the course.
The main body should cover your academic and employment background, giving evidence of your knowledge and skills and showing why you’re a good match for the course.
The conclusion should summarise why you’re the ideal candidate and how you would be an asset to the University.
Length: Check the guidelines given by the university you’re applying for. A statement can be as short as 500 words, or as long as around 1500 words. If it’s not specified, go for about one and half sides of A4, around 1000-1500 words. Some institutions set a character limit instead.
Show you’re ready to undertake postgraduate study
Give the admissions tutors evidence of your enthusiasm, commitment and motivation for further study and research.
Demonstrate your skills, and how they’ll fit with the course, e.g. time management, critical thinking, resilience, communication.
Cover any grades, awards, work placements, extra readings or conferences that you’ve attended and how these have contributed to your readiness for Masters study. Show how you’re motivated to do high levels of independent research, and mention completed projects and dissertations.
Address any obvious weaknesses, such as lower-than-expected module grades in your undergraduate degree or gaps in your education history. The university will want to know about these, so explain them with a positive spin.
Do your homework on the institution and the course.
Show admissions tutors you know something about the institution you’re applying to. Say why you want to study there and what makes the institution stand out from others. Be specific, and if you’ve visited the institution or would like to work with a particular academic, for example, remember to mention it in your application.
Explain why the course at this particular university appeals to you. The course may have a distinct structure, modules which are exclusive to this course or links to industry, for example.
Show how the course links to your past studies and your future career
If the course is a development of what you’ve studied before, you can demonstrate how your academic study to date, is relevant. Evidence your interest in the subject, perhaps including some academic references or readings. Outline any particular skills you have to offer.
If the course a completely new direction you can show how you will deal with the academic challenges which might arise.
Giving some indication of which career you might want to get into will show selectors you have a good motivation for doing well on this course. Show evidence that this is an informed career decision.
Thoroughly check your grammar, spelling and punctuation
Your written communication skills are also being assessed so taking the time to get these right will be time well spent.
Ask for feedback
You may have read your statement a hundred times over, but it always helps to have others look over it too. The Career Zone offers one to one appointments for feedback on postgraduate personal statements, bookable via the methods outlined at the start of this blog.
It’s also a good idea to show your statement to an academic in the field.
References
In many cases you’ll need to give the names of two academic referees. These would usually be a tutor and a lecturer from your course since they’ll need to comment on your academic capabilities and suitability for the programme of study you’re applying for.
A great personal statement will show the value you’ll add to the programme, as much as what you’ll gain from it, and why you’re worthy of a place on the course.
There’s plenty more useful information and advice here:
I hope you’ve found these tips on writing a great postgraduate application helpful. Allowing yourself time to complete your application will give you the best chance of success. Good luck with your applications.
My name is Ellie, and last year I completed my Masters in English Literary Studies with specialism in World and Postcolonial Cultures. For my Undergraduate degree I studied BA English, also here at Exeter.
When did you start thinking about become a postgraduate student, and why did you choose Exeter and that course?
I was in the final year of my degree when I started thinking about going on to Postgraduate studies. Before this, I hadn’t really known what to do after my degree – I’ve always felt like the problem isn’t that I don’t know what I’m interested in, but that I’m interested in too many things! I guess this all changed when the pandemic hit.
In March 2020, I was in the second year of my degree, and COVID-19 arrived. I suddenly found myself back at home, my dog sat on my feet whilst I wrote my final deadlines and sat my last exams from the study. What I didn’t realise was how long the lockdowns and constant uncertainty would go on for, and at this moment in time I was so concentrated on just taking every day as it came, trying to focus on getting through my degree with COVID a constant threat, that I didn’t feel I could even begin to think about what I would do after Graduating.
“Whilst I was writing my dissertation I spent a long time thinking about my interests and where I should go next year (cue multiple existential crises). With the help of a 1:1 Careers Guidance appointment, and by attending a Career Zone event I decided that I definitely did want to go onto postgrad study.”
