Bushra
Rashid

Why NTU…

Why did you choose NTU and your course?

Having a background in HR, I was looking for a career shift towards Career Development. I looked at the list of accredited providers by the CDI and it was clear from the start that NTU had tutors with the right expertise and knowledge in this field. This is in comparison with other Universities who provided somewhat sparse information. As a mature student, I also appreciated the clear communication that I gained from NTU about the course details which enabled me to decide if the course was right for me. Having experience in recruitment and selection, I knew that my HR background would aid my learning in the course although understanding and applying career theories was a completely new experience!

Could you describe your experience of being a Postgraduate NTU student?

Learning remotely for 2 years has been easier than I originally thought. The online support that I had from tutors as well as my peers has been amazing. The course content is released each week, but it has been complemented with online workshops and discussions. The resources available online through NOW have helped enormously and I have regularly referred to the various tutorials. The Library facilities online have made accessing all the necessary literature very smooth and any queries are simply a phone call away.

How would you describe the support from your tutors, university staff and student services?

Support from my tutors has been amazing, especially at the start which I found very overwhelming. Having an online ‘buddy’ for practical interviewing skills certainly helped to aid my learning as well as building networks and friendships. The regular online workshops helped to facilitate peer support and to raise any queries.

On Placement...

Have you completed any work placements on your course? If so, tell us about your experience - where did you go, what did you do, what skills have you gained and what have you enjoyed the most?

I completed an online work placement at NTU within the Employability Team. I had an outstanding mentor who helped me to create achievable and realistic goals within the timeframe. Within this work experience, my confidence soared as I contributed to interviews and led workshops for undergraduate students. Again, even though it was online, the experience was incredibly valuable for the development of my skills.

Do you have any advice for future students going on?

It is important to value the opportunity and to get out of it as much as you can. At the time of my placement, I had many other academic deadlines. However, by planning my diary efficiently, I was able to not just learn from the work placement, but I was able to lead and manage some of the activities for the students. It was daunting but definitely worth it!

Outside of the Lecture Theatre…

What three words would you use to describe Nottingham?

Buzzing, vibrant, lively.

Where is a good place to eat, drink or visit in the city?

Loved the food at Tamatanga when I went there!

The Next Steps…

What would you say to someone who is thinking of applying to NTU?

Do not hesitate!