From Campus to Careers: Recent Episodes
Careers and Placements at Aston University
Join us as we chat about all things Careers and Placements. We'll be joined by a host of guests to support you every step of the way through your journey as an Aston University student. You can expect to hear about topics such as work experience, CV advice, assessment centres, the placement year and more!
What does it really take to turn a creative passion into a business while still at university?
In this episode of From Campus to Careers, part of The Blueprint mini-series, we’re joined by Aston student entrepreneur Jaspreet Kaur, founder of Jaspreet K Studio - an art business selling original paintings and prints.
Jaspreet shares her journey from creating art as a hobby to launching her own creative business alongside university. We discuss the realities of student entrepreneurship, building confidence, overcoming challenges and learning how to turn creativity into something sustainable and professional.
In this episode, we discuss:
- How Jaspreet turned her passion for art into a business
- The challenges of starting something while studying at university
- The role Aston Enterprise and BSEEN played in supporting her journey
- Why entrepreneurial thinking is valuable in any career
- Advice for students with business ideas, side hustles or creative ambitions
Jaspreet's website - https://jaspreetkstudio.com/
About The Blueprint:
The Blueprint is our mini-series where Aston students and graduates share real stories, lessons and advice from their own career journeys - helping others learn from those who’ve already been there.
Subscribe for more episodes of From Campus to Careers – your go-to podcast for honest, practical careers advice, inspiring student stories, and insights from top employers : https://careersandplacements.buzzsprout.com/
Follow Aston University Careers and Placements:
instagram.com/astonunicareers
linkedin.com/company/astonunicareers
aston.ac.uk/careers
What is inclusive leadership and why is it such an important skill for the modern workplace?
In this episode of From Campus to Careers, the last in our four part Aston Power Skills series, we’re joined by Rabia Ahmed, Senior Lecturer and Academic EDI Lead at Aston University, to explore what inclusive leadership really means and why employers increasingly value it.
Rabia shares practical insights into how inclusion shows up in everyday workplaces, how students can begin developing inclusive behaviours through their studies and work experience, and why empathy, collaboration and awareness are becoming essential career skills. She also reflects on her own leadership journey across healthcare and higher education.
🎙️ In this episode, we cover:
- What inclusive leadership looks like in practice
- Why inclusion is a key skill for future workplaces
- How students can demonstrate inclusive leadership early in their careers
- Aston’s approach to embedding inclusive leadership across undergraduate degrees
- Rabia’s personal leadership experiences and advice for students
Whether you’re preparing for placements, graduate roles or leadership opportunities in the future, this episode offers practical insight into a skill that will shape the workplaces of tomorrow.
Subscribe for more episodes of From Campus to Careers – your go-to podcast for honest, practical careers advice, inspiring student stories, and insights from top employers : https://careersandplacements.buzzsprout.com/
Follow Aston University Careers and Placements:
instagram.com/astonunicareers
linkedin.com/company/astonunicareers
aston.ac.uk/careers
Why is innovation one of the most powerful skills you can bring to today’s job market - even if you don’t want to start your own business?
In this episode of From Campus to Careers, part of the Aston Power Skills series, we’re joined by PJ Ellis to explore why innovation and entrepreneurial thinking matter for students and graduates across every industry.
PJ shares what a day in his life really looks like - from broadcasting and entrepreneurship to community work - and reflects on his journey from law into media, leadership and beyond. Together, we unpack what it really means to “think like an entrepreneur”, and how these skills show up in everyday roles, job applications and interviews.
In this episode, we cover:
- What innovation looks like in the workplace, beyond start-ups
- How students can practise entrepreneurial thinking early in their careers
- Why networking matters and how to start building connections
- What employers look for when they talk about “entrepreneurial mindset”
- Practical steps students can take now to build innovation and enterprise skills
This episode is part of a special four-part series supporting the Aston Power Skills, which are embedded into every undergraduate degree at Aston to help students prepare for the modern workplace and global challenges ahead.
Subscribe for more episodes of From Campus to Careers – your go-to podcast for honest, practical careers advice, inspiring student stories, and insights from top employers : https://careersandplacements.buzzsprout.com/
Follow Aston University Careers and Placements:
instagram.com/astonunicareers
linkedin.com/company/astonunicareers
aston.ac.uk/careers
How important is sustainability in today’s job market - and how can students turn it into a real career advantage?
In this episode of From Campus to Careers, we’re joined by Nancy Powell, Manager of Sustainability for the UK, Ireland and EMEA Markets at HP, to explore why environmental sustainability is a core skill for the modern workplace.