I returned to Exeter in September 2020, but ended up mainly studying from home for my final year after another lockdown was announced during Reading Week (all my seminars were held online for the year). Cut to early spring 2021, and I still didn’t have a plan for next year. It was during this time that I realised why I felt so under prepared for Graduating – I had only had half of a normal degree and University experience, and I felt cheated of the opportunity to be a student. I just felt that there was more for me at University. I also had not been able to gain any work experience like I had initially planned to help me decide what route I wanted to go down after Graduating.
Whilst I was writing my dissertation I spent a long time thinking about my interests and where I should go next year (cue multiple existential crises). With the help of a 1:1 Careers Guidance appointment, and by attending a Career Zone event aimed at pre-graduation English and Film Students, I decided that I definitely did want to go onto Postgrad study. However, my interests fell into two clear paths: either I carried on with my more academic, English-based route, or I opted for a Postgrad qualification that gave me access to a healthcare role – something I’d always wondered about. Two of my main career interests have always been publishing and speech and language therapy, so I used Ask an Alum to set up zoom calls with Exeter alumni from each industry. This experience was invaluable, and I felt really lucky to have the opportunity to talk to two extremely interesting women about their careers.
During this time, I also used FindAMasters.com and the RCSLT (Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists) website to help me think about where I would go if I pursued either of these paths. I did a lot of Googling and found Russel Group university cities I thought I would like to live in, browsing the universities’ websites and contacting admissions and course convenors via email to find out if I would be a suitable applicant.
I had missed the date to apply for speech and language therapy, so would have to apply in Autumn 2022 for 2022/23 admissions if I was certain I wanted to go down this route. However, after so long of feeling in limbo during lockdown, I really wanted to have a plan for the next academic year, and I wasn’t sure with the current COVID situation what opportunities would be available to me if I opted for a gap year whilst I waited for the next Masters application window. I was also concerned that due to the pandemic I hadn’t been able to gain any work experience in this field, so thought that this would be a big commitment (in terms of career direction, time, and finances) if I didn’t enjoy the course from the offset.
“The 10% reduction on fees for returning Exeter students was also a big draw – studying at Postgrad level is a big financial commitment as ultimately it means more debt… Some Masters are extremely expensive, so it made sense to stay on at such a brilliant University for a fraction of the price of other courses.”
This formed my decision to look further into a Masters in either publishing or English. I looked at lots of different courses at different universities, but I also reached out to my final year seminar leaders at Exeter who were convening both the brand-new Publishing Masters and the English Literary Studies Masters. I had various Teams calls with them so that I could ask more about the course and find out whether they thought I would be a good fit.
I was really encouraged by the fact that two of the best seminar leaders I have ever had were running each course, and this helped me decide that I wanted to stay at Exeter because I knew how brilliant the department were, so had complete faith that they would be excellent courses. The 10% reduction on fees for returning Exeter students was also a big draw – studying at Postgrad level is a big financial commitment as ultimately it means more debt, and you also don’t get a maintenance loan anymore, so I wanted to be smart about my choices. Some Masters are extremely expensive, so it made sense to stay on at such a brilliant University for a fraction of the price of other courses.
Previously, whenever I had thought about doing a Masters, I had always thought I would take the opportunity to go somewhere new and study at a different university, but COVID meant that I had only been living in Exeter for just over half of my degree, and I felt that I had more to take from the city. I also knew that if we went into more lockdowns, I felt more secure in a city which I already knew, and where I already had a few friends.
“…to make sure you don’t miss any deadlines, I would suggest you start thinking about whether you might like to pursue postgrad study the summer before final year begins.”
My next problem however was that I was torn between these two Masters, and really didn’t know which one to choose. In the end, I decided to apply for English Literary Studies, but to specialise in World and Postcolonial Cultures, which had become a clear area of interest for me since second year. You could opt for one of seven specialisms in the course (or pick an open, unspecialised pathway), and this one really stood out to me. I decided on this Masters over the Publishing Masters as I hadn’t managed to gain any publishing experience – I applied for a local publishing internship just before the pandemic, but unfortunately this opportunity folded as COVID erupted.
