How to Turn your Student Experience into a Graduate Job Offer

Summary

Turning Experience into Opportunity

Starting your career after university can feel like stepping into a whole new world. After years of lectures, coursework, and exams, the big question becomes: how do you turn that academic experience into a standout graduate or placement application?

To help answer that, we spoke with Meghana V. and Sonny W., two University of Brighton students who spent their placement year with Enterprise Mobility. They shared practical insights on gaining experience, building confidence, and translating university life into career success.

By Meghana V and Sonny W, Management Interns at Enterprise Mobility

Potential Over Perfection

At Enterprise Mobility, it’s not about ticking every box on the application — it’s about potential. Qualities like customer service, teamwork, initiative, and a can-do attitude matter most. That means your part-time retail job, involvement in student societies, or self-led projects can all show what you bring to the table.

Whether you’re coordinating campus events or volunteering in your community, treat each experience like a mini job,” says Sonny. “Set goals, measure outcomes, and reflect on what you’ve learned. This is the experience that really resonates in applications and interviews.

Sonny W, Management Intern at Enterprise Mobility

Employers are clear about the key skills they value in early career candidates. At Enterprise Mobility, the focus is on competencies such as customer service, communication, and leadership — all skills that can be developed in a variety of settings.

Showcasing Your Skills

You don’t need years of experience to prove your ability. Think about how you’ve demonstrated these qualities:

• Part-time jobs: Did you handle a difficult customer or train a new colleague?
• Group projects: Did you take the lead or help resolve a conflict?
• Volunteering or societies: Did you organise events or work with diverse groups?

Use the STAR method to describe these examples:
Situation – What was happening?
Task – What was your role?
Action – What did you do?
Result – What was the outcome?

This simple structure helps you turn everyday experiences into powerful stories that highlight your strengths and potential.

Practical Tips to Get Ahead

Meghana shares some simple but powerful advice to help students prepare for life after university:

• Be proactive: Make the most of your university’s careers service early on. Attend CV workshops, mock interviews, and employer events to build confidence and gain insights.
• Build your network: Connect with peers, alumni, and mentors. These relationships can offer valuable advice and even open doors to opportunities.
• Reflect regularly: Keep track of your achievements, challenges, and skills. This will make future applications easier and help you tell your story with evidence and impact.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Explore early career roles at Enterprise Mobility and discover opportunities that value your growth, ideas, and potential.

🔗 Enterprise Mobility Careers Site — Explore placement, internship, and graduate opportunities across the UK

📸 Instagram — Get a real look inside life at Enterprise Mobility, with career tips, company news, and award wins

Treat each experience like a mini job – set goals, track outcomes, and reflect