Cecily
Information and Guidance Support Assistant, Careers Service
Give a quick snapshot of your role.
I am the Information and Guidance support assistant for the Careers Service. I spend a lot of my time speaking with students, providing them with information about the job market and the services that we offer here at the Careers Service. I assess the needs of students and, if needs be, book them in to speak to the consultants. When I am not interacting with students, I spend a lot of my time going over people’s CVs and cover letters, working on projects to do with targeting more students and keeping the atrium library well stocked.
Why did you choose MGT?
I chose to do an MGT because the short contract suited me perfectly. I knew I wanted to do a TEFL at some point in the near future, but I also wanted to get some valuable experience on my CV before I set off travelling. The MGT role enabled me to do this whilst also earning a good salary. Working at the University was also a huge attraction because it meant that I could still use the central library and the vast range of services the university offers. In addition, a lot of my mates were still at uni and living in the Withington area so it meant I could still live with them.
How have you benefitted from your MGT?
The lists of benefits are endless! Doing an MGT has provided me with a set of key transferable skills and has given me an invaluable insight into the world of work. Working in the Careers Service has been particularly rewarding as I have learnt so much about the job market. It has given me time to really consider my future.
What advice would you give someone considering MGT?
My advice to someone considering MGT would be to use the year to the fullest. If you are lucky enough to secure an MGT at the University, make the most of it! After 3 years of studying here it is very easy to take it for granted. Being a member of staff means that you have access to a huge range of free training sessions, sports classes, wellbeing support, discounts across Manchester and many more. I don’t think there are many places where you can say you have that many perks!
What are your plans for the future?
My plan for the future is to get my TEFL qualification and move abroad for a few years. Teaching and travelling is something I have always been passionate about and I feel so much more confident going into it after working for a year. When I return I’d like to work in marketing- ideally for a start-up company based in London. But with that being said, who knows where life will take me!