Nancy shares insights from her work at HP, including how organisations are working towards net-zero, how sustainability influences business decisions, and how students can start building careers in this space, whatever their degree background.
In this episode, we cover:
• Why sustainability matters across all industries
• What sustainability careers look like and how to get started
• How HP is driving environmental responsibility and net-zero goals
• The skills and mindsets employers value in sustainability-focused roles
• How students can develop sustainability skills through everyday actions
• Nancy’s career journey and leadership in sustainability
Whether you’re interested in green jobs, ethical business, or making a positive impact through your future career, this episode offers practical insight straight from industry.
This episode is one of a special four-part series created to promote the Aston Power Skills. The Power Skills have been embedded into every undergraduate course at Aston and are designed to help students be prepared for the modern workplace and global challenges ahead.
Subscribe for more episodes of From Campus to Careers – your go-to podcast for honest, practical careers advice, inspiring student stories, and insights from top employers : https://careersandplacements.buzzsprout.com/
Follow Aston University Careers and Placements:
instagram.com/astonunicareers
linkedin.com/company/astonunicareers
aston.ac.uk/careers
Artificial Intelligence is changing the job market... but what does that really mean for students and graduates?
In this episode of From Campus to Careers, we’re joined by Tahira Suleman, co-founder of AIQual, to explore how AI is shaping jobs, recruitment, and the skills employers are looking for. Tahira shares her journey from science and problem-solving into AI consultancy, and explains why AI is more likely to transform jobs rather than replace them.
We discuss how employers are already using AI in the recruitment process, how students can use AI tools ethically in job applications, and how to stand out without losing authenticity. Tahira also highlights the technical and human skills students should develop and offers practical advice for anyone feeling anxious about the future of work.
In this episode, we cover:
- Is AI really going to take our jobs?
- How AI is changing the job market
- AI in recruitment and hiring
- Using AI ethically in job applications
- Future technical and human skills
- How students can prepare for an AI-driven workplace
This episode is one of a special four-part series created to promote Aston Power Skills. The Power Skills have been embedded into every undergraduate course at Aston and are designed to help students be prepared for the modern workplace and global challenges ahead.
Subscribe for more episodes of From Campus to Careers – your go-to podcast for honest, practical careers advice, inspiring student stories, and insights from top employers : https://careersandplacements.buzzsprout.com/
Follow Aston University Careers and Placements:
instagram.com/astonunicareers
linkedin.com/company/astonunicareers
aston.ac.uk/careers
What do employers actually look for in students and graduates? And what’s it really like to work in the energy sector?
In this episode of From Campus to Careers, part of The Employer Desk mini-series, we’re joined by Clare Johnson, Early Careers Talent Acquisition Business Partner at National Gas. Clare leads recruitment for apprenticeships, industrial placements, internships and graduate programmes, helping build the future workforce supporting the UK’s transition to a cleaner, net-zero energy system.
Clare shares an honest, behind-the-scenes look at early careers at National Gas and offers practical advice on how students can stand out as applicants - even without extensive experience.
In this episode, we discuss:
• What National Gas does and what it’s like to work there
• Early careers opportunities, including placements, apprenticeships and graduate roles
• What employers really look for in CVs and applications
• How to prepare for interviews and assessment centres
• The future of energy careers and in-demand skills
• Clare’s own career journey in Early Careers and Talent Acquisition
Whether you’re exploring placements, applying for graduate schemes, or interested in careers in energy, infrastructure or sustainability, this episode offers clear, honest advice directly from an employer.
About The Employer Desk
The Employer Desk is our insider mini-series where students hear directly from employers about what they’re really looking for — including workplace culture, recruitment processes, and how to stand out when applying for early careers roles.
Subscribe for more episodes of From Campus to Careers – your go-to podcast for honest, practical careers advice, inspiring student stories, and insights from top employers : https://careersandplacements.buzzsprout.com/
Follow Aston University Careers and Placements:
instagram.com/astonunicareers
linkedin.com/company/astonunicareers
aston.ac.uk/careers
How should students really be using AI when applying for jobs?
In this episode of The Workshop - part of the 'From Campus to Careers' Podcast - we sit down with Joshua Honey, Lead Placement Co-Ordinator in the Careers and Placements team, to break down Aston University’s brand-new AI guidance for job applications.
Josh shares his own experience with AI, how the guidance came to life, and what students need to know to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot safely, effectively, and ethically during their placement, internship, and graduate job search.
