From Careers Fair to career confidence: how Student Futures helped Grace find her direction
Grace D’Souza’s experience shows how engaging with Student Futures can help students build confidence, resilience and practical career skills.
Through employability teaching, tailored careers advice, mentoring and work experience, Grace gained clarity about her future direction and the confidence to navigate highly competitive industries.
Discovering Student Futures
Grace first became aware of Student Futures through events held in the Centre for Student Life, including the Careers Fair in her first year. She later learned more about the service during a lecture promoting the Employability Module.
Although she was initially unsure about taking part in a placement – having already completed a gap year in HR and Marketing – Grace decided to enrol in the module after encouragement from friends.
The employability teaching helped Grace understand how to showcase her skills to employers, particularly in journalism, where building a strong portfolio is essential.
“In the end, it was something I did not expect at all – it was amazing. I think I was overthinking it like young people normally do.”
Grace D'Souza
Careers advice and mentoring
Through the Employability Module, Grace engaged with one-to-one careers support, receiving detailed feedback on her CV and cover letter. This specialist advice proved invaluable in a competitive environment where internships and work experience are in high demand.
Grace also took part in the Career Mentoring programme, which had a lasting impact on her confidence.
Talking openly with her mentor helped Grace reframe rejection as a normal part of the process rather than a reflection of her abilities.
Securing work experience
When applying for placements, Grace experienced the frustration of rejections and delayed responses. Using the Student Futures Jobs Board, she successfully secured an Insight placement with Case UK.
“The Student Futures support during that process was really good. It made the whole experience much less daunting.”
The placement was flexible, allowing Grace to complete an intensive full week and gain meaningful insight into the organisation.
Skills gained and career development
During her time at Case UK, Grace developed key employability skills while learning about HR, business support and marketing activities. The experience led to a summer internship, where she now supports marketing for programmes focused on wellbeing and employment.
The placement also influenced her longer-term aspirations, motivating her to pursue a master’s degree at University Campus of Football Business and take on leadership responsibilities such as Students’ Union President.
“I’ve grown so much in confidence in my career. It’s absolutely OK if you don’t get your first choice – keep persevering, and you’ll get there.”
Alongside her studies, Grace has built extensive experience in sports photography, marketing and student representation, reinforcing her understanding that careers are rarely linear.
What's next?
Grace is currently completing her dissertation ahead of graduating from University Campus of Football Business. Reflecting on a demanding but rewarding year, she credits employability and careers support with helping her gain practical, real world skills.
“I’ve done a lot in a short space of time. Taking on the role of Students’ Union President alongside my master’s has been challenging, but I’ve gained so much practical experience.”
Looking ahead, Grace hopes to continue developing her career in sport, media or student support, with an interest in remaining within higher education if the opportunity arises.