Stepping Away: Barney

Posted on: 5 November 2024 by Richard Finch in Class of 2023

Barney Capes is a Class of 2023 BA Geography graduate who now works as a Talent Sourcing Specialist at Reed Talent Solutions.

How did you hear about your role and decide to apply for it?

I searched through job listings, but many required 1-2 years of industry experience, so I focused on Graduate Schemes instead. Eventually, I came across a Google ad for the Reed Graduate Scheme, which offers development within Recruitment and the company.

This appealed to me, especially given Reed’s positive reputation. The scheme I enrolled in offers yearly rotations, allowing me to experience recruitment. This route not only provides growth opportunities, particularly in sales and B2B experience, but also gives me a chance to rotate into industries that typically require years of experience to get into.         

How did you get to where you are now?

I applied to numerous jobs and reached out to managers and directors on LinkedIn. My past work experience includes part-time roles during my degree and warehouse work before university, but I struggled to secure a role without a graduate scheme or training. I was highly motivated by a scheme that offered various pathways, allowing me to gain experience across different departments and also a role I could earn more through hard work.   

Your favourite experience as part of your role?

Client Lunch Meetings & Work Socials!           

The most challenging part of your graduate journey?

Uncertainty and the rejections of job applications.

Top 3 Tips for current students and graduates:

  1. Networking. LinkedIn (and Handshake) should be up to date and build a professional network, even if messaging about tips or advice.
  2. Job Applications. Just because 5 consecutive companies have rejected your CV, doesn't mean the next won't. Be resilient with that.
  3. Look for opportunities that provide positive benefits. Training, growth opportunities, relevant experience, and stability are all important.
                                                                                                         

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