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Welsh Recruitment

Welsh Recruitment meets … a Graduate


(Picture: Rachel Williams)

Rachel Williams
Student Finance Administrative Assistant

Rachel is 21 and graduated from Cardiff University with a degree in BA (Hons) History this year. She has worked for the Care Council for Wales for 2 months as a Student Finance Administrative Assistant and discusses her experience of making the leap from student life to the ‘real world’

You’ve just earned a degree from a top University.
How did you go about looking for graduate opportunities in Wales in what is a considerably competitive market?

Whilst studying at Cardiff, I kept changing my mind regularly about what I wanted to do once I’d graduated. When it came to thinking about the future, I was undecided. My degree subject, BA History, opened many doors for different types of jobs possibilities, which made things even more confusing. However, during my last few months at University, it became clear to me that I wanted to remain involved in the education sector. I decided that the next logical step for me after I finished my studies would be to pursue a career in teaching. However, I didn’t want to go straight back to studying and decided to find work experience. I knew that I had to use my degree to my advantage, and so decided to search for graduate jobs in an education-related field. This year is effectively serving as a gap year, and the work experience that I gain will hopefully enhance my application for my Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), which is due to start next September.


You now work as a Student Finance Administrative Assistant. How did you get your current job?

A week after I finished my exams I began to feel pressured to fi nd a job, especially since there were no more Student Loan cheques coming my way! I found my current job online with a Cardiff-based recruitment agency. The consultants were extremely helpful, and gave plenty of advice regarding interview skills and how to create a strong CV.


What are your main responsibilities as a Student Finance Administrative Assistant?

My daily duties are based around handling queries from students regarding bursaries for their Social Work courses, and also dealing with the Universities in Wales concerning any other issues that may arise. I report to my line manager, but the atmosphere in the offi ce is relaxed. I feel comfortable asking questions which are always dealt with in a friendly manner.


What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

Without a doubt, the most demanding part of my job is dealing with a high volume of calls from students in a professional and efficient manner. This time of year is always stressful for students, who are under pressure with regards to their admissions to their courses and so on.


How difficult did you find the transition from full-time education to a 9 to 5 day?

The student lifestyle is renowned for being anti-9 to 5, and after all the graduation celebrations, the shift from late night partying to early morning wake-up calls came as a BIG shock to the system! It is such a good feeling though to be earning my own money, particularly so soon after graduating, and I am enjoying the feeling of working in a totally different environment with really nice colleagues. Since completing my studies I’ve learnt that although I didn’t follow a job-specific degree, I’ve created my own opportunities to gain plenty of experience and skills which many employers are seeking.
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