Careers adviser — Rafiqul Islam

Rafiqul took improving his employability skills into his own hands following his graduation, motivating him to make an impact on others' careers

How did you get your job?

Six months after graduation I was still looking for a job and I was working in retail but wanted more for myself. This lead me to working on my employability skills such as phone manner, interview technique and CV writing. Through improving my own skills, I had the opportunity to apply for my first role, which was as a careers adviser helping people from all different backgrounds in various settings from libraries through to schools.

Following on from this, I went to work as an employment caseworker for the DWP's Work and Health programme. I secured this role through a referral from an ex-colleague who knew my passion for helping people and knowledge of the job market.

Finally, I moved to my current role in higher education. I applied online through the university, which was very competency centred, with questions around suitability for the role rather than judging solely on CVs. It was a one round process with a presentation and interview and fortunately I was chosen for the role.

How relevant is your degree to your job?

My degree was in accounting and finance, which doesn't directly relate to the content. However, I would say that my degree gave me transferable skills such as time management, presentation skills, research skills and an understanding of the business landscape, which transferred well into the careers adviser position.

Furthermore, in my current role, I often help accounting and finance graduates into jobs so it's great to be able to use my subject-specific knowledge of techniques and software to break down job descriptions and give actionable help to students on their applications.

What are your main work activities?

• One-to-one appointments - These are advice and guidance sessions tailored to a student's specific needs. They can range from reviewing a CV through to mock interviews or helping a student understand the requirements to enter a chosen career.
• Content creation - I create slides for workshops and on-course sessions, which requires careful research. Additionally, I'll create things like mini-online courses and careers guides.  
• Workshop facilitation - I host workshops and webinars on a variety of topics as part of the university's employability service.
• On-course presentations - I'm often invited as a guest presenter on the university's module bearing courses to talk on a variety of employability topics related to specific subjects.

How has your role developed and what are your career ambitions?

I started my career working with the general public and enjoyed the challenge of working with someone who may be long term unemployed and then helping a senior professional make a career change to follow their passion. However, I always knew that I wanted to specialise.

Specialising in the graduate recruitment market has been really rewarding. I know the challenges that I faced in securing my first graduate job, so I can empathise with current students and give them a roadmap to find work in a challenging job market.

Furthermore, we have a diverse student body with a high number of international students and I feel I can relate to situations they may face as people from ethnic minority backgrounds breaking into the job market. This may include a lack of social and cultural capital, especially if they happen to be the first from their family to go to university. 

My ambition moving forwards is to continue working within higher education. My next step is to gain qualifications and add to my credibility and expertise in my field by completing various courses from AGCAS (professional body for careers advisers) or potentially the CEIGHE Masters delivered by the University of Warwick in conjunction with AGCAS.

What do you enjoy about your job?

I find real purpose in my job, it's amazing when people I am helping secure a role. Sometimes an appointment with a careers adviser or continued guidance can be lifechanging.

I particularly enjoy providing guidance, empowering students and raising awareness of opportunities to help them to fulfil their potential.

What are the most challenging parts?

Public speaking is a skill I admire but was initially a challenge in my current role. Speaking to classes of sometimes over 250 people was a big change for me, having come from mostly one-to-one advice and guidance. Just over a year into the job, it's something I've really enjoyed working on.

One of the real difficulties I face is helping international students into work. With the ongoing visa changes, it can be a challenge to find them suitable entry-level opportunities.

Any words of advice for someone who wants to get into this job?

• I believe to be successful you must have a genuine care for people's futures, and you should be ready to be an advocate for the people you are helping.
• Many people coming to a careers service are stressed, lost or unsure so it's useful to be able to empathise, which requires a high level of emotional intelligence.
• Consider looking at workshops and webinars to gain skills. As an adviser you'll often be preaching about the benefits of life-long learning so it's great to also practice that so that you are always on the pulse of what is happening in the job market.

Find out more

• Read all about being a careers adviser.
• View all information, research and analysis vacancies.