In 2015
the Student Jobshop are celebrating 10 years in their current location in the
Students’ Union.
This
week we interviewed Sarah Bows, who studied German and Business Studies and
graduated in 2008. Sarah worked as our
Student Jobshop Assistant from September
2007 - March 2008 and after a few years in other roles, she is now working in
the Careers Service once again!
Jobshop:
Please briefly describe your role in the Jobshop:
Sarah: As Student
Jobshop Assistant I was involved in adding vacancies to myVacancies, answering
student queries (from anything to specific vacancies to how to apply for NI
numbers), contacting employers to find out about potential vacancies, and
helping out at events (e.g. Freshers' Fair).
Jobshop
What did you gain from working in the Jobshop?
Sarah: It made
me more aware of the types of jobs I wanted to apply for myself when I
graduated, and it gave me some really useful customer service experience (which
helped me to secure my first "proper" job after I finished my
course!) The team were also really supportive, and made me more confident in my
abilities (particularly as I didn't have a great deal of previous work
experience).
Sarah: I volunteered at a local primary school through Sheffield Volunteering
(running a German club with two other students), and I also worked on the
Confirmation and Clearing Helpline one summer.
Sarah: I was
offered a job at the South Yorkshire Transport Executive (SYPTE) a couple of
months after graduating. Although I originally saw this as a short-term
opportunity, I ended up staying there for three and a half years! This was
partly due to the recession, and also the fact that I really got on with my
colleagues and was developing some really vital skills within my role. I then
started applying for jobs at the University - and was eventually offered a job
in the Learning and Teaching Services (providing project support to two
well-known student programmes).
Jobshop:
What are you up to now?
Sarah: Last
year, I was seconded to the Careers Service to support a project for students
from under-represented backgrounds. From that, I was offered a full-time role
within the team - this time coordinating the various different projects we run
for taught postgrads. It's great to be back working with the Student Jobshop
team again!
Jobshop
If you could offer one piece of advice to current students about working whilst
studying...............
Sarah: Do it!
You'll really notice the difference when it comes to applying for jobs, as
you'll have examples other than study that you can use to demonstrate your
skills. I would also say it makes working full-time after seem less of a
shock!!
Jobshop
Any other information you wish to share with us or with students:
Sarah: Try to
think about what it is you like doing, rather than what it is you want to 'be'.
In other words, you don't have to decide on a particular job title, unless you
want to be a teacher, a doctor, a lawyer etc. A good example of this is my
current job as a 'Project Officer' - not many people would necessarily see that
title and think "that's what I want to do", but when you read the job
description it includes so many things! Much of which would be transferable
across industries and sectors. Also, think as much about the things that you
don't like doing as the ones you do - this will really help you to decide
whether a job is right for you or not.
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