Case Studies
SANDRA MALLIA
Sandra, originally from Middlesex, relocated to Liverpool to study Geography at The University of Liverpool. Prior to starting the GIEU programme, Sandra has been job searching for three months, trying to find a graduate level Marketing position.
On the GIEU training programme, Sandra found that working in different groups helped develop interpersonal skills and that the programme also gave her an insight into marketing - her specific area of career interest. Sandra says:
" I gained experience and confidence from the programme. It provides information and opens your eyes to new possibilities and how to approach looking for work."
Sandra achieved a placement as Business Liaison Officer with a business support organisation in Liverpool and, owing to her success performance on placement, was subsequently offered full-time employment.
"The placement has given me the opportunity to gain experience in a range of different areas; to work as part of a team and also take responsibility in certain tasks."
Sandra’s advice for an unemployed graduate interested in going on a GIEU Graduate Business Programme is to "make full use of all the programmes and facilities GIEU offers. Also, take on board the advice given!"
STUART MEARNS
"The GIEU programme provided me with a lot of very useful information about planning my career, both now and in the future. It also taught me some very specific and important skills that help to greatly improve your job prospects, particularly in terms of searching and applying for jobs, designing a CV and interview techniques."
Stuart Mearns, a Geography graduate from the University of Liverpool applied for the GIEU Graduate Business Programme to help him to focus his job search more effectively. When he graduated, Stuart had not really been sure about what he wanted to do and had spent six months searching in vain for a graduate level position. Undertaking the GIEU Graduate Business Programme gave him the focus he needed.
Stuart gained a placement with the Environment Agency in Warrington as North West Metadatabase Officer; a role that required him to combine both his computer and people skills. After a successful six months on placement, his contract was renewed and Stuart was employed with the Environment Agency as Assistant Geographical Information Software (GIS) Officer on a full-time basis.
"The placement gave me the opportunity to learn new skills and develop existing ones acquired through University and the GIEU programme. My role involved a lot of face-to-face meetings with agency staff across the NW region, which called for good time management and organisational skills. The other side of the job was computer orientated and this really helped to improve my IT knowledge, which was instrumental in helping me to secure a permanent contract at the agency."
PAUL CANNAVAN
"The GIEU Graduate Business Programme was helpful in the realisation that my situation was not an uncommon one. A feeling of motivation quickly grows, knowing there is a team of people there to help you. This though does not take the responsibility off you. GIEU’s role is to empower you in your search for employment and help you develop some useful skills in making more of the chances you get."
Computer Studies graduate Paul certainly made the most of the chances he got and achieved a placement in the Information Systems & Services Department of Aintree Hospitals NHS Trust as a Data Integration Advisor. Commenting on his time on placement Paul says:
"I have been given the chance to gain valuable experience interacting with different people throughout each of the different projects undertaken and the freedom to use my own knowledge and skills in providing new ideas and approaches to the problems / projects we are faced with. A supportive environment has meant that I have had the chance to learn new and different skills when it has seemed appropriate for the task in hand."
Paul not only achieved the objectives of his placement but exceeded them and was offered a full-time permanent position. Finally, Paul offers a last word of advice to unemployed graduates:
"...make the most of the help that is available. GIEU staff are extremely willing and if they personally cannot help, will be able to direct you to someone who can. There are good resources at the University library that will help in the search for a placement. The various training session will help you to get the best out of your skills and experience within your CV. These sessions can make you feel more confident about your chances about employment and about your employability generally."
