I Got Hired: My Kickstart Experience

Posted on: 2 May 2022 by Richard Finch in Student experiences

Mariam Abood tells us more about her experience as a Kickstart Digital Communications Assistant in the English Department at the University of Liverpool.

Here’s something I don’t normally do; network. In my varied experience in past internships, I was assigned to networking positions. This, however, was a low-scale task, usually done for small charities and corporations.

Through Kickstart, I was soon able to come to the realisation that I could use networking tools and platforms to enhance my skillset.

In my half-way review I was able to resurrect my old and un-inspiring LinkedIn profile and use the advice the LinkedIn Checklist gave me. All of this was done with the great help from the Careers Centre and my line manager.

In the next section I will outline what you can do to enhance your skillset and make the most of networking.

Tip One: Do not be afraid to ask your line manager for help and guidance.

That is what they are there for. Through the exceptional help I received from my department, the English Department, I was able to enrol in a Copywriting for Publishers Course provided by the prestigious Publishing Training Centre and received certificate accreditation for my partaking of this course. This was a valuable certificate that I was then able to put on my LinkedIn, because it showed I am knowledgeable and have the skills and drive to learn more. Having certificates like this, gives you an advantageous edge in the employability sector because you are going the extra mile. I could not have done this without the help and support of my line-manager, so really, don’t be afraid to ask for help!

Tip Two: Really use all the tools at your disposal.

When doing the networking exercise, I was given a very helpful LinkedIn Checklist to go through, which gave me an abundance of hints, tips and tricks to help make a successful LinkedIn that stands out. The checklist made me considering including accreditations from University that I had never considered would be useful, but actually really help make your LinkedIn profile. For example, in my early university years I was very interested in societies and was a committee member for a society. This got me a University Validated Achievement Award on my official university transcript. This is a very advantageous thing, because by advertising this on my LinkedIn, I can show to employers the transferable skills I learned from being involved in societies, as well as my dedication and commitment. I would never have previously thought of including this, if it were not from the help I received from the Careers Centre. Thus, I have been able to enhance my LinkedIn as a result of the LinkedIn Checklist which has really given me a confidence and employability boost.

Tip Three: Do not be afraid to network and advertise yourself!

Within the British culture of the stiff upper-lip, a modesty subculture has blossomed, thus making people reluctant to advertise their skills and strengths in a truly reflective and meaningful way. Again, using the LinkedIn Checklist, I was able to advertise my skills and strengths, which helped me network profusely. For example, I was able to advertise my proficiency in Arabic and German in the skills section, meaning I could join like-minded people in language employability groups. Through doing so I have been able to build a network of like-minded people who help me really think about my future career prospects. Vitally, however, LinkedIn and the Careers Centre have helped me feel part of a community and this is a warm and validating achievement.

Doing all of these steps is a vital way at helping you realise your true potential. Thank you, the Careers Centre and The University of Liverpool.