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 Alex Stalker, who studied an MA in Translation Studies and
graduated in 2015. Alex worked as our
Student Jobshop Assistant from August
2014 - June 2015.
Jobshop:
Please briefly describe your role in the Jobshop:
Alex: I worked closely with the
Student Jobshop team to give advice to students and answer a range of queries
relating to part-time jobs and work experience. I helped students source jobs
online via myVacancies, gave tips relating to CVs and applications and how to
make effective use of the Careers Service while studying at Sheffield. Other
parts of my role included liaising with employers, uploading internships and
placements to myVacancies and helping with events such as the Part Time Jobs
Fair.
Jobshop
What did you gain from working in the Jobshop?
Alex: Working in the Jobshop allowed
me to develop skills in administration, customer service and communication. On
a personal level, by helping students with job applications I learnt a great
deal about how to effectively sell my professional skills to employers and I
increased my confidence in using basic yet vital skills such as communicating
with students and employers on the telephone and by email. As a postgraduate
working at the Jobshop I learnt more about how the Careers Service could help
students in my position. Working at the Jobshop during the week was ideal for
me as it fitted in nicely with my uni and work commitments and social life. I
was grateful to be nominated for a Student Employee of the Year award in 2015.
I also gained some good friends in the Jobshop staff!
Jobshop
Did you undertake any other work experience/part-time work whilst you studied
at Sheffield?
Alex: I worked in the evenings as a Residential Mentor at the Ranmoor
Village.
Jobshop:
What have you been doing since
graduation?
Alex: I
finished working at the Jobshop in June 2015 to pursue a career in the
translation industry. Over the summer I worked on my dissertation in the
evenings and weekends whilst working full time for a translation company
Jobshop:
What are you up to now?
Alex: I'm
working as a translation project co-ordinator for a translation company in
Preston. Key skills I developed as a Jobshop employee, such as problem solving,
communication and organisational skills have come in very useful in my role so
far. At some stage in the next few years I'm hoping to take on some extra work
as a freelance translator in my spare time.
Jobshop
If you could offer one piece of advice to current students about working whilst
studying...............
Alex: Don't be
fazed by working part-time as a student. It may seem like you don't have time
for a job but I found that a regular job can increase your focus and
productivity with your uni work and it impresses employers when you have
evidence of demonstratable skills.
Jobshop: Any other information
you wish to share with us or with students:
Alex: Working in the Jobshop highlighted to me that I wish I'd made more use
of it along with the Careers Service during my undergraduate degree. The
invaluable advice that is given by the friendly and experienced staff is hard
to come by elsewhere so students should use it while they can!
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