What's next for our Career Coaches?

Posted on: 1 August 2022 by Samantha Riella in Events & News

Our 2022 Career Coaches have graduated and are taking the next steps in their careers.

From their very first training day and learning what it is to be a Career Coach to helping students explore career options and being a friendly face on campus, they've been recognised for all their hard work and celebrated with the team. A huge congratulations Coaches and good luck for the future!

Find out more about what their best experiences have been whilst studying, some of their favourite memories as a coach and helpful hints and tips to current students:

Ryan Grant

What made you decide to study Aerospace Engineering in the first place?

I have dreamt of becoming an aerospace engineer from a young age. Throughout secondary school and sixth form I heard the same message from my teachers. That I didn’t apply myself and did the bare minimum just to get by, because of this I had to do a foundation year at the University of Liverpool in order to chase my dream and make up for my lack of effort in school. It wasn’t until I had to resit some of my foundation year summer exams that I realised the level of work needed to achieve my dream was far greater than I imagined. Going forward I knew something had to change and I needed to apply myself and really put in the work. Fast forward three years and through hard work I have achieved a First-Class Honours degree in BEng Aerospace Engineering.

What is your highlight from the past three years of studying?

I've learnt a lot about myself and who I am as a person, some of the best experiences I've had have been just learning new topics that fascinated me in the field of engineering. 

What one thing are you most proud of during your time as a Career Coach?

At the end of 2021, Ana (another Career Coach) and I did some filming for a BBC 3 documentary called “Computer Says No” that looked at how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used in some job application processes. It is a very interesting documentary and me and Ana appear later on in the show giving tips on how to get ahead in the application process, so be sure to check it out on BBC iPlayer.

What are your plans for the future?

Going forward I have secured a role as a graduate engineer at Thales, where I hope to become a Systems Engineer. I haven't really been told what I'm doing though it'll all be to do with designing and manufacturing systems.

What is your top tip for current students?

Study hard but at the same time do your best and don't put too much pressure on yourselves. I would also start to think about your career as early as possible and apply to internships etc. 

Lauren McNiffe

What podcast has impacted you the most? 

The iWeigh podcast has been an incredible opportunity for me to learn about mental health, diversity and other issues facing people in society. The podcast interviews a diverse range of guests that allows me to understand and empathise with other perspectives, which I think is a crucial skill. 
  
What is one of the best ways to help deal with nerves or stress? 

The most important thing to do during hard times is talk openly and honestly to someone you trust. There is nothing worse than keeping your stress or nerves inside. This can be your family, friends and also the university support team.

What is one of your favourite experiences as a Career Coach?

The Careers & Employability Team were shortlisted for targetjobs UK The Best University Employability Strategy Award. Our Peer-to-Peer career studio model is an amazing innovation that I am so excited to be a part of. I was lucky enough to attend the award show and celebrate everyone’s victories in the world of Early Careers & Graduate Recruitment.

Joel Levithan

What are you most proud of having finished your undergraduate degree?

I never wanted to come to University. I was worried to, I wasn’t sure if it was right for me and I had my heart set on becoming a pilot and planned on going straight into this. However, I have completed my fourth and final year of my undergraduate integrated Masters in Aerospace Engineering with Pilot Studies. University was the right choice for me and I am so lucky to have had the most amazing four years in Liverpool, living my best life and achieving what I always wanted to achieve. Over my four years of studying in Liverpool I have developed life-long skills, achieved so many things, met the most incredible people and of course found friends for life.

What are your plans once you graduate?

I will be staying at The University of Liverpool studying for a PhD. I can’t express how excited I am for this. I look forward to what, hopefully, the next four years will bring and I hope to achieve the best I can!

What advice would you give your younger self?

Throughout my education I was always told I would get nowhere, I wasn’t smart enough and that I should not bother with engineering. The young boy inside of me is so proud to have made it to where I am today and honoured to have been given so many opportunities so far. To anyone who has been told they can’t! Believe you can, strive to achieve the best and never ever give up.
 
What has been the best thing about your University experience? 
 
I came to Liverpool knowing no one and I am leaving knowing tonnes of people. Whether this is friends, academics or others, I have loved every moment of socialising and developing my network further. 
 
Where do you hope to be in five years? 
 
In five years, I would love to be working for a roller coaster company, helping to develop future rides and attractions. I also heavily see myself staying within the engineering sector. Many people have also said I’d make a good TV presenter or CEO! 

Annabelle Usher

Why did you want to study your course?

I wanted to study Geography because I felt like it would give me a broad range of skills that I would then be able to apply to any career. As well as this I had a passion for Geography and I wanted to pursue that further. 

