By Vineet Jivatramani
When I first came to Newcastle University, I felt overwhelmed and uncertain about many things, especially when it came to the job market in Europe. As an international student, I didn’t know where to start with finding part-time work, internships, or even applying for full-time jobs. Everything seemed confusing and intimidating. But then Newcastle University Business School (introduced me to their incredible Careers and Employability team and support systems, and that’s when everything changed. They acted like a guiding force, helping me navigate through this new world of opportunities.
One of the best resources they provided was MyCareer, a platform that became my go-to tool for job applications and learning about available opportunities. It was like a window that opened up to a world of possibilities, from internships to networking events.
MyCareer: a platform for success
The Business School offered some of the best career advice services I have ever experienced. Through MyCareer, I learned about the nuances of the job market in the UK and beyond. The platform helped me discover various tools and opportunities, and I could apply directly for internships and part-time roles.
One of the standout features was the CV check service, where Career Consultants helped me adapt my CV to the UK format. As someone who was unfamiliar with the professional expectations here, this was a game-changer. They also offered one-on-one guidance sessions where I had the chance to meet with Career Consultants who answered all my questions and cleared up my doubts. After these sessions, I felt much more confident and ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
Opportunities that changed my perspective
Becoming a Business Ambassador for the School was another highlight of my journey. This opportunity has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, engage with different people, and grow both personally and professionally. It’s a role that I’ve embraced wholeheartedly, and I’m excited about the new skills and experiences it brings.
Events that made a difference
The Careers and Employability team host an incredible variety of events, all designed to prepare students for the professional world. Here are some of the ones that stood out to me:
- Career Success Week: a series of sessions that provided insights into different industries and career paths
- meetings with start-up founders: I got to exchange ideas and learn directly from entrepreneurs about their journeys and the challenges they faced
- alumni panels: these sessions were packed with useful advice on academic success, handling stress and managing time effectively
- workshops: topics included project management, Power BI and social media marketing—valuable skills for any career
- LinkedIn and networking events: these sessions taught me how to build a professional network and create a standout online profile
- speed Mentoring events with employers: this was an exciting way to meet industry professionals and receive quick, actionable advice
The Manchester Trek
One of my favourite experiences was participating in the Manchester Business Trek, where I visited BNY Mellon, one of the biggest corporate firms. It was inspiring to see how a large company operates, understand their culture, and learn from their teams. This experience added immense value to my personal and professional growth, giving me more understanding as to where I want to be in the future.
I’m incredibly grateful to Newcastle University Business School for the continuous support and opportunities they’ve provided. From MyCareer to mentorship and events, every aspect of their guidance has helped me become more confident and career ready. This journey has been transformative, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next.