How to build essential employability skills by Anabel Kaye

Hi, my name is Annabel and I am a second year Physics student at Bath University. I am hoping to pursue a career in the financial sector after I finish studying. Outside of University I love walking dogs, watching movies and visiting the theatre with friends and family.

What I wish I knew before starting University

I went to University knowing no one else and so I was quite nervous about what it was going to be like making new friends. I also was nervous that my health condition was going to stop me being able to socialise as much as other people. As soon as I arrived at University and started to meet people in my flat and on my course, I began to realise that everyone really is in the same boat and so are very eager to make friends, there was nothing to worry about! University is all about learning, not just learning your subject but learning how to be independent, learning how to cook and learning how to make friends in a range of environments. Don’t be nervous and embrace the opportunities you are given.

Essential employability skills

I believe being at University has helped me to increase my employability skills and I find it much easier to talk to employers. I have had the experience to attend a lot of networking events and careers fairs and I feel that with each one that I attended, my nerves became less and less. I believe some important skills to develop are communication skills, I feel that practicing typical interview questions before an interview is a big help in cutting down on the nerves and being able to communicate effectively. Another important skill, I feel, is being able to demonstrate you are the right person for the role, for example, if it is a team working role make sure you have taken advantage of opportunities at university that allow you to improve your team work and be able to talk about this in interviews.

Applying for internships

I have had a positive experience in applying for internships. All of the ones I have applied for have offered reasonable adjustments in both the online application process and in person, if I was to need it. It is up to you to choose whether it would be beneficial to you to disclose your disability or health condition and that stage, but companies are willing to help wherever they can to make the process better for you. I currently have been offered 2 internships with companies I would love to work for and found the interview process and assessment centres really enjoyable as it was a chance to speak to professionals in the field I am interested in and get an insight if it was the right role for me.

My top 5 tips are:

1. Take every opportunity that is presented to you, don’t be scared to get involved with something if you think you will enjoy it, or even if you are just curious to see what it will be like.
2. Join societies and go to free tasters throughout your first year, it is a great way to meet people and make like-minded friends.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or adjustments in an interview process, most companies are more than happy to do this.
4. Prep some typical competency-based interview questions before the interview to feel more prepared and confident in the interview.
5. Enjoy University and use it as a time to make new friends and try new things!