As human beings, we are constantly evolving and growing. One of the most important journeys we can embark on is the journey of self-discovery. Here are ten reasons why self-discovery is so important:
Clarify your values: Self-discovery helps you to identify and clarify your values, which are the guiding principles that influence your decisions and actions.
Build self-awareness: Understanding yourself better can help you build self-awareness, which is the foundation for personal growth and development.
Identify your strengths: Self-discovery can help you identify your strengths, which are the qualities and skills that come naturally to you and that you can leverage to achieve success.
Uncover your passions: Discovering what you are passionate about can help you choose a career path that aligns with your interests and values.
Recognize your weaknesses: Self-discovery can help you identify areas where you need to improve and develop a plan to address them.
Build resilience: Knowing yourself better can help you build resilience and bounce back from setbacks more quickly.
Improve relationships: Self-discovery can help you understand how you interact with others and how you can build better relationships.
Make better decisions: Understanding yourself better can help you make better decisions that align with your values and goals.
Develop a sense of purpose: Self-discovery can help you develop a sense of purpose, which can provide motivation and direction in your life.
Enhance well-being: Finally, self-discovery can enhance your overall well-being by helping you build self-confidence, reduce stress, and improve your mental health.
In conclusion, self-discovery is a powerful tool for personal growth and development. By understanding ourselves better, we can make better decisions, build stronger relationships, and live more fulfilling lives. So take the time to explore who you are and what you want out of life – you won’t regret it!
‘Discover’ is the first phase of our Future-Ready Roadmap – a framework designed to help you progress your employability throughout your time at Queen’s. Find out more here:
During Work Shadowing Week 2023, Queen’s University Belfast students had the opportunity to experience a day in the life of professionals in various industries in Northern Ireland. Here are seven top takeaways from our student participants:
Great advice
Criminology student Pamela Stewart had a great day with the British Army: “They were all very encouraging and I came away with great advice both for myself and my son who wants to join when he leaves school.”
Industry insight
2. Physics student Brian Rogers appreciated the preparation session beforehand and found it helpful in getting the most out of the experience: “I really enjoyed learning about Andor and speaking to the people there. It was a very useful experience as I move into my final year and begin to apply to graduate programmes.”
A warm welcome
3. Irma Umair, a Human Resource Management student, expressed her sincere gratitude for the wonderful opportunity provided by a visit to Finnebrogue Artisan: “The way we were welcomed and valued during your good company’s tour, gave me a clear indication that the foundation of the company was laid by great vision and values and it is the driving force behind the success of the organization. I appreciate all the efforts your good team made to make it happen successfully.”
An understanding of working life
4. Megan O’Hara, Law student, said: “I had the opportunity to hear from several of Baker McKenzie’s multi-disciplinary teams…I was able to gain an invaluable insight to the day-to-day workings of these professionals as well as their career pathways to these roles.”
Information on different roles available 5. Law student, Declan Gorman, said: “The day was packed with lots of information and insight into what working in a global law firm is like. I particularly enjoyed learning about the different roles outside the traditional ‘training contract’ route at Baker McKenzie.”
Networking opportunities 6. Sai Chintha, Construction and Project Management student said: “It provided an opportunity to gain first-hand exposure to the day-to-day responsibilities of different roles within the firm, which included getting to know their service lines and projects…This is a valuable networking opportunity as well as a chance to gain insight into potential career paths and the company culture at Deloitte.”
Company background 7. Finance student, Xiaofei SHEN commented: “I learnt about the firm’s welcoming corporate culture, its history of growth, the primary duties of each department, and how the company makes its signature sausage…I would like to thank Finnebrogue Artisan for its warm hospitality and patient explanation.”
What our employer partners had to say
Additionally, here are some comments from the employers who hosted students during the work shadow week:
A varied day
Andor Technology: “Feedback from the students was that they enjoyed the variety of the day seeing Research & Development, Engineering and Production and in particular specialists from their degree pathways.”
We hope we inspired them
2. McAdam Design Ltd: “Hopefully this will inspire them for the remainder of their course and we can see them all in a short period of time out within the workforce helping deliver for our communities.”
