From Campus to Careers

Careers and Placements at Aston University

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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!

FEB 26

Why Inclusive Leaders Will Win in the Modern Workplace | Rabia Ahmed

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 practiceWhy inclusion is a key skill for future workplacesHow students can demonstrate inclusive leadership early in their careersAston’s approach to embedding inclusive leadership across undergraduate degreesRabia’s personal leadership experiences and advice for studentsWhether 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

30 min
FEB 19

Why Innovation Is Your Superpower in Today’s Job Market | PJ Ellis

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-upsHow students can practise entrepreneurial thinking early in their careersWhy networking matters and how to start building connectionsWhat employers look for when they talk about “entrepreneurial mindset”Practical steps students can take now to build innovation and enterprise skillsThis 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

1 hr
FEB 12

How Sustainability is Shaping the Jobs of the Future | Nancy Powell

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

45 min
FEB 5

Is AI really going to take our jobs? | Tahira Suleman

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 marketAI in recruitment and hiringUsing AI ethically in job applicationsFuture technical and human skillsHow students can prepare for an AI-driven workplaceThis 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

36 min
JAN 15

What's it really like working at National Gas | Clare Johnson

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

54 min
12/11/2025

AI in Job Applications: The Do’s, Don’ts, and Dealbreakers

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

24 min
11/27/2025

How I landed the perfect placement role at BMW | Evie Phillips

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

33 min
11/13/2025

An Industry Expert's Guide to Working with Recruitment Agencies | Heather Duncan

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

25 min

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!

Creator

Careers and Placements at Aston University
Years Active

2020 - 2026
Episodes

30
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 From Campus to Careers
Show Website

From Campus to Careers