International Graduate Story: Shreyas

Posted on: 13 October 2024 by Richard Finch in Graduate stories

MSc Business Analytics and Big Data graduate Shreyas Gawande talks about his experience of landing a job before graduating.

Embarking on the job search journey can be both exciting and overwhelming. I’m thrilled to share my own experience of landing a position as a Prime Associate in a multinational firm, through the support of my The University of Liverpool career resources.

The beginning

As a second-semester student, I was buried in assignments and deadlines. The idea of attending the career fair, organized by the University, felt like yet another task I simply didn’t have time for. I had heard about the event, but with so much on my plate, was it worth my time?

On the day of the fair, at the very last minute, a friend who was attending the fair mentioned the diverse range of highly sought-after companies that were present. Hearing about the big-name companies and exciting opportunities that matched my career interests, I realized this was an opportunity I couldn’t afford to miss—and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I could have made!

The fair was bustling with various companies eager to connect with students. One company, in particular, caught my attention, as their work and job description seemed to perfectly align with my past experience. I decided to approach their booth, and after an insightful conversation with their representatives, I felt a strong connection to the company and the role. The networking I did that day allowed me to learn more about their culture and the position, setting the stage for the next steps in my journey

The application process

After speaking with the company representatives, I felt confident in my interest and decided to apply through the website provided on the brochure they had handed me. Like many students, I wanted to ensure my application stood out, and that’s when Career Set, an ATS tool provided by the university, came in handy. This tool helped me refine my CV, ensuring I emphasized the right skills and experiences to align with the job requirements.

To prepare for the aptitude tests that the company required as part of the process, I turned to a job assessment tool called Graduates First. It provided a wide range of practice materials, including aptitude questions, situational judgement tests, and simulations. This gave me the confidence to tackle the assessment with ease, knowing I was well-prepared for what was to come. Furthermore, the Enhancement Week organized by the University of Liverpool Management School played a significant role in my preparation, as it helped me identify my areas for improvement and provided valuable insights into what to expect on assessment day.

After successfully passing the aptitude test, I was invited to the company’s assessment centre for a series of screening activities. This stage was crucial, as it allowed the company to evaluate my skills through presentations and group activities. The final step in the process was the interview. This was my chance to demonstrate my technical knowledge, my passion for the role and how my previous experience aligned with the company’s needs.

The interview went smoothly, and shortly afterwards, I received the exciting news: A job offer! The entire process spanned about three months, and I had my offer in hand five months before graduation.

Reflecting on my journey

Looking back, I realize that the choices I made were all part of a larger path; one decision led to another, bringing me to this incredible opportunity. As an international student, I knew the job market would be tough due to increased competition, which can make finding the right role feel difficult. However, the career fair introduced me to an opportunity I might not have discovered otherwise. I had support from resources designed specifically for students like me.

To any student who might be feeling unsure about networking events, or making use of the university’s resources, my advice is simple: just go for it! I was in the same position doubting whether it was worth my time—but starting soon and taking that leap opened doors I hadn’t even imagined. Despite the competitive nature of the job market, the right opportunities are out there, and using the resources at your disposal could be the key to standing out. You never know where these opportunities might take you, and they could be the first step toward your next big career move.

Good luck in your career journey!