A well-structured and informative experience
3. Fibrus: We hosted Queen’s University Belfast students for a work shadowing day across our Marketing, Planning, and IT/Network Engineering departments. The students provided positive feedback, highlighting the well-structured day and informative experience. We’re proud to have given them a taste of life at Fibrus.
Overall, Work Shadowing Week 2023 was fantastic, and we are thrilled that so many students had such a positive experience. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the professionals who opened up their workplaces to our students and provided them with such valuable learning opportunities. We look forward to continuing working with such great employers who provide these kinds of opportunities to our students.
University is a time of growth and learning, where students are able to gain valuable knowledge and skills to help prepare them for their future careers. However, while academic achievement is undoubtedly important, it is equally essential for students to gain work experience alongside their studies.
The benefits of work experience while at university are numerous, ranging from enhanced employability to improved time management and networking skills.
At Queen’s University, the MyFuture app/website is the one stop shop for finding work experience and jobs whilst at university. Here are some tips for navigating the website to maximise your opportunities.
“How can I find work experience opportunities during my time here at Queen’s?”
If you are reading this essay then you have taken your first step to find work experience. One of the good places for finding good opportunities is actually through our social media apps. You can find these opportunities @QUBCareers on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
We post a lot about work experience, especially on a Wednesday. We have a jobs reel that’s dedicated to those voluntary, casual and part-time roles. Similarly, the Queens Careers dedicated website has lots of information about work experience opportunities.
Similarly, look out in your mailbox as well because you will get careers consultants newsletters. The careers consultant is linked to your school, will sends out newsletter and jobs and work experience will filter through from that.
However, the main focus of today is MyFuture, which is a careers management system for Queens.
“How exactly can I use MyFuture to find these work experience opportunities?”
MyFuture is a career management system which all Queen’s students have access to it and you can simply log in using your Queen’s credentials. On the MyFuture system you can perform many things, including but not limited to:
Book careers and activities
Book careers consultations
Find out about degree plus pathways
Access VMock (CV Checker)
Frequently updated job boards
“What sort of jobs can we find on MyFuture?”
MyFuture is frequently updated from lots of employers who will come on a daily basis and post all sorts of jobs including graduate roles and work experience opportunities .
What’s important to note is that MyFuture acts like your favourite streaming apps such as Netflix and Disney+. The more you use it, the more it will adapt towards your job preferences. So if you go on to the job search, the first thing you’ll see is “because you viewed this job”. On top of this, it will also pull-out jobs that other people who are studying the same thing as you are looking at which will definitely be useful. You’ll also be able to see jobs that have recently been posted as well as jobs that have been trending on the MyFuture website.
“Im seeing too many jobs that I’m not interested in, how can i fix this issue?”
You can make use of the filter on the website. This will allow you to filter based on characteristics such as graduate roles, work experience, placement year, long placement internships, short insight opportunities, employability, development opportunities, voluntary work.
“Can I set up alerts for any of these opportunities coming our way?”
Once you’ve done that search with the filters that I talked about, you can set an alert. For example, I’m looking for a part time job in the voluntary sector. I can set that filter and then you can see an opportunity to set up an alert.
So what you do is you go in and it sets up an alert for you, and you can tailor it to come to you as often or as less frequently if you like.
For example, you could set that alert to come to you every week, because you really want that part-time role and you’ll get that filtered through to your e-mail so All of the jobs that have been added since you last looked, they will come to you by e-mail and the good news? You can set up as many alerts as you want!
“How can we apply for jobs on MyFuture?”
Once you find that role you can like find all of the things that you expect to find; your candidate criteria, your location, your salary, all of those things. Then you’ll see a big apply button.
Now there’s a couple of different ways the employers will use that apply button. So either you can apply to their external website and you can go directly to that application process or some of the jobs you will be able to apply through MyFuture and it prompts you to add your CV and cover letter.
So you can add your CV, upload your cover letter and then attach that to the application and those documents remain there as well so you know you can use them again. (Although I think the people in the career service would be encouraging you to tailor your cover letter and CV!), but the application process is really, really simple.
