Cora Shafto - Graduate Case Study
Cora Shafto graduated with a Sociology degree and secured a job as a Community Fundraiser for Claire House Children's Hospice.
What does your job involve?
The job is divided into several areas. One is stewarding individuals and Claire House families that fundraise for the hospice. I look after community groups who fundraise, like the Women Institutes, golf clubs etc. The other major part of my job is to manage and train speakers, who are specialised volunteers who go out into the community to tell people about what we do and how they can help.
How did you get to where you are today?
I originally worked in a solicitors firm as my first job out of university for around a year and then moved to a housing association. I helped people with their right to buy applications and did leasehold management. I always enjoyed the community side of the role, but not necessarily the role itself. So when the business underwent a restructure I decided to look at different roles and applied for my current role at Claire House.
Three things you like about your job:
- Variety. No two days are the same!
- Job satisfaction. I love going to work every day.
- Workplace. The people I work with in this role are everything I could ever ask for.
What skills are important in your job? Did your degree help you?
- Being a people person and being approachable
- Being able to multi task and think on your feet.
- Being kind! Always.
What work experience / volunteering did you do to help you get to where you are today?
During my time at university I was a student advocate which helped me to develop strong communication and interpersonal skills. I also volunteered for a few different charities throughout university and helped my mum at her care home when I was younger. All of this has meant that I have gathered ideas about what interests me! In my third year I also went to Nepal and did studies there about female owned businesses. Whilst there, I got to experience so much I had never dreamed of & managed to cure my panic attacks on the trip. It really opened my eyes to the world!
What advice would you give to other students to improve their employability?
Employers want to know what you have been up to outside of university studies as well. How do you fill your time? Do you volunteer? What makes you interesting? Do you have a cool hobby? They want to know what makes you, you!
How has studying Sociology helped you in your career?
Sociology has helped me in every realm of the workplace. I understand society deeper because of my studies and I have a greater grasp on why people do the things they do. From that, I think I have developed a much stronger sense of emotional intelligence and that is why I fit in my current team.
Support from the Student Futures team
If you want to talk about potential careers options with your degree, need help finding opportunities or want support with your CV, application forms or preparing for an interview, you can get advice and guidance by booking a 30-minute 1-2-1 careers meeting with a Careers and Employability Adviser from the LJMU Student Futures Team. You can also come along to a Careers drop-in or CV Café which take place weekly at the Careers Zones for quick careers queries.
If you are thinking about starting a business, freelancing, pursuing a side-hustle or have an idea that you want to explore further, email the Start-up Hub and a member of the team will be back in touch. For more information about the Bathgate Boost Award, visit the Start-up Hub website.
For help finding part-time, temporary or casual you can fit around your studies, email the Unitemps team or visit their website.