I had also applied for summer internships with both Penguin and Hachette, but hadn’t been one of the lucky few to be selected out of tens of thousands of applicants. Another thing that really swung it for me was that if I chose the ELS Masters, I was welcome to study a couple of modules from the Publishing Masters, so could still get a taste for the industry and have something relevant to refer to in any future interviews. I had a close friend who was also staying on at Exeter, and I applied as soon as I had finished my dissertation at the end of April.
“…things can change whilst you’re doing final year – I didn’t start knowing I wanted to do a Masters, but I did end it knowing I wanted to.”
How did you write your Masters application/personal statement, and what was the process like? Do you have any tips for anyone thinking of postgraduate study?
I really didn’t know how to write a Masters personal statement, but I used articles on Prospects and the Help with Applying for Postgraduate Study page on the Career Zone website to help me write a first draft. I also booked in for a 1:1 with a Careers Consultant who went through my application with me and suggested some minor tweaks (he also reassured me that he had never heard of an Exeter student being refused to stay on at Exeter for a Masters, which made me feel less nervous!).
The main things I tried to express were my passion for English and the specialism I was applying for, as well as the modules I had already taken at Exeter that had led me to discover my specialism. I had an advantage to students who had done their undergrad at different universities because I was able to pick out details from undergrad modules led by the MA convenors (who also knew me well) which I had really enjoyed. I also wrote about specific modules on the Masters programme that I would like to study, whilst expressing my enthusiasm to carry on in the English department at Exeter. My final application came in at around 1300 words. I pressed submit (… and then checked my emails constantly for the next few days!). I heard back within a week – I was really happy, and it felt like just the right step for me. Within a couple of weeks I was back in Exeter house hunting, and it all just fell into place from there.
“…being a Postgrad student at Streatham is completely different to being an Undergrad… I knew it would be different, and I was hoping it would feel more adult, as opposed to feeling like I was 18 again.”
Because of COVID, things were a little bit different when I started thinking about Masters, but to make sure you don’t miss any deadlines, I would suggest you start thinking about whether you might like to pursue Postgrad study the summer before final year begins. This way you’ll have plenty of time to weigh up your different options, as a lot of courses have an application deadline early in the academic year (it varies on the course and the university). However, things can change whilst you’re doing final year – I didn’t start final year knowing I wanted to do a Masters, but I did end it knowing I wanted to. When I was looking into Masters within the English department at Exeter I was also met with constant reassurance that sometimes applications come in as late as a few weeks before the course starts, and they’re still just as likely to be accepted, so my seminar leaders were very clear in that there wasn’t a rush (however, this also depends on the size of the course and how many available spaces there are).
“Something which is really nice about postgrad studies is that everyone really wants to be there, and you feel like you are treated in more of an adult manner, less like a student and more like an equal.”
What’s being a postgraduate at Streatham like? Is your course harder than your undergrad? What makes it so? Is there more work?
It’s difficult to explain, but being a Postgrad student at Streatham is completely different to being an Undergrad, and I don’t think I really realised this before coming back to study for a Masters. I knew it would be different, and I was hoping it would feel more adult, as opposed to feeling like I was 18 again.
I’ve never had many contact hours for my course even during Undergrad, as English requires a huge amount of independent study, but this year I had only four contact hours a week (two two hour seminars). At Postgrad level you don’t have lectures, only small group seminars and very infrequent additional workshops or screenings. This didn’t feel like a big change, but I do think that during my Masters I have felt less immersed in the student experience and population, although I think that this was also caused by the onset of COVID.
I have also definitely found it harder to meet people at Postgrad level, and the amount of independent work (and the nature of most people working on quite different projects) means it can be quite isolating at times, so it’s really important to leave your laptop/books regularly! Another thing which is tricky is that almost all of my friends have now left Exeter, which can feel a bit odd when you’re still here, and definitely takes some getting used to, but you do get used to feeling more independent.
