Just five weeks after graduating, Victoria Bamikole, a master’s graduate in Logistics, Data Analytics, and Supply Chain Management at the University of Bradford, secured her dream job as a Demand Planner with Ocado Group – a top UK employer.
“My technical skills and previous job experiences were key in securing my position,” she states. “However, I’m confident that the personal brand I developed with the support from my university set me apart.”
Bamikole makes a regular effort to keep her LinkedIn profile up to date, connecting with industry professionals and showcasing her expertise through posts and discussions. She views social media as an opportunity to gain wider visibility for her achievements. The University of Bradford’s workshops and networking events helped Bamikole refine how she communicates her skills and experience to potential employers, both online and in interviews.
Nottingham Business School graduate, Kwabena (Kobby) Boakye-Dankwa, who recently completed a summer internship at global law firm, Clyde & Co, also credits personal branding, saying it was “essential” to landing his role.
“I have built a strong presence on LinkedIn, with 1,716 followers and 500+ connections, where I regularly post my achievements for potential employers to view,” he reveals. “My profile highlights all aspects of my professional journey, including work experience, key achievements, education, volunteer work, honours and awards, and the languages I speak.”
On his platform, Boakye-Dankwa shares his achievements – such as becoming a student mentor within the Black leadership programme at the business school – and showcases the recommendations he’s received from industry professionals during his time studying his Business and Management degree.
It’s especially useful at the beginning of a career when you’re building your professional network, agrees Dany Leroux, a MSc Sustainability and Transformation student at France’s NEOMA Business School, who recently completed internships at L’Oréal and LVMH.
“A complete, connected profile that highlights skills beyond just experience shows that you're engaged in your field, active, and able to leverage your network,” he explains. “My LinkedIn profile has already been referenced during interviews and when I started my internships.”
Leroux has also found LinkedIn to be a great tool during his job search, allowing him to connect and engage more easily with others. At NEOMA Business School, professional development courses are mandatory, and Dany took part in a ‘Shape Your Career’ course which required him to create a LinkedIn profile, which then received feedback from a coach.
“The advice given helped me build this professional visibility, which I have been able to complete and develop over time through my experiences in associations or companies,” he says. “I hope to continue developing this tool and my network, which also allows me to stay updated with industry news and keep my network informed.”
Read the full article on QS Insights Magazine.
