Graduate: Grace Alexandra Elliott
Employer: Capita TI
Job Title: Account Executive
Course: Business and Spanish
Year of Graduation: 2016
What did you gain from studying at the University of Chester?
I was always supported by various tutors throughout my four years studying at the university, from both sides of my course. I was given the opportunity to develop my language skills through two placements in Spain during my second and third year. On top of this, I also had the opportunity to be part of the Santander Universities SME Internship Programme, where I worked within a Manchester based SME called Shaping Cloud in the marketing team. I gained many transferable skills from the placements I undertook and the modules I studied throughout my university career.
What does your current role involve?
My current role is within the account management team as an Account Executive at Capita TI, my role is extremely varied- which I love! I get the opportunity to work with the Account Manager’s and learn as much as possible from them. An example of a key task is the development of current accounts, growing them to ensure they maximise and benefit from all of our technologies and resources.
How did you get into your current role?
One of my close university friends completed a summer internship with Capita TI and informed me of a vacancy they were advertising. It seemed like the perfect fit for me and I thankfully got the job!
How did you choose this type of work?
I chose this role after working in sales, straight out of finishing university, and this felt like the right fit. There is an element of sales, but it is the nurturing of clients which is what I love.
What do you think was your unique selling point that helped you get this job?
I think the fact that I speak Spanish gave me an advantage as I have a slight understanding of the language industry- I still have a lot to learn! As well as the resilience I can demonstrate from my previous sales role.
What are the top 5 transferable skills that you are using in your job?
Communication skills- language skills and previous work experience is where I developed this skill.
Team work- group work assignments aided the development of this.
Time management skills
Leadership- from my previous sales role
Motivation- this has developed dramatically over my four years at university.
What activities did you participate in during your time at University of Chester?
- Part-time work
- Enhance Your Employability (EYE) Training
- The Santander Universities SME Internship Programme
How did these activities enhance your career?
Part time work allowed me to learn how to balance university work with work.
EYE training provided me with some extra knowledge in various areas, especially with academic writing
Santander Universities SME Internship Programme enabled me to gain three months’ worth of hands on experience within a successful business. This enabled me to add some relevant work experience on my CV.
How has the Careers & Employability service helped you prepare for your current role?
The team helped me plan out various options of what I could have done once finishing my degree. They allowed me to see the bigger picture and how my varied experience would make me stand out.
Is there anything you wish you had known in getting the job that you know now you have got it?
No
Did your degree help you prepare for the world of work, and if so how?
I believe that it prepared me with regards to placements I was able to undertake throughout my time at Chester.
How has being a graduate with a university degree prepared you for this job?
It has allowed me to stand on my own two feet alongside my fellow educated colleagues. My language skills definitely make me feel more confident and comfortable whilst working in the language industry.
Do you have a success story you would like to share? If you’re interested in writing for us email careers@chester.ac.uk
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