Blog #3

Where it all began...

Before Budapest became my new home, I was living off the vibrant energy in Manchester, UK. It was a city filled with great vibes, wonderful people, and a career that made me very very happy. In this blog, I want to share more and give you a few pearls of wisdom on how you can keep this in mind for your own career journey.

 

Fresh out of my Masters in 2019, I was lucky enough to land a role in marketing and business development at The Hut Group, a global e-commerce company in Manchester. It was ideal for new graduates, offered a great package, was relevant to my Masters in Marketing, and paid pretty well. But after a couple of months into this new life, reality hit hard. The long office hours, endless meetings, nerve-wracking client pitches, and monotonous admin tasks left me questioning if this was truly what I envisioned for myself and the life I dreamed of whilst at university.

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The pandemic-induced slowdown six months into The Hut Group gave me a moment of pause, allowing me to observe my partner work alongside me in our cramped yet lovely little flat in Stockport. We were able to compare day to day, discuss goals, ambitions and what made our working selves tick. Even though we both weren't in our "dream roles" and we knew it, we expected at least more fulfilment than this. It dawned on me that something vital was missing – that essential sense of joy and purpose at the end of each workday. To put it differently, I was the wrong piece for their team's puzzle even though I was good at that particular role. So, armed with determination, the guidance of a coach and support from those who know me well, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and a fresh new job search. I took the time to reflect, think back on past work experience and internships - what I enjoyed and didn't, rediscovered my passions, and realised I needed a role that could offer me three things: to help others, to link to education, and a role where I work with students.

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That's when I stumbled across a vacancy at the University of Manchester – a Career Consultant for students and graduates, nestled within the esteemed Russell Group. After days spent perfecting my application and manifesting what this type of role would be like, whilst also continuing to manage my 8-5 at The Hut Group, I got that email inviting me for an interview. It was fair to say I wanted this job more than anything - it consumed my thoughts most days and nights. One successful round to the next, it became a waiting game on the result. Then one day, picking up the phone to my interviewer and hearing news that I got the offer, was an incredible relieving moment! All my hard work paid off, and I knew this role ticked a lot of my essential 'happy work' boxes.

 

It wasn't just about drafting career plans with individuals; it was about raising awareness, fostering resilience, and guiding individuals through the transformative journey of higher education - something I wish I had more of during my experience. I wanted to connect, empathise and do whatever I could to help as many others as possible find that right career path for them. And, to share the learning that you might not find that dream job right away but you'll learn so much about yourself along the way wherever you'll.

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Navigating the International Landscape

Not long into my time at the University, specifically Alliance Manchester Business School, I realised working with a diverse cohort of international students revealed the intricacies of their unique journeys. For many, the shift to studying in the UK from their home countries posed formidable challenges, particularly for non-native English speakers. From acclimatising to a new culture to grappling with academic rigours, each student's story was individual to say the least and I heard so many of them. From Visa requirements, to family pressures, career-changes and the most common 'I have no idea what I want to do' discussion, I was there to help navigate, 

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Tailoring Paths to Personal Stories

My role transcended conventional career guidance; it involved unraveling individual narratives, identifying strengths, and crafting bespoke strategies for success and relief of their everyday pressures. For those venturing into business, we embarked on a journey laden with internships, CV fine-tuning, networking and interview preparations, sculpting futures one step at a time. What was most successful you may ask. In my personal experience working with thousands of students, networking was the tool that secured the most fantastic opportunities and success stories. It's true what they say - it's all about who you know rather than what you know. But it's not always that easy. Networking is a skill which requires confidence, strong articulation and the time and energy to find these connections.

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Empowering Communication, Embracing Confidence

Confident communication emerged as a cornerstone for success in many, especially in a foreign environment. Beyond career planning, I encouraged language proficiency, communication skill, and the courage to navigate professional spheres with confidence. Together, the students I was working with were developing their skillset in ways they never anticipated and gaining more inspiration about their future careers and future selves. 

 

Balancing Life Amidst Change

Something that I know now more than ever, and I can finally empathise with rather than sympathise with, is living and learning in a new country. It isn't just about academic and professional pursuits, but about finding balance, normality and happiness amidst change. Learning from others during my Careers Consultant role, I facilitated workshops on stress management, time management, and how to make the most of being a student at Manchester. I wanted students to celebrate what they achieved so far by just being accepted into the University and living in a city like Manchester. As well as studying and gaining a degree which was only the tip of the iceberg, they were meeting new people, adapting to a new chapter of life, developing their language skills (native or non-native), exploring new places, signing up to new hobbies and societies, living away from their family and friends. This message to many wasn't what they were expecting from a Careers talk, but it was one very important one to sink in.

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Celebrating Milestones

The journey with these lovely individuals was both rewarding and challenging. Watching students start a chapter all the way to finishing it was incredible to be a part of. Together, we celebrated successes, navigated setbacks, and laid the groundwork for enduring career and personal success post-university. I am privileged to have been able to make an impact to so many and still be connected with them today. Hearing of international moves, career changes, more job offers or revelations like mine in 2019, and so many other stories. It is also great to share my current story with them on moving abroad, starting a business, yet continuing to support students in various ways. This evidences how life isn't stationary or can follow set patterns. We have choices, unexpected options and opportunities, and exciting and daunting decisions to make. Sometimes, it is confiding in the stories or help of others that can make all the difference. 

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So that brings me to say, wherever you are in your academic or professional life – be excited, open-minded and trust those instincts! I still get many students from the University of Manchester connect with me over LinkedIn, either based on my role there or on my personal career journey. If you have any questions or comments, please do reach out for a chat! As this blog explains, guiding and reassuring others who have had the same feelings and frustrations as me is what I do best.

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Alice