What’s my background?
By the end of 2018, I had graduated with both a Psychology BSc (Hons) and Marketing MSc from the University of Kent. Whilst studying, I worked as a Recruitment & Marketing Coordinator at the Kent Union Jobshop, helping students secure part-time, seasonal and temporary jobs that they could commit to alongside their studies. I also supported local, regional and national businesses in their recruitment drive by organising annual job fairs, creating campus advertising packages and filling temporary positions.
In the summer of 2019 (and fortunately before the pandemic), I worked as a Live-In Senior Counsellor at Tamwood International College just on the outskirts of Toronto, Canada providing children from all over the world with an incredible summer camp experience. I had the time of my life and visited Niagara Falls twice!
After returning from Canada, in autumn 2019, I joined Canterbury Christ Church University’s Enterprise & Employability team as a Project Coordinator for GradForce, an Office for Students funded project which aimed to help students from low mobility transition into graduate employment. My key achievement at GradForce was designing and developing a successful virtual self-development and employability skills programme called Get Hired!
I have also recently completed a CIPD Level 5 Intermediate Diploma in Learning & Development cementing my commitment and passion to designing impactful learning solutions!
What do I do at Gradconsult?
In my role as Project Consultant, one of my specialist areas is designing and delivering skills sessions or self-directed learning materials that assist graduates in gaining a competitive advantage in applying for graduate level roles and transitioning into employment. I have worked on numerous projects for a significant number of university clients across the UK.
I am an enthusiastic, outgoing networker and have successfully worked on a 7 -month secondment with the University of Westminster’s Work Experience and Recruiter Engagement Team to source exclusive internships and work experience roles for final year students on courses including Biomedical Sciences, MBA and Humanities.
I have also worked as the SME Engagement Manager for the award-winning and unique RISE business support scheme programme, which aims to support SMEs in hiring graduates within the Sheffield City Region. RISE has successfully recruited over 500 graduates and successfully retained graduate talent in the city region. My main role in the RISE project has been to source roles and support employers in their journey of hiring graduates into their business. As a result, I have networked and supported 100s of small-to-medium sized business in graduate recruitment. I have sizeable experience in running full cycle recruitment processes from preparing and sourcing through to hiring and onboarding. I also regularly run webinars for SMEs including ‘How to develop and retain graduates’ with the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce.
Examples of recent projects I’ve been working on:
- Leading on SME Engagement for the award-winning business support scheme, RISE in the Sheffield City Region. I have led on attracting and recruiting 100s of SMEs onto the scheme and provide guidance and support on their journey to hiring graduates into their businesses.
- Working with the University of Westminster’s Work Experience and Recruiter Engagement Team for 7 months to source work experience and internship opportunities that provide realistic practical exposure to the field of study or career interest of students.
- Designing and developing a unique 6-month graduate scheme programme for the innovative Liverpool City Region (LCR) Grad Scheme funded by the European Social Fund.
- Designing and delivering bespoke interactive skills sessions for specific cohorts of students at UK Universities on subjects including ‘Think Like A Recruiter’, ‘Assessment Centre Simulation’ and ‘Where Next for Graduates?’
- Recording engaging 30-minute bitesize video-on-demand content for students to watch at any time during their studies.
- Designing bespoke toolkits for university clients working with SMEs to provide information and guidance on efficient graduate recruitment processes and development of graduate talent.
- Designing interactive self-directed learning courses and materials for students to understand the graduate labour market and basic careers principles.
Life loves
- Theatre – I’m always in London watching plays!
- Dido – I know what you’re thinking… 1) Yes, she is still around 2) Yes, I will be on annual leave when she’s on tour!
- Collecting David Bowie records…I don’t want to tell you how many I have!
- Being outdoors. I must go outside at least once a day for a long walk, or I get cabin fever!
Pet peeves
- Slow walkers
- Rowdy people on trains!
- Meetings that don’t need to be meetings! (https://shoulditbeameeting.com)
Get in touch
T: 0114 221 0242
M: 07837 002886
LinkedIn: Amber Bytheway
Twitter: @amberbytheway