Adrian's Story
BSc (Hons) Business and Hospitality Management
In September 2021, Adrian secured an internship position with prestigious global technology company. This is the story of how he worked with the Employability and Employer Engagement teams to secure his position.
Adrian saw the advertisement for a 12-month internship in the field of Consulting. He immediately expressed an interest and wanted to find out more. After watching the recruitment video, familiarising himself with the full job description and researching the company, he decided that this was the role for him and submitted an application. Unfortunately, his application was rejected at this initial stage. Adrian was extremely disappointed, so he decided to ask for feedback as he was determined to find out where he went wrong to ensure that he would not make the same mistake in the future.
Adrian secured a meeting with ARU London’s Head of Employer Engagement, Anita Virik, where they discussed why his application was unsuccessful. Adrian explained why he wanted the role so much and how he considered that he was the right candidate for it. Anita referred him to the Employability Team to work on his CV. Adrian feels that his persistence and passion for the role impressed Anita, and she encouraged the employer to reconsider Adrian’s application.
Adrian met with Yas Kojouri, Careers Consultant in the Employability Team, and together they refined his CV. With the new CV he applied for the internship in July 2021 and he was selected for interview shortly after. The interview was an online presentation to a panel, it went well. Following a successful second interview, Adrian received an offer at the end of August to start in one month’s time. He was delighted.
Adrian was taken on with 2 other interns, on a temporary contract for one year, working towards Junior Consultant position as a permanent role.
On reflection, Adrian said that after 3 years investment in his studies this opportunity came at exactly the right time. Once he saw it, he knew the opportunity was too good to miss, he visualised himself in the role and went for it. Adrian is grateful for the support he received from Anita Virik, Yas Kojouri and the Employability Team.
His advice to others when making such an important career choice is: ‘Make sure the organisation you select is aligned with your personal values, do your research properly and it will pay off.’
If you are inspired by Adrian’s story and you would like some support, please email employability@london.aru.ac.uk - whether you are a current student or alumni the Careers Team is there to support and empower you on your career journey.