Career Essentials

Starting your first job can be both exciting and challenging. Career Essentials Series: Thrive in Your Career from Day One is designed to support you through this transition.

This practical session will help you understand what employers expect from graduates, how to adapt quickly to a professional environment, and how to build confidence in your early career. You will also hear directly from recent graduates who have successfully made the move from university into the workplace.

By attending this session, you will:

• Learn how to identify and communicate your learning needs effectively.
• Understand how to make the most of training and development opportunities.
• Develop a proactive, solutions-focused mindset.
• Improve your planning, prioritisation, and time management skills.
• Gain practical insights from graduates who have recently entered the workforce.

Hear from a panel of recent graduates alongside industry experts, including talent acquisition professionals and employers. Together, they will offer a well-rounded perspective on transitioning into the workplace and succeeding early in your career.

They will share insights on:

• What to expect when entering the workforce.
• Common challenges in the first few months—and how to overcome them.
• Practical strategies for adapting quickly and performing effectively.
• What employers look for in early career professionals.
• Advice they wish they had known before starting.

Confirmed speakers include:

Dan Swanston, Talent Acquisition Leader, GSK UK

Dan is a Talent professional in the Life Science and Pharmaceutical industry with experience working in biotechnology start ups and large pharmaceutical companies. In his current role he leads recruitment for an R&D division of the FTSE100 multination pharmaceutical company, GSK. He studied Biological Sciences BSc and MRes Applied Science at UWE. 

Archita Motadoo, Graduate Consultant, Akeso Management Consultancy

Originally from India, Archita moved to the UK to pursue a Master’s in Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation at Warwick Business School. Her career is driven by a passion for using technology to solve problems and a deep love for collaboration. Right after her Master's, she secured a role as a Graduate Consultant at Akeso in London. Defined by curiosity and empathy, her journey navigating the steep learning curve of consulting has been both challenging and incredibly enriching. Outside of work, you’ll find her indulging in photography, crafting, or exploring emerging technologies like AI.

Echo Yue Yin, E-commerce Growth & Activation Lead, Manchester United Football Club

Echo Yue Yin is an E-commerce Growth & Activation Lead at Manchester United, where she leads growth strategy, customer acquisition, and digital commerce initiatives. With over a decade of experience across Manchester United, Amazon, Alibaba, THG, and TopCashback, she has managed global growth programmes, performance marketing, and marketplace expansion across global markets. Echo Yin is particularly interested in AI-enabled marketing, growth operating models, and helping organisations build scalable systems that connect brand, commerce, and customer experience.

This session is suitable for:

• Students approaching graduation.
• Recent graduates starting their first jobs.
• Anyone preparing for internships or early career roles.
• Those wanting to build confidence in a professional environment.

Your first job sets the foundation for your career. This session will help you start well by giving you clear, practical guidance on how to succeed in a professional setting. You’ll leave with actionable strategies, stronger workplace confidence, and real insights from people who have recently been in your position.