“What specific job tools are there for international students?”
So with the filters previously mentioned, you can actually add a filter to look at employers that are willing to take students on with a work visa.
There’s also an option for student circus, which is UK jobs for international students, so if you click on that, that takes you directly through with our login to that resource, where there’s lots of jobs for international students, so that filter with the employers and then the additional menu item of jobs for international students.
“How do you I access work opportunities abroad?”
If you go on to MyFuture and you go on to that jobs menu, you’ll see another menu item. That menu item is for work abroad opportunities and that takes you directly to our go global find jobs abroad.
Do access this through MyFuture because once you get into this resource and If you start looking for jobs again, It will remember your personalisation.
Are you ready to start finding jobs and work experience? Click here
Sometimes in university it can feel like graduation is coming faster than you anticipated and worries about your post-university future are seemingly always on the rise. This can lead to undue stress during university.
But never fear, the QUB careers service is here!
Here are 18 typical frustrations that university students encounter and how the QUB careers service are here to help dispel your worries.
Uncertainty about career goals and interests
Book a 1-2-1 consultation and we’ll help you narrow down your career options based on your skills and interests.
2. Difficulty in finding internships or job opportunities related to their field of study
You can search and find internships relevant to your course in MyFuture
3. Balancing academic workload and career planning activities
We offer events and programmes throughout the year, including during the Easter break so you have as much chance as possible to build your CV.
4. Lack of relevant work experience or skills
Our events and programmes are designed to help you build relevant skills and experience at Queen’s.
5. Financial constraints in pursuing career development opportunities
We offer a number of funded internship opportunities that give you the chance to earn while you learn.
6. Pressure from family or peers to pursue a certain career path
We’ll help you figure out the career that you are most suited to, not what others think you should do.
7. Feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of career options available
We’ll help you narrow down your career options to those most suited to your skills and interests.
8. Fear of making the wrong career choice
Our work shadowing and internship opportunities allow you to try and career on for size to see if it fits.
9. Limited networking opportunities with professionals in their desired field
We host a number of employer events to allow you to build your network.
10. Difficulty in creating a strong resume or cover letter
Book a 1-2-1 appointment for a CV check.
11. Lack of knowledge about industry trends and job market demands
Our Careers support is informed by the latest industry knowledge and job market trends.
12. Difficulty in obtaining informational interviews with professionals in their desired field
We can connect you with industry professionals and give you an insight into professional life in key sectors.
13. Feeling unprepared for job interviews or assessment centres
Book a 1-2-1 appointment to prep for a job interview or assessment centre.
14. Difficulty in balancing career planning with extracurricular activities or personal commitments
You are developing employability skills and personal qualities through those extracurricular activities. We offer flexibility of online or in-person consultations to help you verbalise the skills you’ve been building up.
15. Lack of motivation or direction in pursuing career goals
Early career planning is about building skills, meeting new people and having fun. Our events and programmes can help you.
16. Feeling discouraged by the job search process
We can help you focus your job search by skills and interests.
17. Difficulty in transitioning from student life to the workforce
We will help prepare you for the world of work by developing your workplace skills while at Uni through our Future Ready Skills Course. Internships can further prepare you for the transition to working life.
You can check out upcoming events here, or book 1-2-1 careers consultations here
In our series of four sessions for international students running in both semester one and again in semester two, students discovered how to build their personal brand, craft an effective CV and cover letter for the UK job market and learn all about the nuances and etiquette of the UK workplace – including how to ace that all-important interview!
The final session brought all these skills together in the Assessment Centre Bootcamp.
Missed out? Here is the top takeaway from each session!
Session 1
Key takeaways from Session 1 – UK Recruitment Process
– Get organised, know your application deadlines
– Sell your skillset as an International Student
– Do something outside your degree
– 100% of session respondents are planning to book further CES sessions!
