51Âþ»­

An graduate is delighted to have landed a role with one of the world's largest courier companies after impressing them on a placement.

Ivy Mwaura spent a year with TNT Express as part of her 51Âþ»­ Leicester (51Âþ»­) course and was invited by her manager to apply for the Revenue Management Analyst post, which she has just started.

The 21-year-old says it feels like a dream - and credits 51Âþ»­ with making her feel prepared.

She said: "I'm so happy. The job is similar to my placement, as a Project Co-ordinator, but with more responsibility and more training to work as an analyst.

"I'm excited to go back and be part of the team. It doesn't seem real - it's like a dream.

"This is a good place to start to achieve my longer-term career aspirations and with a company I really like.

"My course shaped me into a better person and I'm ready to face the professional world."

Born in Kenya and living in London, Ivy chose to study in Leicester after attending a 51Âþ»­ Open Day.

She said: "I loved Hugh Aston, the library was open all the time and I was impressed with the computers.

"I met student ambassadors and they were all so happy to be part of the university.

"I was also determined to do a placement and 51Âþ»­ was the only university to offer it with my course."

Ivy, who graduates this month with a First, has "loved the course and studying".

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She said: "I liked the mix of this course. The staff understand their fields and I was able to learn more about economics and how it applies to the real world.

"I think like an economist - it's more a way of life."

Ivy was in the first cohort of placement students at TNT Express, in Atherstone, so had the opportunity to shape her job role.

She said: "I had key goals including to learn more about risk management. I met many senior managers, so I could get ideas, and I gained mentors who have helped me develop my personal and professional skills."

Her time at 51Âþ»­ has gone "so quickly" but includes many highlights.

Ivy said: "I enjoyed working as a Brand Ambassador and I go to the First Love Church, which is amazing and helped me network and build confidence."

A trip to New York's financial institutions with #51Âþ»­global - the university's award-winning international experience programme - inspired her through her finals.

She added: "I thought as soon as I get through my exams I can do this!

"I aspire to work in Dubai or New York as a financial analyst, so being there and seeing people do what I want to want to do was inspiring."