My course is definitely harder than at Undergrad, but I also feel like I had a great foundation to start with going into it, compared to in first year where I felt thrown in at the deep end. At Postgrad level, you know what your interests are already and what they aren’t, which is just as important (this time round I knew to steer well clear of anything that smelt too Victorian!). The reading I’m required to do is a lot longer, but in my fourth year of being at University I know the systems that work for me, and also how to manage my workload – for the most part anyway!
Something which is really nice about Postgrad studies is that everyone really wants to be there, and you feel like you are treated in more of an adult manner, less like a student and more like an equal. There’s also more of a mix of ages at Postgrad level, whether students have had a year or two in between their undergrads and their Masters, or whether they are mature students who are coming back to education after decades away. I’ve really enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life who have bigger lives outside of University, and have found myself learning so much from not just my seminar leaders, but other students too.
What’s your area of interest?
My area of interest is my specialism: World and Postcolonial Cultures. When I started at University in first year, I really had no idea what I specifically enjoyed about English – I might have thought I did, but really there was so much more to learn than ever crossed my mind. From second year onwards I started to really connect with learning about literature from other parts of the world, loving deviating from the very white, male canon of privileged literature that has become so ingrained in our society. I quickly realised I would much rather read a short story collection about the refugee crisis by a Haitian author than read another Dickensian novel!
Since my Modern History A Level, I have always had a huge interest in the British Empire and its shadow, and my specialism has given me the opportunity to explore postcolonial legacies and writing from minority cultures, something that has really broadened my understanding not just of literature, but of the world. I have also had the opportunity to take modules from the Publishing Masters and the Film Studies Masters, studying things as varied as the use of sound in films like Gravity, to BAME publishing initiatives in the UK, and novels by Korean, South African, and Kenyan authors. This specialism has allowed me to take my interest in different cultures to a new level, and has also led me to the topic of my Masters dissertation: the representation of race in British children’s literature.
“There is no denying how difficult Postgrad study is… The deadlines are intense, with the heaviest end of module essays falling at the beginning of term, which means there’s never much opportunity to switch off over the Christmas/Easter holidays. It is also a much longer haul than undergrad academic years – I don’t finish until the very end of August.”
Are you enjoying your Masters?
It definitely took a bit of adjusting, but I have enjoyed this year – it’s taught me a lot about myself and what I enjoy and don’t enjoy. The course has been amazing, and the English department are incredibly supportive, down to earth, and so knowledgeable. I always describe my course and specialism as my favourite parts of my Undergrad rolled into one (without the less-fun bits!). I am really glad I chose this Masters – it’s been a really good stepping stone, and I have learnt so much more than I ever expected to. I also know that I can apply my new skills to the next stage of my life. There is no denying how difficult Postgrad study is however – you have to be 100% committed. The deadlines are intense, with the heaviest end of module essays falling at the beginning of term, which means there’s never much opportunity to switch off over the Christmas/Easter holidays.
It is also a much longer haul than Undergrad academic years – I don’t finish until the very end of August, so am only just starting to think about my dissertation when most Undergrads would have just submitted theirs. However, I think that studying at Postgrad level has really deepened and extended what my undergrad gave me, and I hope that this rigorous training will be noticed by any potential future employers.
“I’ve worked as a part-time intern at the Career Zone… having a job is a brilliant way to structure your time into more manageable chunks. It also means that you know you’re going to have a certain amount of time every week where you don’t think about your own academic stresses”
Looking back, what advice would you give yourself before you started the process?
Take things in your stride – whereas no academic year can be described as a sprint, if you thought an undergrad year was a marathon, a Masters is an ultramarathon. I was advised by a seminar leader to treat it like a 9-5 job – a little bit tricky if, like me, you also have a job, but good advice nonetheless! Another seminar leader told me it was two years’ worth of work squashed into one, which definitely summarises how full-on it is… Don’t worry about what other people are doing and what stage you’re at in comparison, just take it one step at a time, do your best, and you’ll get what you need from it.