Session 2
Key takeaways from Session 2 – CV’s
– Format matters, make your info easy to find
– If you don’t write it, employers can’t read it
– Change your CV for every job application
– Use VMock for written CV feedback
Session 3
Key takeaways from Session 3 – Interviews
– Know the company and the industry
– Use the STAR technique
– Show you would be a good fit for their team
– Book a mock interview with a Careers Consultant
Session 4
Key takeaways from Session 4 – Mock Assessment Centre
– Keep to time
– Don’t forget to listen
– Put your phone away
Missed this event? Check out other upcoming events here
Northern Ireland’s leading tech companies & organisations came together for the 6th Women in tech Conference.
This empowering event, sponsored by MCS Group gathered role models who innovate, challenge, and embrace technology. From inspirational women who have achieved great success within the sector, to influential entrepreneurs who shared their journey throughout the world of tech from both local and global perspectives.
The day was be filled with feature speakers and panellists, providing attendees with industry-focused learning and face to face access to a high calibre of education and development experts on the conference theme of The Climate of Change.
Hear from Folasewa
I was privileged to meet and listen to some accomplished and inspiring women at the Women in Business Tech conference at the Titanic Belfast. The journey started when I heard about and enrolled in a networking and career development event organized by my prestigious university; Queen’s University, Belfast.
This was a three-day event, and my key learnings for those three days were; organizations need you as much as you need them, putting yourself out there, how to pitch yourself within a short time, and finally, keeping the right network and always staying in touch with them. The conference exceeded my expectations as I enjoyed every part of it, most especially the session anchored by Dr. Niamh Shaw my major takeaway from her speech was nothing just happens, you have to put energy into the things you like.
overall, my striking takeaway is to Deliberately create my Brand. not to forget to mention that I attended this conference with some great minds, with who I would love to stay connected. finally, special gratitude to my university and the organizer Deirdre, whom I was privileged to share a table with. she has a very bold and eloquent charisma, worthy to emulate, and also Nikky for this highly impactful opportunity.
Hear from Chimwemwe
Why you took part in the Women in the Business programme?
It is always exciting to be in a room full of women with similar interests, encouraging each other to be better. I was hoping to understand and get an insight into how easy or difficult it is for women to enter the industry, especially in Northern Ireland. To network and learn from the guest speakers on their experiences as I am about to start applying for jobs to kick start my career.
What you enjoyed most?
Hearing all the different experiences and lessons from the ladies, I made new connections and friends, and Niamh Shaw talking about her dream of becoming an astronaut.
What Course did you graduate from in QUB? Chemical Engineering (MEng)
What made you choose this Course? Science was always something that intrigued me through my school years. This course would give me the opportunity to learn how science and maths could be transitioned into the working world, creating innovative solutions to real life problems.
What was your favourite subject and why? Maths closely followed by physics and chemistry. These subjects heavily relied on applying theory to problem solve and I loved the challenge. The sciences allowed me to work with various equipment and new technologies which always kept my interest.
How long have you worked with PDP? Into my 4th year now. Scary how time passes by.
How did you hear of PDP? I heard through my university peers that a company was giving interviews for students to work in Canada on a vaccine manufacturing facility. As I learned more about the opportunity it became evident it was something that would push me out of my comfort zone and provide further career prospects. I moved to Toronto and never looked back.
What have been the highlights of your career to date? Working in Biopharma has been very meaningful as I know my work is contributing to a greater purpose. Working on a Covid-19 vaccine project whilst going through the pandemic only emphasized how important the work is. It continues to be an incredibly rewarding learning experience. Another highlight has been the network of talented people I have had the privilege to work with. My PDP peers have been invaluable in my development, allowing me to gain and share knowledge that have helped form my contribution to projects as well as my career path. Beyond my work, travelling overseas to projects has allowed me to go on new adventures and immerse myself in different cultures. Plenty of skiing has also certainly been welcomed.
What projects have you been involved in with PDP? I spent 2 years on a vaccine manufacturing facility in Toronto, Canada where I was a CQ owner of Fermentation systems and also involved in utilities. I have since moved to Switzerland, Visp on another vaccine project, notably working on a COVID-19 vaccine as a utilities CQV Engineer. .
