THREE former students of the Warrington Campus of the University of Chester have revisited their place of study to share tips and advice with current students on how to secure a graduate role.
Jordan Stachini, marketing manager Select Property Group; Colin Telford, managing partner at The Candidate and David Thomson, business development manager at Manchester City Football, talked about their experiences in the world of work and how they started out in an event organised by the university’s Careers and Employability team.
The audience of students was then invited to ask the panel of graduates how they got into the industry and what their companies look for in their future recruits.
Jordan Stachini, who graduated with a BA (Hons) in advertising, is now the marketing manager at Select Property Group in Alderley Edge.
She said: “As the most recent graduate on the panel, it was great to come back and give some advice I wish I had been given, or perhaps taken on board, in my final year of university. Having done an advertising degree that gave me both a theoretical and practical understanding of marketing and graphic design, I use the skills that I learnt at university on a daily basis, to ensure the campaigns I oversee for the company are delivered to the best standard possible. “
Colin Telford, who studied for a degree in marketing and business, is the recruitment manager at The Candidate, a company he launched himself in Manchester.
He said: “For me, the integration of business theory, which developed into the essential work placement throughout my course, really helped prepare for the working world.
“Beginning to make contacts and grow a network began at Warrington for me and I have built on that throughout my career. Don’t underestimate the beginnings of your network right on your doorstep, like the lecturers’ business connections, careers departments contacts and even the network that the Students’ Union has.
“Then, after growing an extensive network, I launched The Candidate, a Digital Marketing Recruitment Agency. I can’t stress enough the importance of building a network as soon as possible which will ultimately drive the direction of your career.”
Brian Taylor, careers consultant at the Warrington Campus, said: “Running the event was an excellent opportunity for students to engage with former graduates, who are now involved in recruiting graduates.
“Q & A events like this, provide a valuable opportunity and contribute in helping to enable our students to leave the university as employable, work-ready, self-aware graduates, ready to progress into work. We were delighted to be able to welcome Jordan, Colin and David back to the campus.”
Colin Telford, David Thomson and Jordan Stachini.
