Guest Writer Navigating the leap from University life to landing your first graduate job can be both exciting and challenging, with the future offering infinite possibilities, opportunities and decisions for you to make.
Who better to offer advice on this leap than those who have made this journey before? We decided to bring you some top tips on starting your career journey, from our recent graduates. Check out what advice they had to give!
Irene Dell’Adami de Tarczal, Market & Audience Researcher at Depop
Graduated in 2018, studied Sociology and Social Psychology
“When I first moved to York nine years ago, I couldn’t even pinpoint it on a map. It was my first time living in the UK, away from home and everything I had ever known. All I knew was that York had one of the best Sociology and Social Psychology degrees in the country.
Today, as I walk through the streets of London and head into my office, I feel immense gratitude for York and everything that followed. I am now a Market & Audience Researcher at Depop, a second-hand clothing marketplace where users explore and express their personal style. My passion for market research began with the sociological research methods I studied at the University of York. Since then, my career has taken me from research agencies in London to tech start-ups in Berlin, and ultimately to Depop.
But my time at York offered much more than academic knowledge. It provided me with countless opportunities, a new way of thinking, and invaluable connections. I was part of two society committees, volunteered in Belize after winning a travel bursary, participated in an Erasmus exchange in a small town in the Netherlands, and made lifelong friends.
The University of York opened many doors for me, more than I ever knew existed. It wasn’t just a place to study; it was a place to grow, explore, and discover.
Reflecting on my journey, I realise that every step taken at York, every society joined, and every opportunity seized contributed to where I am today.
To anyone lucky enough to start their experience at York, I would say this: make the most out of your time there. Get involved, say yes, stay curious, and be open. Your journey at York will shape your future in ways you can’t yet imagine.“
Jack Langton, Paralegal at Maclaren Warner
Graduated in 2023, studied Law
“My top tip to students is to involve themselves in as many activities as possible and always be open to new experiences inside and outside of studies. Some of the best experiences I had came out of the blue and at times I least expected it. I would also say that enjoying the time and freedom you have outside of the working life is not to be understated, and you really should maximise enjoying where you are and who you are whilst being a student – just don’t let this affect your studies!
At the moment I am a paralegal at a high street law firm, which is local to me. Typically, my day involves the preparation of files for the fee earners, being the first point of contact on queries clients raise in relation to their ongoing matters and the drafting of legal documents – primarily Wills and Lasting Power of Attorney documents. In my role, being flexible is instrumental as the firm experiences high volumes of clients seeking the firm’s services across three different areas. Being one of the only assistants in the private client department has led to me having to pick up new matters fast and having to think proactively about what needs to be done next.
York helped me get the role I am in first and foremost by the practical way law is taught. I have particular admiration for the problem-based learning model and I certainly feel this has been advantageous to me when looking for jobs. Being able to communicate effectively with staff, clients and other third party organisations is instrumental to success and studying law at York definitely aided that aspect of my personal development.
Secondly, the friends I have made at York continue to be a huge source of not only personal help but inspiration. Throughout my studies, involving myself in extracurricular activities and making a conscious effort to engage in conversation with my course mates has left me with mates for life. I owe them a lot, and the friendly nature of York and the diverse range of people that its community possess means that everyone is bound to make friends as I have – the university has done a fantastic job of creating that close knit feel.
Megan Hurcombe, Marketing Assistant at Oxford University Press
Graduated in 2023, studied English and Linguistics
As a Marketing Assistant at Oxford University Press, my role is dynamic and multifaceted so no day is ever the same.
One of my key responsibilities is running digital marketing campaigns for new publications so a typical day starts with checking in on the performance of ongoing digital marketing campaigns for our new publications. I analyse metrics and gather insights to assess what’s working well and where we can improve. Though you can really get into the nitty-gritty of it, having a data-driven approach helps us refine our strategies and reach our target audience. I’ll also work on creating these campaigns. I really do love this creative aspect of my work: whether it’s crafting copy or designing digital assets for authors, advertising and social media!
I’ll often have meetings throughout the day where I collaborate with colleagues across editorial, product, and sales and where we discuss upcoming projects and campaigns. These are always interesting and have led to me to having lots of different opportunities, most recently working on advertising across TikTok, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon.
Outside of work, I have also co-founded a book festival in my local town where locally and nationally recognised authors will come and give talks and workshops! So my time outside work is often spent preparing for committee meetings or creating marketing assets for the festival. Overall, I find my days are very purposeful and enjoyable as I try to share the love of books!
Studying at York opened so many doors for me, through both my degree and the interdisciplinary opportunities and extracurricular activities York offered. One of the standout experiences was working at the StreetLife Hub, a collaborative initiative between three departments at York. In this role, I actively engaged with the public and also managed social media accounts, both of which significantly enhanced my communication skills and understanding of public engagement. I also gained experience in content creation for social media which has served me well in my current role!
I also took many of the unique and specialised modules that the Department of English and Related Literature offers. I studied letterpress printing in York and learned how to set type and work with different printing presses, one dating back to the eighteenth century! I also took a module that covered modern-day issues with publishing and literature. Through all the modules I took, I developed a love of the written and printed word, and with my creative skills, publishing felt like the perfect place for me.
I would tell students to try new things and not to let the range of possibilities scare you.
Embrace challenges and be open to exploring different roles or projects, you never know what you might experience or discover that could set you on a path you never expected. This also allows you to grow personally and professionally, getting the best of both worlds. Also, go for what you love, regardless of what other people may say.”
Hannah Boyle, Fundraising and Partnerships Lead at Smart Works
Graduated in 2023, studied Politics with International Relations
I’m the Fundraising and Partnerships Lead at Smart Works Leeds. We are a national charity dedicated to supporting women into work by providing high quality interview clothing and coaching. While we are a national charity, I work in the Leeds Centre, which supports women all across Yorkshire.
No two days are the same for me at Smart Works! My day can start with helping the team book in some clients for their first dressing and interview preparation appointment, before I jump on a call with a new potential corporate partner who would like to know more about the charity. My afternoons are usually taken up by visits to the centre where I get to show our great corporate and retail partners our space, before taking a bit of time to work on our upcoming projects such as our charity ball and regular fundraising pop up shops!
Alongside completing my degree in Politics with International Relations, I also took part in the Laidlaw Scholars Programme which allowed me to research something that interested me and do a placement in the charity sector to get an insight into the work they do. After completing my research on social inequality and exclusion, I applied for a placement at Smart Works Leeds, where I assisted in the daily delivery of the service. I became so enthusiastic for the service they deliver that I knew I wanted to return after I graduated!
If you want to get into the charity sector, I’d really encourage you to get involved with Giving at York (formerly known as RAG) while at University, or find a cause close to home that inspires you. Being passionate and positive is the main thing you need to start out in the sector!
If you’re a recent graduate looking for careers advice, why not check out our dedicated Careers webpages? You can also browse Graduate vacancies by logging in to Handshake, the University’s Careers platform.
We’re always looking to hear from alumni and their career stories! If reading this article has inspired you to share your own journey to the role you’re in today, we would love for you to reach out to us via our form.
