Sam Scragg - Graduate Case Study

Sam Scragg graduated in 2023 with a degree in International Relations and Politics and secured a year-long internship via Unitemps as a Careers and Employability Information Intern with the LJMU Student Futures team.

Why did you want to do an internship?

Having worked with the Student Futures Team during my final academic year at university, I had a desire to build upon what was an incredibly positive experience and to further my skills and knowledge in both careers and employability as well as the overall workings of Higher Education Administrative roles and tasks.

Where did you find out about the internship?

This internship was advertised through Unitemps, and the role was also recommended by multiple people within the careers department just before the role was launched.

Describe the role you are undertaking and your main duties:

This role comprises two main parts which I will now explain in turn:

1. Customer facing side: The job requires many interactions with students, staff as well as external stakeholders on a regular basis. Due to the nature of the role and the work setting, the majority of these interactions are student facing. This includes signposting students to meeting rooms, showing them how to access certain resources on our website, as well as other queries that may not be related directly to student futures.
2. Administrative side: Of equal importance in this role is the day-to-day administrative tasks that are performed to allow our advisors to do their jobs. This includes 1-2-1 meetings for students, answering emails on the CRM system and taking any phone calls. In addition, this role order has a hands-on approach to careers advice and guidance. For example, writing blog posts on a wide range of careers related topics, and playing an active role in setting up and running events such as careers fairs and open days.

What did the application or selection process involve, and how did you prepare for each stage?

The application process consisted of a CV and covering letter. This was submitted through the Unitemps portal.

The next and final stage was an interview in person. To prepare for this, I created scenarios and possible answers using the STAR technique to ensure my answers were always coherent. In addition to this, I reflected on my time working with the Student Futures team and what I did well, but also what I wanted to learn and takeaway from this upcoming year. This meant I was able to give detailed answers and could be confident the information I was providing was the most accurate reflection I could give.

What help and support did you access from the Student Futures Team?

Throughout the application process, I made full use of the team and scheduled a couple of meetings before submitting my application and one to prepare me for the interview. These 1-2-1 meetings were undoubtedly the best thing to assist in preparation. The meetings challenged me to stand out from the other applicants, and to really show my strengths and I appreciate that a lot for sure.

What relevant work experience / skills / volunteering / Student Union activities did you use during the selection process?

I relied heavily on my role with the Student Futures Team in the previous academic year. This is because many of the skills I acquired during that time were directly transferable to this new role.

What advice would you give to other students to improve their employability?

I would urge all students who are studying at LJMU to sign up to the part time roles offered through Unitemps whilst at university. Not only do they have flexible working hours to fit around your studies, they also have so many experiences which will enhance your CV. For example, I have taken part in open days and exam invigilation, which helped to develop a wide range of cross-transferable skills and heighten my confidence, which is so important. Most of all, if you find something you have a genuine interest and passion for, like I did with Student Futures, pursue it and the experience may inform your next step.

Would you do anything differently if you were a first-year student again?

I would certainly try to experience more and get a better idea of the world of work whilst studying. This I would recommend to anyone. It will help you in your final years when perhaps time is a bit more limited, and your studies increase significantly in terms of priority.

What advice would you give to students starting a degree now?

My one piece of advice is to take every opportunity you can. As I mentioned before, Unitemps will be a great way to do this, as there are such amazing opportunities available, and this will give you experience too. But also, if things don’t turn out the way you would perhaps dream of, keep going, you will succeed and the Student Futures Team are always there to help you, and sometimes a little bit of support is all that is needed.

At LJMU, we have an employability skills and mind-set framework embedded within all our degrees. Which three of the nine employability skills and which three of the seven mind-set traits did you find most important in your day-to-day role, and how did you use them in practice during the internship?

Employability skills:

1. Professional written and spoken communication skills - Using the CRM system to answer emails and the phone, speaking to students in a confident and professional manner.
2. Leadership and Mobilising others - Helping to run the Graduate Contact Centre, and ensuring goals are met, as well as keeping the team motivated and content.
3. Teamwork and collaboration - Participating in careers fairs across the year.

Mind-set traits:

1. Positive and passionate - Due to the nature of the role being positive and passionate is in my view so important when it comes to the student experience. A warm and friendly face can make all the difference between students feeling comfortable and accessing our services and perhaps holding back if the attitude you give is off.
2. Tenacious, resilient, growth mindset - Always looking at ways to improve and when the desk is particularly busy, remaining calm and collected in order to ensure all goes smoothly
3. Proactive, takes calculated risks - Making adjustments for students and taking their personal needs into consideration, even if it differs from normal protocol.

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, or 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.