BSc International Business final year student, Joy Semugooma

Career Lab is a series of opportunities designed to develop students' skills, experiences and confidence. The programme is open to all undergraduate students, with places prioritised for students from underrepresented groups. Opportunities are split by year group and include paid summer internships, digital skills training, insight visits and student consultancy.

We connected with BSc International Business final year student, Joy Semugooma, who shares her experiences of taking part in Career Lab, including student consultancy and Frontrunner inclusive leadership training. Her increase in confidence and skills development have helped her secure an internship after graduation with 10,000 Black Interns.

What subject do you study at Sussex? 
I study BSc (Hons) International Business at the University of Sussex.

Did you take part in any activities whilst at Sussex? 
Yes. Throughout my time at university, I took part in various activities. Some of which included different mentoring & coaching programmes, internships, leadership programmes, consultancy programmes, as well as attending many educational/ informative talks/ events.

What was your experience of the Career Lab programmes?
My experience of the Career Lab programmes has been overall fantastic! At every step of the way the university have been so accommodating to me (e.g., dietary requirements – vegan). The university have ensured that I have been able to make the most out of these opportunities and have offered me guidance throughout (e.g., information packs).

The Career Lab programmes have all been for different lengths of time, some taking a hybrid approach, and others taking a completely remote or on-site approach. I have been able to work around the programmes, balancing both my studies, with the activities.

What was your main takeaway from the programme(s)?
My main takeaway from the programmes was how important it is to constantly be learning/ a student. Even after I graduate, I will remain a student of life, and never stop seeking out opportunities to grow and gain knowledge/ insight into many things.

What skills have you learned? How do you think the programme has helped you going forward?
I have learnt a plethora of skills. I have developed my leadership skills (through the Frontrunner Inclusive Leadership Programme), as well as my problem solving & decision-making skills (through the start-up internship, and the consultancy programme).

The programmes have helped me move forwards by making me more aware of the different positions that are out there for students/ graduates. I have learnt about the importance of being proactive and putting oneself out there and I will take these lessons with me for the future.

Did you need to have any previous knowledge or skills in the field before applying?
No. The Career Lab programmes encourage students who don’t have any prior/ relevant experience to get involved and apply for the programmes (in order to gain knowledge and skills).

What are the advantages and disadvantages of taking part in the programmes?
There are many advantages of taking part in the programmes. Some of which are that you gain confidence, knowledge, and foresight and start to think/ plan ahead. Whilst participating in the programmes, you are improving in many areas and are better equipped to add value to wherever you go to next.

As there is so much to gain from these programmes, there are not many downsides. The only difficulties I can think of may be balancing everything, and not becoming burnt out.

How did you overcome the challenge of burn out? 
I had to balance everything. I overcame the difficulties by planning my days in advance, and finding ways to destress (e.g., walking, listening to music, or watching movies).

What would you say to a student who is unsure about taking part in Career Lab, or other opportunities offered by the University?
Don’t doubt yourself, go for it! During your time at university, so much will be catered/ offered to you as a student. Don’t take these schemes for granted or else you will regret it. Aim to graduate from university a better/ more rounded person than you were before. Never stop learning, never stop growing, and always prioritise your development. Immerse yourself in university and everything it has to offer!

Also, through the schemes you will discover more opportunities. I have been able to secure an internship through the 10,000 Black Interns programme which was first brought to my attention in the first mentoring programme I took part in. It was through the university and the guidance of my mentors that I have been able to seek out various avenues to develop.

Interested?

Visit the Career Lab website for more information.

The University also offers a range of wellbeing support for students experiencing burn out and techniques for overcoming time management challenges.

Further information: https://student.sussex.ac.uk/careers/career-lab