Capital Connections 2024: Enabling confidence-building, career planning, and trying to discover where you will fit into the world after you graduate

Hi everyone, I’m Ella Brown and I’m currently in my second year at Lancaster University studying Linguistics and English Language. Alongside studying I’ve been trying to make the most of the career services provided by the university and by joining Grow Your Future!

Earlier in the year, I applied to take part in the Capital Connections trips, which are fully-funded insight days with networking events in Manchester or London. The application process involved a video interview, where I got to practice STAR answer frameworks, used some interview tips which I had learned in a previous GYF session, and got AI feedback from the Interview360 system on the careers portal.

Before we went, I attended an introductory session where I was able to get to know the other students who would also be on the trip; and at the end of March, we got a coach from campus to Manchester, visiting a number of offices including McMann Media (one of my personal favourites), Hilti, PwC and DiSH (Greater Manchester Digital Security Hub). It was so great to learn about professional opportunities and have insight into graduate schemes and the application processes.

As well as networking with Lancaster University Alumni, I met some amazing GYF students, some of which have become my closest friends, which I am so grateful for.?

I was also lucky enough to secure a place on the London trip in April, which was two more days filled with more networking, office tours, and talks from professionals in a range of industries. The careers service team were so supportive, and we had lots of free time to explore London, trying to make the most out of our time there. A group of students and I managed to go to Spitalfield Markets, wander around Brick Lane, and even take the Thames Link to The Tate Art Gallery.

In London, we visited the offices of Unilever, the Civil Service, OC&C Strategy, and Omnicom Media Group. The biggest takeaway for me was being able to chat with such a diverse range of individuals; from hiring managers at some of the most successful, global companies to Lancaster University graduates at the networking alumni events, the activities exceeded my expectations in terms of enabling confidence-building, career planning and trying to discover where you will fit into the world after you graduate.?

The activities exceeded my expectations in terms of enabling confidence-building, career planning and trying to discover where you will fit into the world after you graduate.?

I’ve been making the most of the opportunities provided by GYF at Lancaster University and to any student who’s considering applying to Capital Connections for next year, I would wholeheartedly recommend it. Meeting new people at university can be challenging, but trips like this bring together students who are like-minded, friendly and willing to explore their prospects — so even if you’re nervous or unfamiliar with the companies you will be visiting, say yes and go to meet other students!

I personally want to say a big thank you to all of the staff at the Careers Service, the GYF team for making both trips possible, and the wonderful staff who attended the Manchester and London days! And to any students interested in the extra support provided by GYF, check out the link here: https://portal.lancaster.ac.uk/ask/grow-your-future/ for the eligibility criteria.

Capital Connections happens during the Easter Vacation period. You can register your interest in attending here - https://lancasteruni.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9QSzwiZfRrLworc