In my final year at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School studying Production Arts [Stage and Screen], I wanted to transition into a library career. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many roles required a librarianship qualification, so I explored options and discovered UWE\u2019s MSc in Information Management, which offered the necessary accreditation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While researching jobs, I found UWE\u2019s Graduate Library Traineeship. This two-year role provided full-time work, part-time study leaves, and sponsorship for the MSc fees. It was the perfect opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build networks, and develop professionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My theatre school experiences positioned me well for the role. A former manager\u2019s advice, \u201cIf you\u2019re ever invited to an interview, know that you\u2019ve got the job; it\u2019s just up to you not to talk yourself out of it,\u201d inspired me to craft a strong application. Using the STAR method to structure my responses, I spent hours completing the application and submitted it just minutes before the deadline. It\u2019s incredible to think how differently life could have turned out if I had missed it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The recruitment process included a longlist interview with a customer service scenario and a 10-minute presentation on librarianship. After being shortlisted, I attended a final 45-minute panel interview. I confidently showcased my STAR responses, and my preparation paid off as I was thrilled to be one of two candidates selected from over 120 applicants. The job offer included automatic enrolment in the MSc program, so I didn\u2019t need to apply separately. Even if I hadn\u2019t secured the role, I was committed to pursuing the MSc and would have sought an employer to accommodate my studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although my MSc is taking longer than planned – five years instead of the usual two – it has been incredibly rewarding. The flexibility of UWE\u2019s structure, allowing me to study module by module and resit in the summer whenever needed, has been invaluable. Last year, I faced a setback when I didn\u2019t pass two modules. Initially I was disheartened but I sought support through UWE\u2019s Student Experience Coach service which helped me improve my time management, regain confidence and maintain my mental wellbeing. I\u2019d encourage any student juggling commitments to explore this fantastic resource.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This journey has also opened doors to other opportunities on campus, including my roles as a Student Career Coach, Senior Student Life Assistant and Student Project Developer. Balancing work and study has been challenging but fulfilling, deepening my appreciation for lifelong learning. Each challenge has taught me resilience, self-compassion and the importance of seeking help when needed – lessons just as valuable as the academic knowledge I\u2019ve gained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Postgraduate study isn\u2019t just about academics – it\u2019s about building a foundation for your future career. Research your options, consider sponsorships or discounts, and use tools like the STAR method for applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Take advantage of UWE\u2019s resources, from career coaching to academic workshops. Embrace setbacks as learning opportunities and make time to network and develop skills during your studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My journey to postgraduate study has been shaped by determination, happenstance, and great opportunities. Whether you\u2019re exploring postgraduate options or have a clear plan, remember there are many paths to success. Take the time to explore – you never know what doors it might open.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
by Chantel, Student Careers Coach In my final year at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School studying Production Arts [Stage and Screen], I wanted to transition into a library career. Many roles required a librarianship qualification, so I explored options and discovered UWE\u2019s MSc in Information Management, which offered the necessary accreditation. While researching jobs, I … Continue reading “My career top tip”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":52,"featured_media":3730,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wds_primary_category":111,"footnotes":""},"categories":[111],"tags":[180,317,129],"class_list":["post-3722","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-careers-and-enterprise","tag-career-opportunitites","tag-career-stories","tag-student-experience"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/student\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3722","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/student\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/student\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/student\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/52"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/student\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3722"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/student\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3722\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3750,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/student\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3722\/revisions\/3750"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/student\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3730"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/student\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3722"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/student\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3722"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/student\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3722"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}