Two Students + One Programme = Graduate Job Success

Fran and Lucy took part in the Leicester Award Gold when they studied at the University of Leicester, hear why they think you should do it too!

Why did you apply for the Leicester Award Gold?

Fran – I applied for the Leicester Award Gold because I was unsure what I wanted to do when I graduated. The prospects of getting a job out of it really attracted me and also just having something extracurricular on my CV and Higher Education Achievement Report – employers quite often look for more than a degree on someone’s CV to make them stand out.

Tell us about your experience of the Leicester Award Gold – what did you learn?

Lucy -The Leicester Award Gold taught me that your degree course does not limit what career you might decide to go into. The skills I gained from my English and History degree are so diverse and have transferred into banking, which prior to the Gold Award I thought was only for people who had studied business and economics.
Fran – The Leicester Award Gold was initially slightly nerve-wracking as I didn’t know anyone else who was doing it. Completing numerous group tasks including a team building exercise and a presentation soon changed this and helped develop my confidence in meeting new people and also my teamwork skills.

What was your highlight moment of the Leicester Award Gold?
Fran – My highlight moment of the LA Gold was the assessment centre. I was extremely nervous on the way, but it felt so good when I had survived the day! I met recent graduates…and got to ask them about their experience there and any tips for applying to their graduate schemes. It also gave me chance to practice my interview skills in a real life situation. The group project we had to do on the day was also something that is hard to prepare for until you are in that environment.
Lucy – The assessment day that is included in the Leicester Award Gold was a highlight. Experiencing an assessment centre in a corporate environment was totally new and such a great learning curb.

What would you say to other students thinking about applying?

Lucy – Take note of the companies’ values and beliefs when applying, these are crucial! If, like me, you don’t know what you want to do after uni then do something that is out of your comfort zone- you never know you might love it.
Fran – To students thinking about applying I would 100% recommend it. It’s a great way to come face to face with an employer in a more relaxed environment. It also gives you the opportunity to make a lasting impression on the employer, so if you decide to apply for a role later on, they are likely to remember you. Getting the chance to experience an assessment centre is also an invaluable experience which will really prepare you for future applications.

Both Lucy and Fran have since gone on to successfully secure employment on competitive graduate schemes and recently returned to represent their company at the Festival of Careers. Don’t miss out on your chance to enhance your skills and incrase your options – apply now!