51Âþ» Leicester (51Âþ») students are feeling confident about the future after completing a programme designed to support their transition from university life to a fulfilling career.
Final Year, Final You was launched in 2022 by 51Âþ»’s Careers Team and Alumni Engagement Team as a response to the Leicester Student Voice Report, which highlighted the different factors that really matter to students across the city, including the desire for more support ahead of graduation.
Open to all final-year students across 51Âþ»’s four faculties, the programme offers guidance on life after university and builds students’ confidence through employer and practical sessions, delivered by employers, alumni and staff.
Highlighting different career pathways and opportunities, the employer sessions allowed students to practice a range of elements of the job application process, including mock assessment centre scenarios, psychometric tests and interviews.
The practical sessions helped students develop skills such as work etiquette, resilience and leadership, as well as advice on managing finances, finding housing and supporting wellbeing.
Nabila (middle) with two other students who completed the programme
At the end of the programme, LLB Law (Hons) student Nabila Kara received the Future Award, which recognised her outstanding attitude and contribution to the programme.
Nabila said: “I signed up for Final Year, Future You because the design of the sessions attracted me and I thought this would be a great way to get exposure to potential employers and, more importantly, network.
“The programme transformed me as a person and boosted my self-esteem. The sessions equipped me with my very own toolkit based on my plans for when I graduate.
“My toolkit not only includes ways of finding a job and how to impress an employer, but also everyday practices and good habits which can transform my lifestyle, and make me a healthier, better version of myself.” 
Nicole (right) with Head of Careers and Graduate Success, Richard Bowden
Product Design BA (Hons) student Nicole Lander said: “I feel more confident about my plans after uni and the sessions with employers have helped me to feel more relaxed about interviews and putting my best self first.
“My favourite part of the programme was the finance session, which allowed me to take a step back and look at how saving can be as simple as putting a little away every week.
"I also really enjoyed the resilience sessions - they were incredible. It’s nice to hear from others that things may not go to plan, however that is part of your journey and a further experience which can be explained about overcoming in interviews.
“For any student considering the programme in the future, go for it. It's a valuable experience for anyone, on any course. It’s also a chance to network with staff, employers and students to grow your support circle and to understand what help is on offer.”
As part of the employer sessions, students got the chance to learn valuable skills from those already working in industry. Experts from software company The Access Group ran a mock assessment centre session to give the students experience of the ways in which companies assess candidates and the skills they are looking for.
Talent Partner at The Access Group, Lyndsey North, said: “We love working with 51Âþ» and have employed a number of students straight from graduating. We find that 51Âþ» produces students who are rounded and mature, and we are always keen to help in giving an insight into the working world and, in the process, hopefully engage with students who could be a great fit for our company.”
This year’s programme concluded with an awards ceremony on 23 February in Trinity House on campus. The awards were hosted by Danielle Wright, 51Âþ» Alumni Engagement Officer, and Tom Nicholls, DMU Employer Engagement Manager who organised and delivered Final Year, Future You.
The pair said: “We’re so pleased that, for the second year running, the programme has been a huge success. Students who joined us are feeling more confident in securing their next steps and life after university.
“All the students involved have been a credit to themselves with their attitude, commitment and willingness to learn, and a massive thank you goes out to the fantastic employers, alumni and colleagues who were involved.
“We really look forward to delivering the programme again next year and helping our future final years prepare for their future selves too.”
Posted on Thursday 16 March 2023