Case Studies
There's no better way to gain understanding of what a career has in store than by asking those who have 'been there and done that'. Real World has gathered an extensive portfolio of successful graduates within a large range of careers and posed the questions not answered in your typical careers advertisement sites. We ask everything from "What does your typical day involve?" to "What do you enjoy least about your job?".
Read on for an insider's view on the career you're looking for...
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Alex Cutler - Gap Year - BPThere were several reasons really: to get experience in a job relevant to my degree, and I really wanted to apply what I was learning to a real world situation, having not had an engineering job before. ... more |
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Will Stroud - Gap Year - DeloitteMy motivation for taking a gap year was to gain as much experience as I could whilst still being able to earn money in order to help fund my education. By working at Deloitte I was able to achieve both of these goals. ... more |
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Louise Roberts - Voluntary Expedition - Trekforce WorldwideA combination of wages from my full time job at my local council and various fundraising efforts. People donated huge amounts of unwanted items that I sold on eBay or at car boot sales each Sunday. ... more |
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Matthew Van Rooyen - Mechanical Engineering - Transport for LondonYou have to be flexible in the way you manage your time. There are many layers of work here, some more time sensitive than others, so you can be working on a deadline for one project when something more important comes up that needs to be done immediately. ... more |
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Elena Giorgiu - Graduate Transport PlannerI’m on a scheme that consists of four, six-month placements in different business areas. I am currently based in Policy and Strategy where we formulate policies and proposals for the future of transport in London. ... more |
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David Castle - Transport Team Manager - SainsburysWhen I went to university I didn’t really know what I wanted to do afterwards. I had enjoyed Psychology at college so thought that I would do this as a degree and then look at my options later. ... more |
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James Behrens - Country Director - Gazeley India Private Ltd.I am setting up a warehouse development business in India. The business will support our parent company, Wal-Mart, as well as other existing multi national customers operating in India and Indian logistics companies. ... more |
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Emma Thomson - Editorial Project Manager - Bradt Travel GuidesI work as an editorial project manager for Bradt Travel Guides. My role involves briefing and guiding authors through the editorial process ? from the moment they submit the raw manuscript to the published book. ... more |
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Laura Esslemont - English Literature - Hodder & StoughtonI work at Hodder & Stoughton as a production controller. I am responsible for the H&S backlist ? all the reprints, special sales and also a handful of new titles as well. ... more |
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Lesley Brown - Sales & Marketing Executive - Allison & BusbySales & marketing executive at Allison & Busby (www. allisonandbusby.com). I look after a number of accounts at A&B, including wholesalers, some high street retailers and, left-field, suppliers to ferries and cruise liners. So that involves making sure they have relevant information on our titles and seeing what deals or offers we can work out. ... more |
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Alex Cutler - Gap Year - BPThere were several reasons really: to get experience in a job relevant to my degree, and I really wanted to apply what I was learning to a real world situation, having not had an engineering job before. ... more |
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Will Stroud - Gap Year - DeloitteMy motivation for taking a gap year was to gain as much experience as I could whilst still being able to earn money in order to help fund my education. By working at Deloitte I was able to achieve both of these goals. ... more |
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Louise Roberts - Voluntary Expedition - Trekforce WorldwideA combination of wages from my full time job at my local council and various fundraising efforts. People donated huge amounts of unwanted items that I sold on eBay or at car boot sales each Sunday. ... more |
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Matthew Van Rooyen - Mechanical Engineering - Transport for LondonYou have to be flexible in the way you manage your time. There are many layers of work here, some more time sensitive than others, so you can be working on a deadline for one project when something more important comes up that needs to be done immediately. ... more |
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Elena Giorgiu - Graduate Transport PlannerI’m on a scheme that consists of four, six-month placements in different business areas. I am currently based in Policy and Strategy where we formulate policies and proposals for the future of transport in London. ... more |
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David Castle - Transport Team Manager - SainsburysWhen I went to university I didn’t really know what I wanted to do afterwards. I had enjoyed Psychology at college so thought that I would do this as a degree and then look at my options later. ... more |
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Hena Yearley - Ernst & Young - Summer Internship ProgrammeHena Yearley discusses her experiences of the Ernst & Young Summer Internship Programme ... more |
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James Slaughter - Postgraduate StudyThe MBA gives students detailed insight into critical business issues, from finance to marketing to leadership. Additionally I could see the advantage of learning new skills and developing more advanced tools to help progress my career. ... more |
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Chris Fryer - Primary School TeacherI’ve wanted to work with children since I was a child: I’ve previously worked as a youth worker and as a teaching assistant. I originally got a place on the secondary PGCE but I decided not to start that course because I knew I’d prefer the variety in primary teaching ... more |
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Elisa Pogliano - Procter and Gamble - Consumer Business Development Account ManagerI am employed by Proctor and Gamble, based in southwest London. It is a leading FMCG company, which produces, markets and sells numerous household products. Brands include Ariel, Bold, Daz, Flash, Fairy, Herbal Essences and Pantene. And that's just some of them - it's a very long list! My job basically involves getting in touch with customers, who are retailers and wholesalers. Their business is to sell our products; it is in our interests to support their business, so we can also grow our business. We maintain relationships with customers and keep them informed of any developments. ... more |
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Afzal Ahmed - Freelance Team Manager - Leaving Care TeamNot one day is the same; you are working with human behaviour, which is unpredictable and that is the best part of the job. I have an important role to play in helping young people become good citizens. ... more |
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Myrto Gouti - Aviation Finance - Norton RoseWhen you're still at university there are opportunities to do lots of summer placements. I did one placement at a bank and another at a law firm. I decided that the law suited me - it was an informed decision. I think it's good to do placements as it means you can find out if you're doing the right thing. ... more |
