Over the past four weeks I have taken part in DMU’s Future You programme. Future You is DMU’s employability scheme that runs for all third year students to help us navigate life after university. The programme covers all things from housing, finances, graduate schemes, and all things in between. So here’s a run down of the last few weeks on this programme!
Introduction week
In the first week, we were introduced to our lovely programme leaders from the Careers Team and DMU Alumni. We played ice breaker bingo, which was a much better exercise than other ice breaking games I’ve played. We had a bingo card with questions on it, to find people who could say they had done one of the things on the sheet. It was really insightful and the leaders were enthusiastic and welcoming. In this session, we also had an introduction to LinkedIn, which would be elaborated on in other sessions.
First sessions
Each week consisted of one employer session and one practical one. The first practical session was led by the Careers Team on professional etiquette. This gave us help with how to pitch ourselves to employers and how to conduct ourselves in the workplace.
The first employers session was led by GradConsult, they gave us an exclusive lesson to help us understand how to think like a recruiter.
Housing
The housing session was also hugely valuable. Whilst I am not renting or buying at the moment, it was so good to hear the Sulets experts advise on housing. Our speaker, Irving, who works as chief executive officer at Sulets, spoke so passionately about our rights as renters. He was so genuine when giving us his advice that he just wanted us to be safe and sensible.
Financial advice
In this same session, financial planner Tom Mangan taught us about finances after uni. Which savings accounts to set up and how to manage pay checks. I personally believe that this should be taught in schools, but also be more readily available for students as it is so beneficial for us.
Graduate schemes
Enterprise Mobility, one of the biggest graduate employers in the country came to speak to us the following week. Haroon Hassan gave us an insightful talk about the company and introduced us to Assessment Centres, which I had not heard of before. Basically how to succeed in an assessment centre when employers are determining who to take on. It is part of the job interview process I have never encountered before. I am eternally grateful to have had this help, because I know if I had gone into one blind I would not have handled that situation well.
Alongside this, Haroon also gave out more tips on how to use LinkedIn. He showed us statistics on how the algorithm works, so you get noticed by employers. I have taken this advice on board, as the day after this session I attended a webinar for a potential graduate scheme I have ended up applying to. Unfortunately, I did not get that position, but the talent manager at a different firm has reached out to me. I am so grateful for this insight, it has put me at an advantage of getting employment post graduation.
Leading with love
Our practical session was held by Sarah J. L. Higgins who gave us tips on how to be resilient in the workplace, maintain our wellbeing and also practical tips on conquering the world of work. Her Leading with Love programme sounded very relevant to the current climate we are living in and I think the work she does is fantastic.
Education
Our final employer session was with Aspire People, who are an educational recruitment firm. They gave us advice on how to write CVs and cover letters, with an insight into what it is like in the education sector.
Celebration evening
Finally, when all these sessions were complete we had our Celebration Event. Held in Trinity Chapel on campus, the event felt classy and well established. As someone who has felt kind of unseen in the university environment, it felt good to be recognised for something. In the evening, I also got to network with all the lovely people I had met whilst participating in the programme. As a commuter, I haven’t really had the chance to meet people outside of my course so this felt refreshing to meet new people with a shared goal.
Overall, after participating in this programme I would encourage everyone to get involved in an employability programme at university. It has probably been the most valuable thing I have gotten out of university, besides my degree.
For more info on employment after uni, or even while you’re still studying, visit our Jobs and Careers page.
