In our “Meet the Team” blog series we will be introducing everyone from the Careers and Enterprise Team and giving a short background to their roles as well as their best advice for you at this time. Today we are introducing Andrew.

When did you join the team?

I joined the team in October 2018.

What is your role in the team?

I am an Employability and Skills Officer. I have over 5 years of experience supporting students since graduating from CCCU with my Biosciences degree. My role is really interesting, as I support students and graduates with recognising their strengths and skills that make them employable. That sometimes involves looking over CVs, applications and LinkedIn profiles. I’m also responsible for The Careers and Enterprise Online Hub and letting students know about the resources we have on there, like CV360 and the Interview Simulator. Lastly, I look after our team’s social media and help with writing blog posts on interesting topics relating to student career development. I try to post information that will make CCCU students informed about important things happening within our Team, like the Work Experience Fund Bursaries, as well as other news such as graduate scheme application deadlines.

What have you been up to keep yourself busy?

I am finding out more about myself than ever before during this lockdown! I have been reading “The Growth Mindset” by Carol Dweck and am trying to improve my thinking to become positive about my ability to learn new things despite the challenge that might bring. I am trying to become more comfortable with being out of my comfort zone as I study for my masters.

What are your tips for students to keep focused on their career while stuck at home?

My number one tip is to not be hard on yourself. These times are tough enough as it is, and being extra tough on yourself will often not bring any quick benefits. Ultimately, things will take slightly longer now compared to normal. Even for me, getting online to read emails can sometimes take longer since I no longer am on the CCCU speedy wifi and am relying on wifi that is being shared by my family all trying to get on at once! As a result, I am reducing the to-do lists I put on myself daily, and ensure that the list includes social activities like making time to video call my friends as well as get outside for some fresh air. 

Getting further support from The Careers and Enterprise Team at CCCU

You can get ongoing careers support via the following ways:

• Email careers@canterbury.ac.uk
• Log onto the Careers and Enterprise Online Hub to access resources such as CV360, Interview Simulator and more. Our Live Chat function will be launching very soon!
• Register for GradForce if you are a final year student that wants to gain a graduate level job in the local area (Kent and Medway)