Would you recommend working for PDP to a friend and why? Absolutely, there are many opportunities to be made. With an ever growing group of driven individuals you will always have guidance to aid your learning and career. The travel experiences you will gain are an added bonus, and with PDP’s assistance there are many locations and projects to experience.
I wanted to pursue a career that made use of my strengths in science and maths, but also didn’t involve sitting in an office the whole time. I was also interested in the prospects of travelling abroad that the career offered.
What was your favourite subject and why?
I particularly enjoyed group projects where we had to collaborate as a team to design something. Through these I gained confidence that I could take on what challenges I faced in my future career and learnt that engineering is not a solo effort.
How long have you worked with PDP?
For over 3 years.
How did you hear of PDP?
In my final year of university, PDP were looking for graduate CQV Engineers to work on a large vaccine manufacturing project in Toronto, Canada. For me this was an exciting opportunity.
What have been the highlights of your career to date?
Being part of a Covid vaccine project throughout most of its stages was particularly rewarding for me. In the project, I was responsible for a wide range of utility systems and was frequently in the clean rooms where these groundbreaking vaccines would be produced. Naturally, it was a very fast-paced project that sometimes involved longer hours and unique challenges, but it was amazing to see what could be achieved with such a concentrated effort by an extraordinary team.
What projects have you been involved in with PDP?
For the first two years I was part of the Sanofi B100 5-acP/Diptheria/Tetanus vaccine manufacturing facility in Toronto, Canada. After that I moved to Switzerland to work on a Covid vaccine project in Visp, Switzerland. And recently, I moved onto a much larger project in Visp.
Would you recommend working for PDP to a friend and why
I would recommend PDP to any friend in the industry. During the time I have been working for PDP, they have been growing rapidly and constantly have new projects and new opportunities. All the while, they have continued to put their people first, and I have always felt that they have had my back.
Careers Fairs offer the opportunity to connect in-person with employers offering work experience, placement and graduate opportunities.
Hear from Emma Lennox, Careers Consultant on how to properly prepare for Careers Fair
Preparing for the Careers Fair
“Preparation for career fair is key. You need to know the logistics; so what buildings are being used?, what employers are going to be there? and who are you going to target when you get there?
If it’s online, make sure you have the technology started, make sure you know your device is going to work. You have everything connected and you’ve got your battery ready to go.
If there is a virtual or an online aspect to careers fair, you have an extra element of preparation. You might have to go onto the platform in advance and make your profile and make sure it sells you in the skill sets that you want employers to know about”.
Make sure you are prepared for the virtual elements of the Careers Fair
Speaking to Employers at the Careers Fair
“This is the time to go and actually speak to actual employers to find out things you can’t find from their website”
“Don’t ask them something you should already know, so it’s on their website or it’s in the fair information booklet. Make sure you’ve done your research.”
Here are possible questions to ask:
Asking about a particular job if some of the details a bit vague.
You could ask about the recruitment process
Ask about specifics of the assessment centre
You can ask about what the day in the job would really look like
What are the main responsibilities
What is a new recruit going to be asked for
These are the things that really get the employer talking and show that you’ve done your research and you’re engaged and interested in this organisation.
Employers here to answer your questions at the Careers FairsEmployers here to answer your questions at the Careers Fairs
Top Tips
“Try not to go to the careers fair with a group of 10 of your best friends. You walk around in a huge group and the employer will just see a huge group. This is your time to stand out, to be an individual”.
“Don’t take lots of stuff with you through the careers for and make sure you keep your hands free because you need to take notes. Remember the positions; Remember the companies; and remember the jobs when you go back later and you’re working out how to keep this engagement going.
“Look at the job tasks; look at the values and the mission statement of the company because you might go in there and find a company you never considered before”.
After the Careers Fair
“Don’t forget to follow up after careers fair”.
“If the employer has a LinkedIn account, you can ask if you can follow them. Definitely follow the company, see what’s happening and keep up to date with things. If you were speaking to someone, you have a personal rapport with them and you think, “I would really like to discuss this role further”. You can send them a personal e-mail and thank them for their time.”
Keep an eye out for QUB Careers Fairs and other events here