What is one experience whilst working in the Career Studio you enjoyed the most?

I had the pleasure of co-hosting the Green Opportunities and Sustainable Careers Panel as part of the Grow Your Future week, which is the Environmental Science careers week. We had 5 panel speakers from Matalan, NVenture, GSK, Siemens and Fleetsolve who all provided beneficial insight for both me and fellow students attending. The employers explained to students the career routes they had taken, what their businesses were doing in relation to sustainability and some top tips for students when thinking about working in this sector. This is something that I wouldn’t have thought of doing this time last year, but my role as a Career Coach has helped me to gain confidence and I am now able to do these things with ease. 

Lonnie Macdonald

Why did you want to study your course?

When I went from college I knew i wanted to go into biology and chemistry but found it hard finding an ideal course. It was only after going to open days and looking into it further that utilising science to improve the wellbeing of the public suited me to the ground thus, pharmacology was for me. 

What has been the best thing so far about your University experience?

The sense of community and opportunity that you get given every day by being a student and being active, if that’s from working on campus or chilling with your friends.

Where do you hope to be in five years’ time?

Ideally be in a scientific role where I can use my knowledge and techniques developed to improve healthcare.

Victoria Marquis

Why did you want to study your course?

I really liked the modules offered at Liverpool as they were quite varied but still focused on marketing, whereas courses at other universities treated marketing as a 'minor' and focused more on business or management studies. 

What tv show has impacted you the most?

Gilmore girls. I’ve rewatched the series a few times as one of the main characters, Rory, showed that it was ok to change your mind and take breaks. It showed me that it is important to take care of yourself so you don’t feel defeated. 

What is your top tip for students?

Be curious! Curiosity is what has led me to meet new friends, gain new skills and discover what I love. So, don’t be afraid to ask questions and explore, especially while at university since you will have so many opportunities offered to you so make the most of them. 

What is your future graduate role?

I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Allocation Analyst at TJX Europe.

Madiha Adam

What is one experience you got the most out of whilst studying?

In the summer of 2021, I was able to secure a remote internship with Cagan Lab at the University of Glasgow with a postdoctoral researcher who had recently completed his PhD at the University of Liverpool. My interests are related to cancer development, so it was exciting to gain some real-life experience in this area.  I personally found this experience to be extremely practical and beneficial as I was able to develop many employability skills from problems solving and critical thinking to adaptability and resilience as well as technical skills. You can read more about the internship here. 

What is one of the best ways to help deal with nerves or stress?

I find that working out in the gym and reading help me deal with stress. By challenging myself physically and mentally with sports improves my mood whereas doing a calmer activity such as reading alleviates any nerves that I may have.

Where do you hope to be in five years?

In a scientific role doing valuable work that positively impacts the lives of others.

Charlotte Gilman

What has been the best part about studying at the University of Liverpool?

I’ve loved living on Smithdown road especially having Lark Lane and Sefton Park so close. Moreover, the culture on Smithdown road is great as it’s so friendly and a great atmosphere in the evenings.

What is one of the best experiences you have taken part in?

I supported the Management School by assessing students in their mock assessment centres for their placement year. This was a great experience especially as I had the opportunity to go into a box in Anfield stadium. I'm was also nominated and shortlisted as the 'Best Placement Student' at the National Undergraduate Employability Awards!

What is your top tip for students? 

Make use of your time off! Employers in interviews have shown great interest in my summer adventures as it makes you stand out and showcases your skills! I would recommend Camp America and working for NCS.

What is your future graduate role?

I am going to work for IBM as a Digital Strategy Consultant. IBM’s grad scheme is great as you apply for a general scheme (I applied to be a Tech Consultant) and then post assessment centre, the organisation asks what you’re interested in and attempts to find a department to suit your needs.

Mihai Sofroni

What has been the best thing about studying at the University of Liverpool?

My lecturers have designed amazing modules and showed me that economics and its related disciplines are not only about numbers but also about deeper philosophical questions and distinguishing right from wrong. I can’t stress enough how much their contribution has counted towards shaping me not only as an analytical, but also as an independent thinker.

What is your future graduate role?

I can’t wait to be starting my new position at PwC UK and apply my skills towards helping solve important problems and building trust in society.

Whilst we say goodbye to our Coaches, we will be welcoming some new faces in September. Students and graduates can drop in at any time to ask questions and co-explore ideas with a Career Coach at the Career Studio on University Square. Our Career Coaches are all students, trained by careers experts, to help you explore career options, connect with employers, and apply successfully to jobs and opportunities.