Jennifer Jones (Pendle) is in her third year of a Religious Studies degree. From Urmston – in the shadow of Manchester United’s Old Trafford home – she came to Lancaster as the first generation of her family to do so, and with little idea of her potential career path. But help from the university’s Careers team (where she is now a Careers Ambassador), plus a valuable work experience placement, has allowed her to plot a path for her future.

Tell us about your work placement – what was the role?

I spent time with Bruntwood, a business property development and investment company in Manchester, this summer.

I was their HR intern, working with the Learning and Development Team. I created a work experience programme from scratch and delivered it at the end of the two months.

From that, they created a full-time role. I want to work as a coordinator for a company’s intern, graduate and work experience schemes.

How has this all prepared you for a future career?

When I started university, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I knew I was interested in the education sector, but that was about it. There have been many opportunities that I didn’t expect to be — and the more I became involved, the more opportunities I saw.

It has all worked out — I went on a journey from having no idea to being 100 per cent certain of what I want to do. The placement I arranged through the Careers team has made my mind up. It has been a joint effort, with me as a proactive student and the Careers service opening more opportunities. Being an Ambassador has also given me great insight into the world of careers.

How have your studies helped?

I’m doing a “Politics, Employability and Engagement through Outreach” module, collaborating with Careers and the Politics department. We work with sixth-form students to help them become interested in politics and enhance their career prospects. The course also helped me develop transferrable skills like researching, communicating, and presenting ideas.

What advice would you give those students worried about their skills and becoming more employable?

I’m always telling my friends and everybody I meet to get involved with the Careers Service, whether when I’m working as a Careers ambassador or not.

It’s such a competitive market and all these extra things you do show future employers what you have to offer.

The Careers service helps you whether you have a career path in mind or have no idea about your future like I did. This is what helps you stand out once you graduate.