Graduate Success Stories: Rachael – Law with Professional Legal Practice
Rachael’s Q&A explores her graduate job search, advice for students entering the job market and favourite experiences from her time at Keele.
What are your plans after graduation?
Before my degree ended, I secured a role as a Privacy Compliance Officer for WorkNest within their WorkNest People division. Alongside supporting the Data Protection Officer (DPO), I handle Subject Access Requests and their disclosure within statutory timeframes, requests to work abroad when staff members travel outside the UK and need access to their work systems, and any data breaches that occur. I also support a range of administrative tasks, such as ensuring retention periods are met.
How did you find your graduate job?
Through a lot of applications and perseverance. I applied for around 40 different roles and emailed firms and employers about opportunities. This role appeared during one of my regular job searches, so I applied, interviewed, and was offered the position.
What has your Keele experience been like?
I can honestly say it has been life-changing in so many ways. If I hadn't applied to Keele, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to complete my placement within the University's legal departments or been exposed to information governance, which ultimately led me to discover a passion for data protection. It's an area I may never have explored otherwise, which has shaped the career path I'm now pursuing.
The staff have been incredibly supportive throughout my time at Keele, helping with applications, providing references, and offering advice and feedback whenever needed.
Beyond my studies, getting involved in societies, meeting new people, and taking part in activities outside of my degree has been just as important. I'd encourage any student to make the most of the opportunities available, as Keele has so much to offer.
How did Keele help you secure your graduate role/prepare you for the world of work?
The key factor for me was the opportunity to undertake a placement year. Working within the Research Directorate and the University's central legal department gave me valuable experience and provided me with a solid foundation for the role I now work in.
Alongside this, opportunities such as the Legal Advice Clinic and my pro bono work with Citizens Advice allowed me to build on my skills, gain further experience, and apply what I was learning outside of taught sessions.
Any advice for students who are looking for their first graduate roles?
Get involved in the extracurricular opportunities available to you and gain experience in areas that genuinely interest you. Not only will this strengthen your CV, but it can also help you discover a career path you may not have considered before.
Most importantly, keep applying and track your applications, the feedback you receive, and continue putting yourself out there. The graduate job market can be tough, so don't be discouraged by rejections. You’ll probably receive more "no's" than "yeses", but eventually the right opportunity for you will come along.
