Mike

How have you found navigating the working world as a BAME graduate?

As a BAME graduate I do believe it is harder to find a graduate job. I can see from my friends that they faced more difficulties than other candidates. Myself, I was fortunate in that I can speak German, which was definitely an advantage for me when job hunting and looking for internships.

How did you find the position you are currently working in?

I applied for the job on LinkedIn, which was a German speaking role (Projects Broker and a brokership). I had a zoom interview which went well, followed by an in-person interview, they liked me and asked me to join the team. When applying to client based and front facing roles, personality is key - that’s what employers look out for.

What is your opinion on higher education and how has it helped you in the working world?

I value higher education a lot because it prepared me for the role and taught me so much that I can apply in the job I do now. It enabled me to access jobs that I wouldn’t have been able to access at this point in my life. Everyone in my workplace has a degree, not necessarily economics, but it is one of the requirements for working here. Without university, I simply wouldn’t have been able to secure this job role.

What has been your greatest achievement since graduating?

I moved from Germany to London without my family when I was 16, and they still live there. Before I moved here my English wasn’t very good, I was insecure in myself and I was in a completely new environment. Thinking about where I was then and where I am now seems crazy. Looking back I would never think that I could be what I am now, so that would be my greatest achievement.

Who has helped you the most through university to become the success that you are?

I’d say my parents. I moved here for a reason and obviously I didn’t want to disappoint, I want to make my parents proud. If I didn’t do my A-levels or finish my degree, what would I be doing now? 

The reason I moved here was because I was doing the wrong things in Germany. I knew I had to make them proud. Coming from a low income household and being the first person to complete university especially in a different country really inspired me.

What was your most memorable university moment?

I think an exam in second year. I was in the library from 1pm until 9am the next day and went straight to the exam from there, and I still managed to get a first! The road to a 1:1 was long, I was stressed and hungry it was mad! But it was worth it.

Is there anything you wish you had known before you graduated?

Can I be honest with you? I think I was too serious in first year. If I knew that then I could’ve loosened up a little bit – I took every exam seriously, I took everything seriously – I wish I could’ve given myself more time to relax. 

I had a little burnout and I couldn’t work, content wasn’t going into my head and it affected my mental health. I over worked myself and tired myself out, but I know now that it's okay to have fun sometimes and enjoy yourself while working hard. 

Do you have any advice for BAME students, or any other students studying at Kent?

I do think BAME students can be less exposed to opportunities. The university has a whole careers advice structure but we don't really know about it because we are less exposed to it. The support that's available at the university can be so helpful, like the Careers Adviser who  helped me with my CV and find the career I wanted to go into. 

I got an internship which then had to be cancelled because of COVID and moved to the next year. I wasn’t sure whether to accept the offer or keep looking, but they really helped and advised me through that process.