I Got Hired: Programme Coordinator at Talk About, an educational technology start-up

Posted on: 1 February 2021 in Graduate stories

Emily Digby studied BA History at the University of Liverpool and graduated with First Class Honours in July 2020. Since graduating, Emily has been a commercial writer at The Business Update, Environment Contributor and Programme Coordinator at Talk About (an educational technology start-up), worked as a Property Litigation paralegal, and has secured numerous Vacation Schemes at commercial law firms.

1. What was your best experience while studying your course at the University of Liverpool and why?

I was lucky enough to have such brilliant experiences whilst studying at university, but the highlight of my degree was studying such a broad range of modules. These included electives in medicine and public health, German, English Literature, and philosophy to name a few, as well as the chance to specialise in crime history. When I first opted to study history, I never imagined that I would go on to produce an original dissertation exploring the lives of those indicted for violent theft at the Old Bailey during the 1840s! The ability to have a truly unique and personalised degree programme is phenomenal, which has been equally useful in a professional capacity. For example, my interest in medicine (stemming from studying US and British public health) encouraged me to write numerous articles and commercial awareness guides on telemedicine, marrying my interests in technology, commercial law and the Life Sciences sector.

2. What aspects of your course do you think have been most beneficial to your career development?

I have gained three main skills from my degree that have been fundamental in my development thus far. If you are reading this and are a History student, you will understand just how important time management is. A history degree involves being set hundreds of pages of additional reading a week, presentation and essay preparation, as well as juggling four modules per semester, which requires exceptional prioritisation skills. Such capabilities have strengthened my resilience and ability to remain focused during challenging situations, which will help me as a busy trainee solicitor. Secondly, the research skills I have gained were invaluable during my time as a paralegal. Whilst completing my dissertation during lockdown posed difficulties, especially with the closure of physical libraries, navigating complex online databases strengthened my ability to think laterally about data and information. Thirdly, I believe my course enabled me to think creatively, with tutors supporting my interests. History students at Liverpool are encouraged to be individuals and think critically about the political, economic, and social landscape around them, which has developed my self-awareness.

3. What did you do during your degree to prepare for the transition into the workplace and how did this help? E.g. extra-curricular activities or work experience

I took great pride in undertaking extra-curricular at university. I was the elected captain and treasurer of the History Netball Team, where I led my team to win the league for the first time, a History Society committee member and ambassador at the International Slavery Museum. These experiences taught me the importance of being a well-rounded individual with external interests. According to my experience, recruiters are concerned with seeing what kind of person you are in order to connect with your personality, meaning that most of my Assessment Centre interviews have dwelled on the activities I did during university. In addition to these, I attended the Law Careers Fair during my first year, which ignited my interest in commercial law. During my second year, I attended multiple Open Days at City law firms, which were useful in honing my professional aspirations and personal brand.

4. How did you overcome the challenge of finding work experience during lockdown?

Lockdown has posed challenges in terms of securing physical work experience, but many companies have hosted more virtual events. I have viewed lockdown as an opportunity to upskill, attending and hosting numerous webinars, connecting with professionals in my industry, applying for mentoring schemes and learning new skills, such as commercial writing. I think creativity is important when scouting work experience opportunities, so the most important thing is that you enjoy what you are doing. Although, I would say that it is all too easy to overdo it in terms of attending virtual events which can lead to ‘Zoom fatigue’. Do not feel pressured to learn a new language, code, take the New York Bar and found a start-up!

5. Can you please share insight into your current role, what do you enjoy the most?

As Programme Coordinator of Talk About, an educational technology start-up, I oversee four programmes on our e-learning platform ‘Talk About Skills’ – the first in the UK dedicated to the development of soft skills.

There are two main aspects of my position that I particularly enjoy. Firstly, the ability to liaise with internationally renowned companies to produce bespoke e-learning programmes. In short, it is the ability to connect young people and professionals, helping large corporations connect with the next generation of talent.

Secondly, I take great pride in leading our ‘Talk About Change’ programme, which engages students with diversity and inclusion and equips them with the skills they need to become inclusive leaders and compassionate colleagues. I contact members of the Business in the Community Leadership Teams to ask individuals to produce informative vlogs on their experiences and have produced videos on topics such as social mobility myself. I feel that this initiative is of crucial importance to ensure that talented, diverse individuals that lack traditional support systems are given opportunities to interact with businesses in corporate spaces. This is important to me as I believe that I am making important changes to ensure equal access to opportunity.

6. Do you have any top tips to share with future and current students when preparing for the world of work?

Network! For me, as a socially mobile candidate, I do not have family members in law and so LinkedIn is an invaluable tool. I have also met other aspiring commercial lawyers through diversity initiatives including STRIVE and writing at The Business Update. The ability to communicate with a wide group of people will be advantageous in a full-time position.

Go to as many virtual and in-person events as possible. Attending the university’s Law Careers Fair in my first year in October 2017 piqued my interest, which shows the importance of meeting recruiters, academic institutions and ultimately, potential future employers. Remember that finding your ‘dream job’ is a two-way process: it is imperative that you find a position and company with values that align with yours.

Remember that the careers service is there to support you! Before my first Assessment Centre during my final year, I had several interviews with careers advisors, which played a key role in me securing my first Vacation Scheme! Don’t feel nervous about reaching out and asking for help!

Any and all work experience is valuable. Do not forget the skills you gain from part-time jobs, including time management, interpersonal and problem-solving skills. These experiences are just as important as internships!