Manraj B.
About me
| Manraj B. | |
| Politics, Economics and Philosophy | |
| Philosophy, Politics & Economics | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Goodricke | |
| 2013 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| MSc student in Organizational Psychology (previously seven years in Executive Search industry) | |
| Birkbeck College, University of London | |
| United Kingdom | |
| HR, recruitment and training | |
| 2020 |
More about Manraj
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A day in the life of a MSc student in Organizational Psychology (previously seven years in Executive Search industry) in the United Kingdom
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
I am currently studying for an MSc in Organizational Psychology at Birkbeck College, University of London.
What do you do?
I previously worked for seven years in the executive search industry, specialising in senior appointments in consumer-related industries such as: consumer goods; retail; leisure, travel, hospitality. This gave me a good exposure and understanding of career paths within these industries and other industries also.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
I fell into executive search but it has put me on a path which will likely result in a career within HR in consumer companies
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
I gave jobs very little thought while I was at university.
Describe your most memorable day at work
Advising NHS and NHS Test & Trace on time-critical executive search appointments at the height of the pandemic
Are there any challenges associated with your job?
Challenges in executive search were numerous - notably that people (clients and candidates) are unpredictable and often uncontrollable.
What’s your work environment and culture like?
My previous employer was a very supportive and friendly culture.
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
The Comedy Society helped me develop strong communication skills.
What would you like to do next with your career?
Likely to use my executive search skills and MSc to transfer into either HR Consulting or an HR role (e.g. Head of Talent)
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
- Build career research into your week from the first term of first year of university. Always be learning, looking on LinkedIn and understanding the breadth that is out there.
- Try to get work experience or internships in first year or second year or university and focus on big companies when doing this (e.g., banks, large retailers, local government, management consulting firms, big four accountancy firms) because they will be better set up to provide good experience
- Do not be afraid to change things up. Don't be worried that you didn't get a certain job - apply next year. Age is absolutely no issue before you are 25 so don't worry if you have two years of experience if there is a graduate job that looks interesting
- Go to Glassdoor so you can understand working cultures and hours. For example, the Aldi graduate programme is very attractive but has high attrition because of the hours expected
What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?
Anything - I have interviewed several hundred (or maybe thousand) individuals within my specialist sectors (and some outside) and so have a good knowledge of what the "successful" career paths look like.
Next steps...
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