We cover:
🤖 How AI is shaping recruitment for both students and employers
🧭 What Aston’s new AI guidance includes and why it matters
💡 Smart ways to use AI for CVs, cover letters and interview prep
🚫 The risks of overusing AI (and how it can actually harm your application)
🔍 How to stay authentic and avoid generic, look-alike content
📍 Where to find the full guidance on the Aston Careers & Placements Resource Library
🎓 What support students can access if they want more help navigating AI
Whether you’re applying for placements or preparing for graduate roles, this episode will help you understand how to make AI work for you - without damaging your chances or losing your own voice in the process.
About The Workshop: The Workshop is our practical mini-series where we share step-by-step guides and expert insights to help you stand out and succeed throughout your career journey.
Subscribe for more episodes of From Campus to Careers – your go-to podcast for honest, practical careers advice, inspiring student stories, and insights from top employers : https://careersandplacements.buzzsprout.com/
Follow Aston University Careers and Placements:
instagram.com/astonunicareers
linkedin.com/company/astonunicareers
aston.ac.uk/careers
In this episode, we chat with Evie Phillips, an Aston University student who completed a 13-month placement with BMW Financial Services UK. Evie shares her experience working on diversity and inclusion projects, leading events, and growing her professional skills - plus how Aston’s Careers and Placements Team supported her journey.
About The Blueprint: The Blueprint is our insightful mini-series where you can find real stories and advice from Aston students and graduates.
🎙️ Hosted by Andy Hollings with co-host Marjana, current Aston placement student.
FromCampustoCareers #AstonUniversity #PlacementYear #BMW #StudentExperience
Subscribe for more episodes of From Campus to Careers – your go-to podcast for honest, practical careers advice, inspiring student stories, and insights from top employers : https://careersandplacements.buzzsprout.com/
Follow Aston University Careers and Placements:
instagram.com/astonunicareers
linkedin.com/company/astonunicareers
aston.ac.uk/careers
Thinking about using a recruitment agency to find a part-time job, placement, or graduate role - but not sure where to start? 🤔
In this episode of The Workshop - part of the From Campus to Careers Podcast by the Aston University Careers and Placements Team - we’re joined by Heather Duncan, Director at BuildForce Solutions. She shares her insider knowledge from over eight years in recruitment. Heather reveals how agencies really work, what makes a candidate stand out, and the common mistakes students should avoid when applying for roles.
We cover:
💼 How recruitment agencies support students and graduates in finding work
🧭 What to expect from the process when you first sign up
💬 Tips for building strong relationships with recruiters
🚫 Common pitfalls to avoid when applying through agencies
🤖 How AI and technology are changing the recruitment landscape
🌟 Heather’s own career journey and advice for students starting out
Whether you’re applying for your first placement or ready to step into a graduate role, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you approach recruitment agencies with confidence and get results.
About The Workshop:
The Workshop is our practical mini-series where we share step-by-step guides and expert insights to help you stand out and succeed throughout your career journey.
👇 Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:08 Meet Heather from Buildforce Solutions
01:41 Benefits of working with a recruitment agency
02:52 Why a placement year is so valuable
05:30 What to expect when working with an agency
06:38 How to stand out to recruiters and avoiding common mistakes
08:47 Using AI effectively for applications and in the workplace
12:09 How an agency will support you through the recruitment process
15:25 Top tips for interviews
17:54 Using LinkedIn
19:31 What type of job opportunities Buildforce offer and other agencies
21:23 Key takeaway/advice to younger self
23:28 Heather is looking for a graduate!
Follow Heather: linkedin.com/in/heather-duncanbuildforce
Subscribe for more episodes of From Campus to Careers – your go-to podcast for honest, practical careers advice, inspiring student stories, and insights from top employers : https://careersandplacements.buzzsprout.com/
Follow Aston University Careers and Placements:
instagram.com/astonunicareers
linkedin.com/company/astonunicareers
aston.ac.uk/careers
We took our From Campus to Careers Podcast on the road to The Big Careers Fair, where over 70 top employers - including names like Goldman Sachs, JLR, and British Airways - came to meet Aston students.
In this special episode, we chat to employers, students, and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor to uncover:
💬 What a Careers Fair experience is typically like
🎓 How students can make the most of careers fairs and networking events
💡 Tips for standing out and building connections that lead to real opportunities
Whether you’re preparing for your next careers fair, looking for a placement or graduate roles, or just want tips to boost your employability, this episode is packed with real insights from both sides of the hiring table.
