Recent graduate Sweta Moda tells us more about how LSE Careers can help you shape your career journey during your time at LSE.

In my first week at LSE, I remember feeling so overwhelmed by all the careers information I was hearing – it seemed like everyone had a plan and knew exactly where they were going. And so, the best decision I made in my first month at LSE was to book a 20-minute appointment with LSE Careers and ask for help in charting out a plan.

I was honestly surprised at how approachable everyone was in the LSE Careers team, with no one expecting me to have everything sorted out. I instantly felt like I was part of a bigger team where everyone wanted me to realise my best potential and acquire all the skills I needed to pursue my passions. I was so grateful for all the constructive advice I got in my first appointment that I set up regular follow-up appointments, mapping my progress in the career development cycle (CDC) as I went.

After charting out my short-term and long-term goals, I was able to prioritise what I needed to do to get the job I wanted after graduation. My favourite part about LSE Careers is that it gave me all the tools to create a career plan catered to my aspirations. I was not very sure of what job I wanted but I knew that I wanted to work in the commercial aviation industry. I was impressed by how proactive all the careers consultants were in supporting me to find opportunities and encouraging me to build transferrable skills throughout my academic years with LSE.

The team offered almost everything that I needed at university, ranging from supporting me to choose which academic courses would align with my passions, to helping me match my profile with the jobs I aspired to. From building my CV and cover letter to practicing for my final job interview in private interview rooms, the LSE Careers team was always there for me.

As well as careers appointments, I also took part in various other careers activities while at LSE, from working with the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund through LSE Volunteer Centre to getting a Virgin Experience flying lesson sponsored as a part of the Department of Management’s Careers, Alumni and Employer Relations programme. I was able to work part-time, volunteer, lead societies and pursue an exchange year to HEC Paris with LSE Careers being the backbone of all my preparations.

When I look back at my journey with LSE, I reflect on the number of times my careers consultants helped me put things into perspective and redirect my rejections with just a reassuring chat. Consistently interacting with the LSE Careers team helped me realise that my journey as an international student looking to work in a niche industry required patience, persistence, and awareness. I will always be grateful for the innumerable contacts I was able to add to my network, just by attending the alumni events, bootcamps and one-off career talks organised by the team.

If you are joining LSE anytime soon, then I would strongly advise you to make the most of what LSE Careers has to offer. Take the first step, be consistent and always remember that all the opportunities provided by LSE are the tools you can use to build your own unique career journey!

For more information on how to get started with LSE Careers, visit the LSE Welcome webpages.