Recently we caught up with Jenna Woodman, Graduate and Student Services Coordinator for Careers Network at the University of Birmingham. Jenna shares her biggest mistake and what she learnt from it along with her support and guidance for graduates. Remember, as a recent graduate you have access to alumni mentoring, Careers Network support and can attend exclusive events.
Briefly describe your current role.
In a nutshell, I manage projects and a team that support our students and graduates to be successful once they leave the University of Birmingham. I am fortunate to collaborate with a wide range of people from within and outside of my department to make things happen, and to positively contribute to the UoB student experience.
What is the biggest mistake you have made since graduating and what have you learned from it?
Limiting myself to specific roles and industries. Whilst it is great to have quite a clear idea of what you want to do, be careful not to do yourself a disservice by ignoring interesting and valuable opportunities, just because they’re not the ‘right’ job title or with a household name.
By the time I reached my final year at university, I had created business cards that read ‘Aspiring Brand Manager’, to give out to potential employers and others at networking events. I was sure I’d only ever work in a multinational FMCG or food company, so focused all my attention on them. That’s why I got a shock when I started applying to graduate schemes and realised that a scheme probably wasn’t quite right for me… I left university feeling a little lost about how I would reach the future I envisioned for myself, so signed up to a recruitment agency to continue getting experience in the meantime. I decided to be less strict, telling my consultant I was interested in any roles based in a marketing department, and ended up in a project management position at a national company. This temporary role progressed to almost three years and four different roles where I worked with a range of stakeholders, got insight into creative teams, and developed skills that have made a huge difference to my career to date. None of this would have happened had I continued to ringfence my options!
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
To know my worth and always seek to better myself. We all experience different things in life that make us unique and help us to build resilience. If you can recognise your qualities and areas to improve in, you can make career decisions that are right for you and demonstrate to employers why they should hire you.
I believe that it’s important to always try to challenge yourself in your career journey, which is why with each new role there is always something that makes me a little ‘uncomfortable’ but will help me grow. For example, being responsible for larger projects and budgets, working with new kinds of stakeholders, or line managing more people. Imposter syndrome when you start a new role is normal, but regularly reminding yourself of the work and the steps that got you to that point should help you combat that feeling.
What have you learned since graduating that could be helpful to other graduates like you?
A career journey isn’t necessarily linear, and that’s okay. In fact, non-linear careers and career changes can provide a lot of benefits to professional and personal development, particularly the ability to adapt and overcome challenges, increased confidence, good work-life balance, and continuous acquisition of skills.
I did my placement year in an international marketing agency (think: Emily in Paris) and now work within the careers service of a top university in the UK and worldwide, but wouldn’t have imagined this path when I was a student specialising in marketing, communications and French. Each one of my experiences taught me skills and things about myself that in turn enabled me to go on to more rewarding and exciting role, which comes with a ‘zig-zag’ career path.
Can you recommend us something?
Don’t be too hard on yourself, try to be open-minded and give yourself room to grow. Your career should only be a competition with yourself, so whilst it’s good to listen to the perspectives and advice of others, remember that you will be the one with the responsibilities that come with the role. Throughout your journey, you may stop and start many times or significantly enjoy some jobs more than others, but that’s a normal part of the process of meeting your goals and building a successful career.
If you’re still unsure of where to start with your journey post-university, it’s a good idea to think about where you are now, your skills and what roles or industries could interest you:
- Profiling for Success has tools to help you decide what career options you would like to pursue
- Prospects’ Career Planner Quiz matches your skills, motivations and strengths to opportunities and careers that are right for you
- Prospects’ job profiles, give you insights into specific roles. Explore a range of roles that you can view by sector or alphabetically
You also still have access to support from Careers Network. From our digital resources to appointments with careers advisers, we have a wide range of ways to help you achieve your ambitions.
Lastly, in the spirit of looking in to areas you may not have considered before, the University of Birmingham have graduate opportunities across professional services departments, including junior roles, the Graduate Management Training Scheme and apprenticeships (such as this Finance Graduate Trainee position, closing on Sunday 11 February).