Tell us a bit about your career story since graduating from Warwick.

My career journey since graduating from Warwick has truly been a wild ride! Since September 2023, I've been on a mission to launch my professional career. This involved pouring hours into perfecting my CV and cover letters—customizing them meticulously for over 600 different companies and roles. Yes, you heard that right!

I've navigated through countless video interviews, faced rejections, and experienced the silence of being ghosted by companies. Throughout this process, I've proactively reached out to numerous recruiters and professionals on LinkedIn, seeking insights and connections. Additionally, I've tapped into Instagram to follow creators and recruiters, gaining valuable tips on standing out in each stage of the application process and refining my logical, verbal, analytical, and communication skills.

Throughout this journey, I've received invaluable support from the University of Warwick and WBS's careers team. They not only guided me through multiple company rounds but also provided resources to help me improve. It's been a journey of perseverance and resilience, to say the least.

But amidst the ups and downs, my biggest source of strength has been my family and friends. Their unwavering support and encouragement has kept me going. They've reminded me time and again not to settle for anything less than my dream role, with a company that truly values what I bring to the table and where I can make a positive impact on people. It's been a challenging road, but I've learnt a lot about myself and what I truly want in my career.

How has your time at Warwick helped you during your career?

My time at Warwick was truly transformative and pivotal in shaping my career journey. Beyond the academic challenges, Warwick provided me with invaluable lessons in personal growth and professional development.

One of the most significant changes I experienced at Warwick was conquering my fear of speaking up and gaining confidence in my abilities. Engaging in discussions and presentations daily taught me the importance of expressing my ideas and viewpoints, a skill that has been instrumental in my career, particularly during interviews and assessment centres.

Furthermore, Warwick taught me the importance of embracing imperfection and embracing continuous learning through my pursuit of badminton as a sport. I realized that consistent effort and discipline were more important than striving for perfection, which has empowered me to approach challenges with enthusiasm and resilience.

WBS also cultivated a deep appreciation for diversity and inclusion, particularly through engaging discussions, group projects, and the Business in Practice module, which was a highlight of my course. This exposure helped me understand the value of different perspectives and the unique insights that individuals from diverse backgrounds bring to problem-solving. I also gained practical experience in navigating complex, cross-functional collaborations and analysing data to make informed decisions, skills that have proven invaluable during interviews and assessment centres in my career.

Overall, Warwick not only provided me with academic knowledge but also equipped me with essential life skills that continue to shape my professional journey.

4. What ambitions do you have for the future?

As a budding HR professional, my ambitions for the future are centred around continuous growth, impactful leadership, and contributing to organizational success. In the coming years, I aspire to refine my HR expertise and develop specialized skills in areas such as talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational effectiveness.

My ambition for the future is to ascend to a leadership position at Novo Nordisk, leveraging my expertise in HR within the pharmaceutical industry. I envision myself leading initiatives that foster a positive work culture, promote employee engagement, and drive organizational performance.

Furthermore, I aspire to leverage my HR skills in diverse and global settings, embracing opportunities that allow me to work across different cultures and regions. I envision cultivating a global career, aligning perfectly with the opportunities offered through my International Operations HR graduate scheme, which includes two rotations abroad. This path will not only allow me to contribute to Novo Nordisk's success but also to broaden my perspective and impact within the global HR landscape of the pharmaceutical sector.

What advice do you have for Warwick graduates who would like to work in your sector?

For Warwick graduates aspiring to work in the HR sector, I have several pieces of advice based on my own experiences and observations:

• Network and Build Connections: Networking is key in the HR field. Attend industry events, connect with HR professionals on LinkedIn, and participate in alumni networks to expand your connections.
• Showcase Your Soft Skills: Effective communication, empathy, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills are essential for HR professionals. Highlight these soft skills in your applications and interviews.
• Develop Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: HR is fundamentally about people. Cultivate empathy and emotional intelligence by actively listening to others, seeking to understand diverse perspectives, and showing genuine care for employees' well-being.

What 3 top tips would you give to students looking to find a graduate role in the UK or elsewhere in the world?

Certainly! Here are top three tips for students that I would give anyone looking to find a graduate role in the UK or elsewhere in the world:

Preparation is Key:

1. Invest time in perfecting your CV, cover letter, and application materials tailored to each role and company so you can APPLY AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.
2. Research companies thoroughly and connect with current employees to gain insights and understand company culture, while also making connections.
3. Practice mock interviews and assessments to hone your communication skills and build confidence.

Be Genuine and Authentic:

1. During interviews, be genuine about your motivations, strengths, career aspirations and emphasize your soft skills every stage of the application process.

Persistence and Resilience:

1. Job searching can be challenging and time-consuming. Don't get discouraged by rejections; view them as opportunities for growth and learning.
2. Stay resilient and patient. Remember, job hunting is a numbers game mixed with luck. Keep refining your strategy based on feedback and experience.
3. After interviews, go the extra mile by sending thank-you emails to recruiters or interviewers. Consider following up with solutions to interview questions you couldn't fully answer or providing strategies for current challenges the company may be facing. Consistent follow-up shows your proactive approach and genuine interest in the role, leaving a positive impression on recruiters.
4. Stay consistent and persistent in your efforts but do not accept anything less than what you are worth.