Posted: Sat 19th Jun 2021

WGU Careers Service helps student go from low confidence to landing dream job

Wrexham.com for people living in or visiting the Wrexham area
This article is old - Published: Saturday, Jun 19th, 2021

An Occupational Therapist has described how she went from a low ebb to landing her dream job thanks to the support of a Wrexham Glyndwr University career adviser.

Kim Crocombe, in her final year as a Level 6 Occupational Therapy student at the university, felt she had lost her confidence and direction after applying applied for several NHS roles and not being successful.

But attending a Careers Development Learning workshop delivered by Wrexham Glyndwr Careers Adviser Jenny Whittaker at an Occupational Therapy conference proved a life-changing turning point – leading to employment in her chosen career.

Earlier this year Kim got in touch with the award-winning Careers and Employability Service for support where, unsure of what direction to go in, Jenny provided her with bespoke one-to-one careers guidance.

She suggested Kim expand her focus from NHS and explore other options such as local council and social services.

Kim had been unaware she had the option to work outside of the NHS, and this was, in her words, “a lightbulb moment”.

With Jenny’s support, Kim explored job roles and applied for a role with Wrexham Council’s Social Services department. Her application was accepted.

After being invited for interview, the support from careers and guidance did not end there. Over several appointments, Jen and Kim explored potential interview questions, interview strategies and Jen coached Kim in interview techniques – which led to her securing a position with Wrexham Social Services.

Kim said: “While I have felt supported during my time at Glyndwr, I did feel a little unprepared for the next step after graduation – finding a job.

“After being introduced to Jenny, I instantly realised I had found the support I needed.

“I received support designing a CV – the importance of making each CV applicable to job, post, or role specification – interview preparation, memory strategies, and how to structure answers.

“However, the main thing I took from the sessions was the advice Jenny gave me on self-care. The importance of being kind to yourself and recognising your achievements through your university journey.

“I had been so caught up in the chaos of my final year, I had forgotten the advice I had been taught and the advice I will give to my clients when in a role.”

She added: “I have recently had an interview and been offered my first post as an Occupational Therapist.

“I truly believe the support I received from Jenny and careers service was a contributing factor in me obtaining the position.

“I would strongly recommend to any student seeking careers advice, to assess the careers service, if like me they are feeling a bit unsure of the next steps after graduation, or while studying, or if they want some self-care’.

The university’s Careers and Employability Service does not just focus on future careers but takes a person-centred approach which focuses on individual needs. The Careers and Employability Service strive to have a deeper understanding of how to meet the need of students as individual. Staff see many students throughout their learning journey and keep the door open after graduation.

Kim’s career advisor Jenny Whittaker added: “The students we work with often bring in complex issues to unpick.

“Being an experienced Higher Education Careers Adviser allows me to provide involved motivational guidance which encourages students to engage in reframing their goals and career aspirations so they can move forward.”

More information on how Wrexham Glyndwr University’s Careers and Employability Service provides support in a number of ways to support students and graduates to take steps to develop their careers, can be found on the university website.

If you are a current Wrexham Glyndwr University student, log into the ‘one stop shop’ for Careers and Employability support, WGUconnector contact [email protected] to find out more about how we can support you.



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