👇 Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:08 Osama Khan - Aston Deputy Vice-Chancellor
07:49 Aston Student Experiences of the fair
25:40 Employer Experiences of the fair
36:40 Outro
Subscribe for more episodes of From Campus to Careers – your go-to podcast for honest, practical careers advice, inspiring student stories, and insights from top employers : https://careersandplacements.buzzsprout.com/
Follow Aston University Careers and Placements:
instagram.com/astonunicareers
linkedin.com/company/astonunicareers
aston.ac.uk/careers
Want to make your LinkedIn profile shine and get noticed by employers? 🚀
In this episode of The Workshop - part of the 'From Campus to Careers Podcast' by the Aston University Careers and Placements Team - host Andy Cooper chats with Nabeeda Bakali-Abrar, Senior Customer Success Manager at LinkedIn and Aston alumna, about how to unlock the full potential of your LinkedIn profile.
Nabeeda shares her own inspiring journey from Aston student to working at LinkedIn, along with insider advice on:
✅ Showcasing your skills and experiences effectively
✅ Building a professional network that works for you
✅ Engaging with employers the right way
✅ Making your profile stand out to recruiters
Whether you’re just starting your LinkedIn journey or looking to take your profile to the next level, this episode is packed with practical, actionable tips to help you succeed.
About The Workshop:
The Workshop is our practical mini-series where we share step-by-step guides and expert insights to help you stand out and succeed throughout your career journey.
👇 Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:13 Meet Nabeeda
03:10 How LinkedIn has played a part in Nabeeda's Career Journey
05:42 How to start building a strong profile
07:59 What makes a profile stand out to employers?
10:55 Engaging with Employers
12:40 Applying for Internships/Placements/Graduate Roles
16:10 The Future of LinkedIn
Follow Nabeeda: linkedin.com/in/nabeedabakaliabrar
Subscribe for more episodes of From Campus to Careers – your go-to podcast for honest, practical careers advice, inspiring student stories, and insights from top employers : https://careersandplacements.buzzsprout.com/
Follow Aston University Careers and Placements:
instagram.com/astonunicareers
linkedin.com/company/astonunicareers
aston.ac.uk/careers
This episode of the workshop mini-series covers a commonly misunderstood topic - cover letters. We discuss what a cover letter is, what it should look like and how and when it should be used. We also discuss speculative cover letters and what advantages these can have in the hidden jobs market.
To find more advice on cover letters, please visit our website.
In the first episode of our workshop mini-series, we take a deep dive into the world of CVs. Starting with the basics, we discuss what a CV is and why it's important to have one. We also chat about the various types of CVs, as well as best practices around creating your own CV for a particular role, employer or industry.
For more advice on CVs, visit our website.
In this episode, we are joined by a special guest from the Leonard Cheshire Change100 scheme, who shares some valuable insights on how best to approach sharing your disability with an employer. We also chat about the Change100 scheme and how their internship opportunities can be of great benefit to students and graduates.
Links mentioned in the episode:
- Change100 Internships
- Find Charlie on LinkedIn
Joining us on today's episode is our very own careers consultant, Samira. Together, we quizzed our special guest, Josh on how students should approach engaging with employers at virtual events. Josh works in the early talent recruitment team at GlaxoSmithKline and offers up some invaluable insights on how best to impress employers at virtual careers fairs and workshops.
Chat with Josh or one of his team from GSK at our upcoming virtual careers fair. Book your place on Aston Futures!
We're back for the new academic year! This episode is perfect for any first year students just starting their journey at Aston. During the episode, we chat about all things Careers and Placements, as well as doing some myth-busting of common perceptions around careers.
All of the links to resources we mention in the episode can be found here:
- Careers and Placements website
- Online Tools
- Resource Library
- Careers and Placements blog
In this episode, we're joined by Aston Alumni, Panashe Kativu.
She helps unpack what a career in research really looks like, talking about some of the challenges it presents, as well as the parts of it she loves.
If you're thinking about exploring research as an option after you graduate, make sure you give this episode a listen.
Find Panashe on LinkedIn
In this episode, we're joined by Aston Alumni, Adil Delwar.
Adil helps unpack what a career as an entrepreneur really looks like, talking about some of the challenges it presents, as well as parts of it he loves.
If you're thinking about exploring starting your own business, this episode is a must-listen!
Find Adil on LinkedIn
Find out about Palm Life
In this episode, we're joined by Aston Alumni, Pakhi Sharma.
She helps unpack what a career as a business analyst really looks like, talking about some of the challenges the role presents, as well as parts of the role she loves.
If you're thinking about exploring a graduate role in business analysis, make sure you give this episode a listen.
Find Pakhi on Linkedin
In this episode, we're joined by Aston Alumni, Aaisha Begum.
She helps unpack what a career in consultancy really looks like, talking about some of the challenges the role presents, as well as parts of the role she loves.
If you're thinking about exploring a graduate role in consultancy, make sure you give this episode a listen.
