In 2015
the Student Jobshop are celebrating 10 years in their current location in the
Students’ Union.
As part
of our anniversary activities, we contacted a number of our graduates who
worked with us as Student Assistants in the Jobshop, to find out what they have
been doing since they left University and we thought you might like to hear
about their experiences of working whilst they studied and how that helped them
to find employment after graduation.
This
week we interviewed Martina Antosova, who studied for the Legal Practice Course
and graduated in 2014. Martina worked as
our Student Jobshop Assistant from Sept
2012 - June 2014
Jobshop:
Please briefly describe your role in the Jobshop:
Martina: I worked as a Jobshop Assistant
for 2 years, offering help to students searching for part-time jobs and work
experience. I was the first point of contact in the Jobshop for students who
needed help searching for jobs and I regularly updated the myVacancies database
with new jobs. I also helped with the Part-Time Jobs Fair and other employment
fairs. But it was not all work, but also some play - I used the blackboard at
the back wall of the Jobshop to express my creativity and updated it with the
most important or recent job-seeking information for students, together with
some "drawings" to make it more fun.
Jobshop
What did you gain from working in the Jobshop?
Martina: I gained various useful skills
that prepared me for future jobs, e.g. customer service, communication etc. I
have developed my own skills of searching for jobs and writing CVs or covering
letters, which were the reason I was successful in finding a graduate job. I
also developed networking skills and gained contacts in my chosen field of work
which helped me gain work experience and permanent employment. Overall, working
in the Jobshop was the most useful and important preparation for my future.
Jobshop
Did you undertake any other work experience/part-time work whilst you studied
at Sheffield?
Martina: I have also worked as a residential mentor at the University of
Sheffield Accommodation and as an assistant at the University of Sheffield
Alumni Office.
Jobshop:
What have you been doing since
graduation?
Martina: Immediately
after finishing my degree in June 2014, I have started a full-time job as a
legal advisor in a law firm in Sheffield. I have now been working at this law
firm for over a year and I provide advice to trade union members on a variety
of legal matters. Since graduation, I have also been applying for training
contracts so I can qualify as a solicitor.
Jobshop:
What are you up to now?
Martina: I have
been promoted to senior legal advisor in my current employment. I have also
managed to successfully secure a training contract in a City law firm and I
will be starting there in February 2016.
Jobshop
If you could offer one piece of advice to current students about working whilst
studying...............
Martina: Visit
the Jobshop in your first year! You should start preparing for the future early
- from the first year at university, try to apply for part-time jobs, develop
your skills through volunteering or work experience, because it will all pay
off in the end. Use the services available at the Jobshop and the Careers
Service to help you succeed and you will not have to panic when it comes to
graduation.
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