This year, hundreds of students and graduates used our Early Careers support services to book appointments with careers consultants and attend programmes such as our Graduate Success Series (GSS) sessions. Sumaiya Migoda is an International Business graduate who has recently secured a new role as a student success officer at ARU London. She will share her experience on how the university’s career consultant and GSS services helped her find the perfect role alongside advice for future graduates on the services available at Westminster.

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What careers support services did you use at university, and were there any that particularly stood out to you?

I used various career services at the University of Westminster, including CV reviews, application support, interview preparation, and job offer guidance. The tailored 1:1 support I received from my Careers Consultant, Natalia, stood out the most. She guided me through every stage of the process and took the time to understand my goals and challenges.

Can you tell us a bit about the role you’ve secured — and roughly how many applications or interviews you went through before getting the offer?

I’ve recently started my role as a Director of Studies Officer at ARU London. Before receiving this offer, I reviewed several applications and a few interviews. Still, this role felt like the perfect fit because it combined my skills and experience with my passion for supporting students.

Looking back on your career journey since graduating, what experiences or types of support do you feel had the most significant impact in helping you secure your current role?

The personalised careers support made the most significant impact. Having someone to guide me through tailoring my applications and preparing for interviews gave me the confidence I needed. The advice on evaluating job offers was also crucial; it helped me make informed decisions and feel more secure about my accepted role.

How did the 1:1 appointments with your Careers Consultant help you feel more confident or prepared in your job search?

The 1:1 appointments gave me a safe space to ask questions and get honest, constructive feedback. Every session made me feel more prepared, whether for an interview or refining my CV. That individual attention made me feel much more confident throughout my job search.  

Can you share any specific insights or advice you received during your appointments that made a real difference in helping you secure your role?

One piece of advice that stood out was learning what to look out for when receiving a job offer. Understanding contracts, asking questions before signing the contract, and thinking about long-term career growth. This helped me feel empowered and reassured when I accepted my current role.  

How did the encouragement and support from the Careers Consultant impact your confidence and motivation throughout your job search, particularly when facing setbacks?

Job searching can feel overwhelming, and there were moments when I felt discouraged. It took over a year and 200+ applications to finally get a job. Natalia’s encouragement kept me motivated and reminded me that setbacks were part of the process. Her reassurance and guidance gave me the resilience to continue until I found the proper role.  

How did the Graduate Success Series workshops complement the 1:1 support you received? Were there any sessions that particularly stood out to you?

The workshops complemented my 1:1 sessions by covering broader career topics and offering practical tips. The session that stood out most was when Natalia explained what to look for when offered a job. It gave me the confidence to evaluate opportunities carefully and helped me make the right choice when I received my offer.  

Which skills do you think helped you stand out during the application or interview process — and how did you develop these during your time at university or through careers support?

My communication and interpersonal skills helped me stand out. During my time at Westminster, I developed these skills through group projects, presentations, and while working as a student consultant and an ambassador. The careers team helped me learn how to present these experiences clearly on my CV and in interviews, which made a huge difference.

Based on your experience, what one piece of advice would you give to other recent University of Westminster graduates who are still navigating their career journey and might be hesitant to reach out for support?

My advice would be: don’t hesitate to reach out. The careers team supports you; even a single appointment can give you valuable direction and confidence. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their help, so take advantage of the support available, because it does make a difference.  

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Big thanks to Salma, one of our Graduate Interns, and Sumaiya for this article!

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