Find Aaisha Begum on LinkedIn
We're joined by current placement student, Jack McLarney to talk about all things placements. Jack landed his placement with Traffic Group Signals just before the coronavirus pandemic hit and has been working both on-site and from home since starting his role. He talks about some of the challenges he faced finding a placement, as well as the value of the placement year and all of the advantages it has to offer.
Show notes:
Aston Futures
https://astonfutures.aston.ac.uk/
How to contact the Placement Coordinators
Book an appointment on Aston Futures, or email your College Placements Team
- bssplacements@aston.ac.uk
- epsplacements@aston.ac.uk
- hlsplacements@aston.ac.uk
On this episode, we're joined by Lucy Holder, staff member, baker and most importantly, owner of Lulu's Bakes. By day, Lucy works with the Careers and Placements team as the Placement Preparation Manager so some of you may be familiar with her already. However, what you may not know is Lucy also runs her own business selling delicious baked goods. Lucy chats about her journey from casual baker at university to building her own business and brand through social media. We talk about her favourite bakes, including a hot take on her very own cookie recipe. We also chat about the many challenges she's faced over the years and what she's done to overcome them. If you're interested in learning about running your own business, cake, or both - this is a must-listen!
Show notes:
Lulu’s Bakes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lulus.bakes/
Lulu’s Bakes on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lulus.bakes1
Support from BSEEN: https://b-seen.biz/students-and-graduates/
To speak to the Placement Coordinators, you can book an appointment on Aston Futures (https://astonfutures.aston.ac.uk/), or email your college email address:
bssplacements@aston.ac.uk
epsplacements@aston.ac.uk
hlsplacements@aston.ac.uk
This episode we're joined by Howard Duffy, Enterprise Consultant with BSEEN and Aston Enterprise. Howard talks us through just some of the opportunities students and graduates of Aston University have to develop their entrepreneurial skills, including the opportunity to start your own business with the BSEEN programme. We talk about some of the success stories to come through Aston Enterprise, and some of the challenges the service has faced and overcame in the midst of the pandemic. If you're interested in developing your enterprise skills and perhaps have an idea for your very own business, this is a must-listen!
Show notes:
Aston Enterprise Website
Find them on Facebook
Find them on Instagram
Find them on Twitter
Find them on LinkedIn
Find them on YouTube
On this episode we're joined by placement student, Meha Bhindi to chat about how she's finding her first few months on placement. Meha discusses the work from home experience and reflects on the value of doing a placement as an optional placement student.
Show notes:
Aston Futures
https://astonfutures.aston.ac.uk/
Online tools
https://www2.aston.ac.uk/careers/cv/psychometric-testing-and-assessment-centres/resource-library
How to contact the Placement Coordinators
Book an appointment on Aston Futures, or email your College Placements Team
- bssplacements@aston.ac.uk
- epsplacements@aston.ac.uk
- hlsplacements@aston.ac.uk
In this episode, we're joined by First year Careers Coordinator, Emily Cunningham and Jobshop and Volunteering Services Manager, Cathy Laird to discuss all things work experience, focusing particularly on the virtual kind. This growing area of opportunity is new to many students, with Covid-19 leading businesses to take their recruitment into the virtual world. We chat about what virtual work experience is, how you can find it and how you can best prepare for working in a remote setting.
Join us for a chat with recent Aston graduate, Jordan Smith. He fills us in on how things are going with his graduate job, what happened when he applied early for his placement and graduate role, how he tracked his applications to stay organised, what advice he would give to students, and much more!
On this episode, we're joined by Aston graduate Alix Twiggs to discuss all things study abroad. Alix chose to take the study abroad option for her placement year at Aston and discusses some of the challenges she faced as well as some of her favourite moments from her time in Valencia. If you're considering using the placement year to take a year abroad to study, this is a must-listen!
Show notes:
Link to Aston Futures
We're joined by Hollie from the Placements Preparation Team this episode to discuss all things placements. We chat about the things you should be doing at the start of second-year to get ahead, and discuss the many placement options available. This is a must-listen for all you second and first-year Aston students!
This one is aimed at our returning students who will be searching for a placement, graduate or further study opportunity this year. It's vital to make the first few weeks back at university count as we discuss some useful tips and advice to ensure you get a head start on your employability.
As we start the academic year with 'the new normal', virtual careers events have become an essential way for employers to engage with students. For many students, this is a new challenge and may seem quite daunting. To help you, we've sat down to discuss some tips and advice on how best to prepare to engage with employers at these events.
This episode of From Campus to Careers focuses on the people and the teams behind Careers and Placements. We'll meet staff from across the department to chat about who they are, what they do, and how you can access their support as an Aston University student.