The Placement Year was one of the features of the degree scheme that attracted me the most. I knew from the beginning that this will both help and force me to think about my career before finishing my degree. The graduate job market is quite competitive so any work experience is definitely a boost. This placement was the perfect opportunity to put all the theory I have learnt into practice, gain professional experience and increase my employability.

I was the first point of contact for visitors to Careers, be it students, University staff or employers. Having a student facing role, my responsibility was to build relations between Careers department and Students. I responded to different career related queries through face to face interaction, email or telephone and also maintained records of those who used Careers and subsequently analysed trends within Careers usage. Moreover, I liaised with employers to advertise and promote their vacancies as well as ensuring they were aware of all the other services provided by careers to help them engage with students. I also vetted organisations to make sure that their opportunities were suitable for students. I was responsible for the marketing of Careers events through poster designs and social media. I was involved in the pilot of the Employer Connect project (managed its applications and its promotion) and worked closely with the Employment and Recruitment Service, answering queries and processing registration documents. I also got to support events, by working in Careers fairs and in network events.

The placement enabled me to understand the different strategies to approach and the effort it takes in order to find the best way to support students along the application process and in choosing their career path. The placement was really challenging at the beginning, with a lot of things to learn and different situations to deal with, but the team was very welcoming and friendly and it was a pleasure to work with such enthusiastic and passionate people. I worked in exciting projects which have boosted my confidence and deepened my understanding in a professional environment. I discovered myself and new skills. The most satisfying part of this year was making real contribution in different projects. I was given a project to create an e-zine for career guides and I had to learn InDesign and in this way I became their go-to when projects involved InDesign. I made a lot of new friends and connections which will help me with the application process for the graduate roles. My team supported me and guided me throughout the year and now I am more mature and I feel ready to improve the plan of my career path.

LUMS Careers team were very supportive during my application process by providing training through courses and workshops which offered me a starting point in my journey. I am really grateful to Rory Daly who gave me the confidence I needed, unconditional support and the professional guidance for a successful start in my career path.