Sapphire Withers – BA (Hons) International Business Management, 2017 

Sapphire graduated from the University of Lincoln in 2017 with a BA (Hons) International Business Management, and now works in Innovation Consulting at a large multinational Management Consulting firm.

During her time at University, she learned a lot about the world of business, often reading about consulting companies, their projects and research papers, often citing them. It was this that provoked her interest in a career in management consulting. In her current role she works on a wide variety of projects in different industries, from entertainment to banking to healthcare. Despite each project being different she brings fresh thinking to business challenges; however, no two days are the same and she is constantly learning.

As a student Sapphire had the opportunity to study abroad, spending a semester at the University of Malaga – an experience she values.

We asked Sapphire:

If you could give our current students any top tip for after graduation and their careers, what would it be? 

Work hard and be determined to get the job you want and don’t give up. When you’re deciding which career path to take, it can be difficult to know what’s best, speak to everyone you can and try many different things while at university. Reach out as many people as you can with your CV and ask to do a placement/work experience to help you decide what you do and don’t enjoy.

I did many different work experiences/ jobs during my studies which really helped me narrow down what I enjoyed doing. Even if it’s not the exact industry you want to work in, the experience will help build your skills and confidence. If you don’t find a work placement, speak to the working professionals you know, ask them what their day-to-day is like, the things they enjoy about their job and what they don’t. This will give you a better understanding about whether it could be right for you.

Landing your dream role out of university can be hard, it takes perseverance, but if you’ve got that, you’ll get it.

Sapphire has now signed up to become a University of Lincoln Alumni Ambassador, allowing her to share her story and to inspire and support current students.