What is your name, course and any roles you hold at university or outside of university?

My name is Awa Wade and I am a final year Accounting and Finance student at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Alongside my studies, I currently hold three roles. At Manchester Met, I work as a Careers Associate where I support over 40 students per semester with CVs and employability, while also helping to coordinate careers events attended by more than 200 students.

I also work as a Student Success Tutor at Global Banking School, focusing on early intervention for at risk students, and as a freelance Wolof to English interpreter across medical, legal and immigration settings.

It is a lot to balance, but I genuinely enjoy every one of these roles and they have all played a big part in shaping the professional I am becoming.

Regarding your role as a Careers Associate, how did you find out about it and what was your experience with the process of getting the role?

I found the role on Jobs4Students and I also knew someone already doing it. When I read what the role involved it just clicked instantly. Having experienced my own language barrier when I first came to the UK, I knew exactly how it feels to need that extra support and I wanted to be that person for someone else.

The process was really unique. First I submitted an application form and a three minute video explaining why I would be great for the role, then I was invited to an assessment centre which included group tasks, discussions, presentations, role play and a final interview.

It was honestly one of the best assessment centre experiences I have ever had. So friendly, so engaging and so well run. And the training once you get the role is excellent too, you will feel fully prepared. Do not let a multi stage process put you off, every stage is worth it!

What advice would you give to first year students?

This is my favourite question. Start looking into spring weeks and insight programmes early because they can lead to internships, and internships often lead to graduate roles. It is a pipeline and the earlier you start, the better.

One of my biggest regrets is staying in my part time job during second year instead of applying for internships. I wish I had just gone for it. So my advice is simple, go for it.

Make the most of the opportunities around you. Speak to your lecturers, attend networking events and engage with the Careers Service. We are here to support you no matter where you are in your journey.

Work on your CV early and keep improving it. Tailor your applications every time and make sure you understand the company you are applying to. A strong application is not just about what you have done, but also be yourself and enthusiastic.

Do not just focus on academics. Join a sports team, attend events and fully utilise all the resources provided to you. Some of the best connections you will ever make come from simply showing up. Get out of your comfort zone and come and find us at the new Careers Service space, it is the best place to start.

Also, learn to manage your time well. It is completely doable to balance academics, work and your personal life, but you need to be intentional with your time. At the same time, recognise when you need to rest.

Q4 — What has been your best experience as an Manchester Met student so far?

The whole journey has been so fulfilling. I came to Manchester Met having only been in the UK for three years, starting from nothing. My English was not even there. But with the support of my lecturers, tutors and the Careers Service, and by constantly pushing myself out of my comfort zone, doors started opening that I never imagined were there for me. Shoutout to Jobs4Students too!

I am leaving in the top 5% of my cohort, while holding two professional roles at the same time. But what surprised me most is that I did not know I would leave here as a completely different person. More professional, more driven, more self-aware. Manchester Met did not just give me a degree. It gave me a better version of myself.

Q5 — Is there anything else you would like to add?

Throughout my degree, I have mainly worked in roles through Jobs4Students, including working as a Clearing Assistant at Manchester Metropolitan University, processing over 300 applications, and as a Customer Service Agent with Jet2 at Manchester Airport. I have also worked as a Library Ambassador, supporting students within the university environment.

If you have the opportunity to become a Careers Associate, I would strongly encourage you to go for it. It is one of the most valuable roles you can have at university, as it genuinely prepares you for the professional world. The Careers Service team are also incredibly supportive and welcoming, which makes the experience even more enjoyable.

To every student reading this, Do not sit back and wait for opportunities, go and create them.

Edited by Jessica Reynolds, Blog Interviewer & Content Creator
If you’d like to be involved in a future blog post, please do reach out: J.Reynolds@mmu.ac.uk