Shazra graduated with a BA in History and now works as a Teaching Assistant whilst she explores all her available options. Read her story here
How have you found navigating the working world as a BAME graduate?
Finding work as a BAME graduate has been difficult this past year, which has definitely been affected by the onset of COVID. Most companies were not hiring new people (let alone recent graduates) and I found that a lot of employers had advertised job roles for BAME people just to reach their quota ( I actually got told this in an interview!). Yet, I found that the public sector, such as teaching and nursing, had and continues to have a demand for new employees.
What do you think is the value of higher education and how has it helped you in the world of work?
The skills you learn from obtaining your degree are perhaps the most valuable asset of higher education. For example, studying History at university has drastically improved my writing, reading and analytical skills, which can all be done efficiently in a quick manner. This has helped me greatly in the working world as projects are set up and expected to be completed in short amounts of time.
What is your most memorable moment at the University of Kent?
It’s impossible to choose one memorable moment in my 3 years at Kent, an amalgamation of memories clutter my brain whenever I think about my undergraduate days! It’s a cliché but meeting my lifelong friends is definitely up there in the list. Also, from an academic standpoint, writing my dissertation in my final year and completing it was a lot of fun (stress too) and I felt very proud of myself, something that until that point I had never really felt before.
I am lucky enough to not have one specific job that I have always wanted to do - I feel as though adults should be comfortable changing their careers in order to gain more experience and skills throughout their lifetime
Where do you see yourself career wise in 5 years time?
I am lucky enough to not have one specific job that I have always wanted to do - I feel as though adults should be comfortable changing their careers in order to gain more experience and skills throughout their lifetime. That being said, after I’ve completed my Master’s I’m hoping to either teach, work in policy research and public affairs, or start training to work in archiving in a museum. All three jobs would definitely be enjoyable for me, so there isn’t necessarily one career path that I envisage myself having in 5 years time.
Is there anything you wish you had known before graduating?
That job hunting in itself is a full time job! Also, being unemployed the first few months of graduating is normal! And transitioning into the working world for the first time isn’t as daunting and scary as you think!
From your experience, do you have any advice for BAME students studying at University of Kent?
Do a year abroad if you can! Volunteer or gain experience wherever you are able to, meet all kinds of people and make memories - and also have fun!
