Abigail Parkin, Student and Graduate Engagement Officer at the Careers and Employment Service, has shared her journey from graduation to employment for Student Employability Week.
I graduated in 2022 with a degree in Business Management, not really sure what I wanted to do with my future, only that I had an interest in marketing.
I was active on LinkedIn and had connections with the Careers and Employment Service team from internships I’d completed whilst I was a student.
I had been offered a graduate role that fell through and being connected to the Careers Team made me aware of a vacancy available in their team at the University of Derby. I really doubted myself and couldn’t see that I was experienced enough for the role, but I was reminded that I had a wealth of transferrable skills from my internships, part-time roles, and even my degree course, which were invaluable and could be applied to any professional role. I did my research, applied for the role, practised my interview technique, and was offered the position! The transferrable skills I had, such as my organisation, good communication and teamworking, for example, really paid off when I explained how I could use these in the role.
I was very fortunate to step into a position straight from graduation which offered me lots of opportunities for growth, development and progression within my professional career. This was a fixed-term role, which was extended, but unfortunately had to come to an end. I thoroughly enjoyed working for the University, so I explored other vacancies and was offered a position as the Conference Manager at our Enterprise Centre, before moving back into the Careers Team for my current role in March 2024; as the Student and Graduate Engagement Officer.
When thinking about your career, I would encourage students to be open-minded and consider different pathways which align with your interests – I would’ve never expected that I’d be marketing for the University’s Careers Service, but I genuinely enjoy it and every day is totally different! Also, don’t forget to use the Careers and Employment Service to support you - whether you just explore the online resources, or if you want to book a one-to-one appointment to gain personalised advice and support, its really worth it!