Abiola Temidayo Michael-Bucknor
Procurement Business Partner, East Suffolk Council
Why did you apply to the University and why did you choose that course?
The University of Bradford has a Triple-crown accredited business school (AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS) which makes it uniquely stand out as one of the best universities. The infusion of Data Analytics attracted me to apply to this university and choose this course (MSc Logistics, Data Analysis and Supply Chain Management). In addition, as a Procurement Professional with 12 years’ experience, I know I needed to upskill my knowledge and learn all the tools necessary to help me stand out and advance internationally in my career.
What would you say about the University of Bradford and the city to prospective international students?
The diversity in race and culture makes the University of Bradford a unique and comfortable school of learning to all people. The city offers various work and business opportunities and most importantly an affordable living cost compared to other universities in the UK.
What steps did you take to improve your employability whilst at university (and what advice would you give to your fellow international students about improving theirs)?
Despite the years of prior employment experience, I know it is important that I understand the employability requirements of the UK Labour Market. I therefore take advantage of the opportunities available such as workshops and webinars delivered by Career & Employability Services during the Welcome/Induction Week. A couple of the workshops I attended was the ‘Introduction to Career & Employability Services (making full use of the opportunities available) and a specific session on ‘Understanding the UK Recruitment Processes’ – these sessions were really effective in understanding what I need to do to be more employable in the UK.
One major step for me was enrolling in the specific Bradford Employability Award (HEAR Accredited) – Active Career Planner (BEA/ACP). Through completing various career activities, I was able to develop a range of employability skills in my career planning. Here, I was engaged in seminars, trainings that gave insights on how to be employable in the UK. From working on my CVs, Cover letters, to attending mock interviews, the Career Consultants were there to help me every step of the way ensuring I got all the support I needed.
My advice to my fellow international students is to engage very early with Career and Employability Services and take advantage of the services and support provided such as the one-to-one appointments and attending the Careers Workshop/Webinar Programme (this is held throughout the year).
I also volunteer at the Holmewood Library (administration and to encourage nursery children to read) and Peri-Natal Support for Family Action (paired with clients to give them support).
Be open minded and positive, there are opportunities out there, you just need the right tool and guidance to secure your job in the UK!
How did Career and Employability Services support you during your time at university?
Through the BEA/ACP in particular, I completed various career and professional activities as part of my career planning – an engaging and educative process! Through these activities, I was more or less getting focused support in my actual graduate applications – how to submit effective applications and interview preparation.
So, I started getting a lot of interview opportunities which eventually became overwhelming! However, to me, the highlight of the BEA (ACP) Award was the interview preparation/mock interviews which was conducted to help me be well prepared for my interviews, which boosted my confidence and ultimately ready and well prepared for the real interviews.
Tell us about your current job and what makes you successful in securing the job? Also state which visa option (e.g., Graduate Route, Skilled Worker Route etc.,) applies to you for this specific role?
I have been offered the job as ‘Procurement Business Partner’ at East Suffolk Council and will be starting in October 2023. I applied through the Graduate Route visa. My main responsibility is to support the Council to deliver procurement activities that will increase efficiency, effectiveness and value for money.
What made me successful in securing the job is that I started researching roles and applying pretty early. My previous experience plays a major part; however, I still need to demonstrate my skills and capabilities at the application stage. I learnt a lot about targeting my applications to the roles through participating in the BEA (ACP) Award and I also booked one-to-one appointments for interview preparation/mock interviews with Career Consultants. The confidence I developed while undergoing the BEA (ACP) Award, made all the difference!
What advice would you give to current international students wishing to gain employment experience in the UK?
You need to be pro-active in your applications and start your job search early! Make use of the services and support provided by Career & Employability Services such as advice and guidance through one-to-one appointments (from applications, interviews, negotiating for a better salary and help in choosing the right fit).
For me, the BEA (ACP) Award really helps me – I would recommend that you register and fully participate in the activities. I also received a ‘Certificate of Completion’ for the Award!
Finally, be open minded and positive, there are opportunities out there, you just need the right tool and guidance to secure your job in the UK!