Ellie Carswell graduated in 2018 with a BA (Hons) in French and Italian. She is now working in the construction industry.<\/p>\n
The construction industry is an unusual choice, tell us about your role?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Currently, I am a Graduate Project Manager and am also studying part-time for a Master\u2019s degree in construction project management. I work for Faithful+Gould, a world-leading programme and project management consultancy, which was recently acquired by a Canadian company, SNC-Lavalin, where French is the preferred language for business. I came to be doing this job through assessing my skills as a language student (there are many!), then researching project management, and through having a genuine interest in property.<\/p>\n A typical day for me involves liaising with both clients and contractors to ensure the smooth delivery of a project. The job is varied, as some days I\u2019m in the office and some I\u2019m physically on site seeing a building come to life. Recently I was back at the University of Kent assisting on the new Economics Building \u2013 an amazing new space!<\/p>\n What support did you get from Kent for life after your degree?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n I took advantage of every career event offered by both the School and the University, attending job-specific talks and employability sessions. I also booked to meet with an adviser at the Careers and Employability Service, where I discovered project management as a career avenue. This inspired me to do some research, and so I attended Kent\u2019s annual Careers Fair where I spoke with the company I work for now, Faithful+Gould.<\/p>\n Did your degree help you to reach your career goals?<\/strong><\/p>\n My favourite module was Business French, as this module supported my plans for my future career. I really enjoyed learning how the world of business operates in France.<\/p>\n I also spent a year studying abroad splitting my time between France and Italy. The experience was invaluable for me \u2013 my confidence and language skills improved immensely. I also realised who I am as a person which helped when choosing my future career.<\/p>\n What was it about Kent that initially appealed to you?<\/strong><\/p>\n Kent describes itself as the UK\u2019s European university which was hugely positive for me as I wanted to study languages. I loved the campus and the enthusiasm of the teaching staff too.<\/p>\n I have great memories of Kent, the best definitely revolve around the people I met and had the pleasure of working with. I was involved in the Student Ambassador Scheme and loved having the opportunity to work with the next generation of young students.<\/p>\n What are your plans for the future?<\/strong><\/p>\n My immediate plans are to complete my Master\u2019s degree and become a chartered surveyor within the industry, which is all funded by the company I work for. Working for an international company, I would love to undertake a secondment where I can speak French again, possibly in France itself or Canada. My long-term plan for the future is to keep progressing within the industry, gaining more experience that can enhance my career. It\u2019s a really active industry that is constantly changing, which excites me for the future.<\/p>\n What advice would you give to somebody thinking of coming to Kent?<\/strong><\/p>\n I\u2019d advise anyone thinking of coming to Kent to choose a degree that you enjoy, rather than one that you believe will pay off in the long run. You invest a lot of time in your education, so it\u2019s important that you enjoy it.<\/p>\n I\u2019m definitely testament to the fact that you do not have to study a related degree to obtain a certain job or career. Employers value you as an individual just as much as a degree, so take every opportunity that is put before you at Kent so you recognise who you are as an individual before you think of your future career. Good luck!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"