Even if you don’t have many contact hours, spend time on campus as it will make you feel less like you’re the only Postgrad student in the room! I’d also advise getting a job. This year I’ve worked as a part-time intern at the Career Zone, and although you will have more than enough to do without a job filling part of your week, having a job is a brilliant way to structure your time into more manageable chunks. It also means that you know you’re going to have a certain amount of time every week where you don’t think about your own academic stresses, and I always leave work feeling much fresher, and like everything has been put back into proportion. Plus, a Masters is expensive, and earning money whilst you study is not only helpful financially, but something which evidences your ability to manage your workload and juggle multiple commitments to future employers.
“On a more practical note, studying can actually physically hurt… set timers on your phone to make sure you take regular tea breaks, and do some stretching while the kettle boils – it makes all the difference!”
On a more practical note, studying can actually physically hurt… set timers on your phone to make sure you take regular tea breaks, and do some stretching while the kettle boils – it makes all the difference!
What’s next for you?
I’m not sure what’s next for me yet. I’ve been so busy with my course this year that it’s been difficult to find the time to apply for jobs without sacrificing my deadlines, but I have been keeping an eye out on opportunities. I’m currently debating taking a gap year of sorts next year – organising some short-term work experience opportunities in different sectors, and maybe heading to Europe for a bit to au-pair. I’ve been in education for four years, so I think it’s time for a different experience. But first, come the end of August I’ll be having a big rest!
Ella at Exeter City Community Trust during her internship
Ella Byng completed the Pathways to Charity & Development programme while in her final year studying Sociology. Ella writes about her experience completing the training and internship elements of the programme and how this has helped with deciding on a future career path.
As a Sociology student in my final year, the thought of deciding what I want to do for a career was a daunting one! With so many different options and possibilities, I felt quite overwhelmed and unsure (and I know a lot of other students tend to feel the same!) I decided to apply for the University’s Professional Pathways internship programme, in the hopes of getting some experience and a clearer idea of what kind of job I might like to do in the future. There were 4 different sectors to choose from: I applied to the ‘Pathways to Charity and Development’.
For me, working in the Charity sector was an interesting prospect (and it seemed to link in well with my personal and academic interests), but I didn’t know much about it, and I wasn’t sure what types of jobs were available to me within the Charity sector. After applying to Professional Pathways,
and being successful in the Assessment Centre, I secured a place on the scheme and was invited to attend a series of employer-led training sessions. Speakers from both local and national charities came in to discuss various topics (such as charity funding and fundraising, communications, volunteer management, and humanitarianism). The training week culminated in group presentations to a panel of employers, in response to different project briefs set by local charities. My group’s brief asked us to review, evaluate, and provide recommendations for Exeter City Community Trust’s social media channels. We were then rewarded with pizza, as well as a chance to network with employers!
After the training, I began my paid 35-hour internship. I was matched with Exeter City Community Trust (ECCT), as a Charity Development Assistant. During this internship, I have had the opportunity to learn about all the different roles within ECCT, as well as the programmes and activities that they offer for the community (focussing on sports, education, and wellbeing). A highlight for me [was helping] with the “social café”, which was set up during COVID to combat loneliness. ECCT’s social cafe is a place where people can go, once a week, to have a cup of tea and chat with others. From talking to some of the regular attendees, it was clear how important this was to their own wellbeing! It seemed like a real lifeline for older generations, and it was amazing to see that it has made such a difference.
“In terms of how my involvement in Pathways to Charity and Development has helped me in my career journey so far, I’ve gained valuable insight into what it might be like to work in the Charity sector.”
In terms of how my involvement in Pathways to Charity and Development has helped me in my career journey so far, I’ve gained valuable insight into what it might be like to work in the Charity sector. It’s also confirmed that this is a career I would love to go into; specifically, a role that centres around improving the wellbeing of communities. I cannot wait to see what my next career steps are, and I’m excited to take what I have learnt from the Professional Pathways programme forward into life as an Exeter graduate.
If you’d like to apply for Professional Pathways, applications are currently open via Handshake for our 2023 programmes! You can find further details on the 4 available Pathways and how to apply here. Applications will close at 1:00pm on Tuesday 17 January 2023.
