Hafsah Syeed

Please can you start by introducing yourself and explaining your current role?

I am currently an Independent Mental Health Advocate. This means I am a specialist working in hospital settings supporting patients and pushing their views across. My tasks include informing and reminding patients of their rights in hospitals, consulting with professionals on behalf of or with service users, attending meetings on behalf of service users, supporting patients with their journey within the service, and much more.

What inspired/motivated you to apply for this role?

I was looking for a Psychology related role. I did apply for a variety from support worker roles to psychology assistant roles. However, I felt like this advocate role was in the middle. I also completed a training course on advocacy with BAMHAG (which is known as Vital Projects) and enjoyed it.

How would you describe your journey of finding a job?

It has been difficult. I was very fortunate that I received this role after I graduated. However, I worked closely with the Career and Employability Services  (CES) at Bradford University since the first year of my degree and started applying for roles at the end of my second year. I also actively participated in volunteering opportunities throughout my degree.

Tell us about how you got into the job and what the application process was like?

I applied via Indeed and saw the opportunity and ceased it. Although the original place was in Barnsley, I applied to see whether I would be able to get in or not. In 3-4 weeks, I received a phone call from the HR team asking me a variety of questions of why I was interested in the role? What made me apply for advocacy? Was I willing to travel? Then they reminded me it was a part–time role based in Barnsley and was I happy with the pay? I mentioned how I did not mind and later would see if I could have the opportunity to expand into a full-time role. I then was offered an interview virtually. A few days later, I attended an interview virtually on Teams. The interview was quite intimidating and was one of the hardest interviews I have done. They were with the Deployment Manager and the Operations Manager. They asked scenario-based questions and how would I react in specific scenarios. I then had an opportunity to ask questions and I did. I asked questions such as: What is the enjoyable thing about your role? What makes Advent great? What does a day-to-day role of an Advocate sound like? What is the hardest thing about your role?

The operations manager then asked me some behavioural questions. They also asked if I was interested in full time would and I agreed. They mentioned how although I applied for the Barnsley position, they have got some vacancies nearby and I agreed with going with them too. It was quite hard to read their body language and facial expressions. However, they mentioned they would get back to me in a weeks’ time. I then received a phone call from the HR manager a week later reporting I had done really well and I have got the job. They mentioned how it would take quite some time for references, DBS, and contracts to be made (a month) so I could sit tight till then.

Did you face any challenges in your career journey so far?

I would say quite a few. Facing rejection, especially within Psychology roles is something you will have to face and come to terms with. But rejection is merely a redirection to what is solely written for you which ultimately helped me when I was rejected by numerous amount of roles.

Was the location of the job ever a potential barrier stopping you from getting where you wanted to be?

Not really, being able to drive was a positive for me but I knew if I wanted to start off with a job role I would have to branch out. If I didn’t I wouldn’t have been fortunate to have landed this role.

Were you always interested in attending university? Why did you choose the University of Bradford?

I have always dreamed of university, studying has always been essential to me, and I really enjoyed being a student. The University of Bradford was local for me and as the eldest, I had quite a few responsibilities which I was not willing to leave because of university. I was always told you are what you make of anything no matter where you are placed so I took the opportunity to be a part of the University of Bradford. Every opportunity that came my way whilst I was at university I ceased this and carried it out.

What did you study at the University of Bradford? What made you choose that course?

I completed a degree in Psychology with Counselling. I always wanted to do a course where it would help me develop into a career where I can support and help individuals. I realised that there was no other course that could fully support others deeply than Psychology as there were so many avenues.

How did the University of Bradford/CES/Graduate Workforce Bradford Project support/guide you?

The CES guided me through the start till the end which I am truly grateful for. They pushed me out of my comfort zone and presented me with so many opportunities which I cannot appreciate them enough for. I still keep in contact with them to this day. Even working as a Student Ambassador, Outbound Calling Agent and Peer Leader supported me with so many qualities and skills that I can transfer in future roles. I also had the opportunity to partake in two internships.

One was with Centrepoint, a homeless young person’s charity which I worked with for 8 weeks. They support young people in rehabilitating them back into society. I gained many employability skills such as teamwork, time management, communication skills, what employees and employers look for and working under pressure. This experience has supported me with future development in full-time roles and is applicable to date.

The other internship I participated in was shadowing and supporting an academic with their research. I worked alongside an academic and a charity called Omega which supports connections with older people. I generated ideas to support current services, helped conduct web and literature searches and expand their service offering. This experience expanded my creative thinking skills, working with professionals from various backgrounds and helped identify crucial information to support vulnerable people.

Why do you think it is important to get work experience whilst studying at university?

Gaining work experience should not be optional but it should be essential as it provides insight into experiences of your future. Work experience whilst studying at university helps individuals see things from different perspectives and know they do not need to settle for one avenue. Alongside being a student and getting work experience widens knowledge and helps apply what has been taught throughout the degree.

What advice would you give to our current students and graduates based on your experiences?

My advice would be to gain as much experience as possible throughout your degree. Be prepared from the start of your degree. For example, I studied Psychology, which is a saturated avenue, so expect to work hard to get experience and get to a specific career. Engage with all aspects of the CES because it is there for you! All services at the university are there for yourselves which would be a waste if it is not used. If given any opportunities regarding careers or any other opportunities, embrace them and seize them as you never know if that opportunity will come back again. Most of all, enjoy every aspect of your degree (even your assignment/exams) as university life flies by and it will be missed.