The session was chaired by Andrew Wright, Associate Director Employer Engagement & Work-based Learning at King’s College London, and featured Tyler Mitchell, a senior talent acquisition advisor for early careers at the BBC; Eunice Amankwah, a senior analyst at JP Morgan; and Olaoluwa Folorunsho, a final-year computer science student at Nottingham Trent University who interned at Microsoft. The panellists shared their experiences and advice on transitioning from university to the professional world.
Thriving at the BBC
Tyler Mitchell shared his journey from studying psychology to his current role at the BBC. He highlighted the importance of understanding company culture and networking within large organisations. “The BBC is absolutely massive… you have to stick to your team a little bit more, but there are definitely opportunities for networking and learning,” Tyler noted. He emphasised that actively listening and learning about the challenges within his role allowed him to implement a new system for the recruitment process, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.
Navigating JP Morgan
Eunice Amankwah reflected on her experiences at JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs, discussing the importance of adapting to different company cultures and the significance of work-life balance. “Team culture makes or breaks your experience… you need a culture that facilitates not just work but also work-life balance,” Eunice explained. She advised students to seek mentors and network with professionals in their industry to gain valuable insights and support for their career development.
Microsoft Internship Experience
Olaoluwa Folorunsho shared her journey as a computer science student interning at Microsoft, where she discovered the continuous need for learning and adapting to new technologies. She highlighted the importance of setting clear goals and taking advantage of opportunities to showcase her skills. “Anytime there was an opportunity to do something, I would jump on it… just to let them know that I’m valuable,” Olaoluwa said. Her proactive approach helped her make a positive impact and expand her professional network.
3 top tips from the webinar
- For networking: Build relationships by talking to as many people as possible, both within and outside your immediate team, to understand different perspectives and opportunities.
- For goal setting: Set clear, achievable goals for your professional and personal development to guide your actions and maximise your growth during internships or early career roles.
- For continuous learning: Embrace lifelong learning by continually upskilling and staying updated with industry trends, using available resources such as certifications and professional courses.
Conclusion
The webinar offered valuable insights into the realities of starting a career at leading companies and the strategies needed for success. The panellists emphasised the importance of networking, understanding company culture, and continuous learning.
The key takeaway is to be proactive, set clear goals, and leverage technology to support your career aspirations. As Eunice Amankwah aptly summarised, “Your career is never a straight line… you have to do a few different things before you hit that one thing that you really want to do.”