Moe graduated with a II.1 in Global Politics and Religious Studies in 2015. He struggled initially to find a graduate level job, and with bills to pay, he took the pragmatic decision to take a job stacking shelves in Sainsburys. This was a lucky move as he soon realised that in big organisations there can be room for promotion and development. Through hard work, strategic transfer requests and persistence, he successfully progressed to his current role as a buyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Moe used every appraisal conversation to reflect on his progression, moving between teams to gain new experience and actively seeking to make the right connections. \u201cWhen I got to the interview, I could say yes! I know what buyers do. I\u2019ve observed them closely and asked them lots of questions about their work. I volunteered to help them on negotiations. And I\u2019ve done the courses.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Six months into the job he has worked so hard to get, he relishes the challenges he faces. \u201cThe bottom line is I work for a business that is listed on the London Stock Exchange. We are a profit-making company and the buyer\u2019s role is to make sure that the company makes that profit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Starting his dream role at the beginning of the cost-of-living crisis is an additional challenge but that is where Moe feels his politics degree gives him an advantage. \u201cThe degree gave me a way of thinking about the world. Take cost of living \u2013 there are a lot of factors \u2013 Ukraine, interest rates, what the government does. As the saying goes, \u2018Politics is interested in you, even if you\u2019re not interested\u2019. This is crucial to comprehend and it\u2019s vital to pay attention to what the few hundred people in Westminster get up to as ultimately it impacts every as aspect of our lives.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“My degree also gave me a holistic world view of our interconnectedness and the need to work with different actors\/players at a multi-stage world from macro, micro to industry specific issues. Combining with Religious Studies was also strength. It made me want to understand other cultures and their values and made me broad minded, particularly given that I have studied a lot of Eastern philosophy like Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Jainism etc.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think if I studied something more industry-led and then learning that the other way round would have been a bit harder. You know, you’re always focused on your sector, and you don’t ever look up to say what’s out there. Whereas I felt like I started the other way around. I had this wider view of this world that we live in and that can inform how I do my job.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moe chose to study politics because he had an uncle active in politics and because of his fascination with news and current affairs. \u201cI was in sixth form thinking what course I could do? Where I could sit through the lecture without being bored to death? And I knew politics was the one for me!\u201d He has good memories of studying modules on globalisation, conflict and human rights and these shaped how he still sees the world today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy degree was also useful in all sorts of practical ways – learning how to compose formal reports, managing deadlines and different coursework projects. That\u2019s pretty much the same in the working world. Learning to question things and not take everything face value, and finding multiple sources or references for data also applies in the working world. More importantly though, the experience of being at Uni itself was a fab experience, being a young adult learning to be responsible and budget, live and get along with others are all precursor to what\u2019s to come as a working adult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In terms of advice to current students Moe says: \u201cI think it\u2019s perfectly acceptable not to know what you want to do exactly. That means you are being honest with yourself but then you need to start that journey of self-discovery. What is not ok, is to say I\u2019ll just sit back and go with the flow. You need to have some sort of plan. If you at least know what industry or sector you want to be in, start there and work your way through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWiden your network personally and professionally – connect and talk to as many people as you come across asking questions like: what is your industry like? What are the pros and cons of working there? Would you advise someone to seek a job there? What does it take to land a job there?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSurround yourself with right group of friends. Not everyone we know is good for us and some could\/will drag you down if they see you have outgrown them. Make sure you only spend time with those of similar mindset that will elevate you, challenge you and hopefully leave you inspired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTake chances – work as many jobs as you can, no job is too small or too big, it will be a useful down the line. Learn to say yes to opportunities early in your career and work out later how you\u2019d actually deliver whatever project\/task you have just taken on. At least you volunteered and tried.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe more experience you get, no matter what industry you are in, it adds up. It may even be you find out that this is a sector where you don\u2019t want to work. That\u2019s useful to learn too. You can always draw on this experience. When something is uncomfortable you often learn more. It\u2019s all valuable and helps build up that person you want to be in later life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n