Email: j.connolly@qub.ac.uk
Tel: 028 9097 3118

What was your academic and career background before you started working at The Graduate School?

My choice of degree was shaped by my interest in human resource management (HRM) in the public sector.  After graduating, I achieved this goal by 50% as I started my career in HRM but in the private sector. Working in industry provided me with valuable insight into the graduate recruitment process; knowledge that was invaluable to me in my role as a career adviser when I joined Queen’s Career Service [as it was called then] in January 2003. Although I enjoyed my first profession in HRM, I wanted to progress and use my knowledge positively so I successfully obtained a role as a Career Adviser at Queen’s in 2003 and have been with Queen’s since.

How has your previous experience prepared you for your current role at The Graduate School?

When I joined The Graduate School in 2017, I came to the role with significant relevant experience as I was already working as a Career Adviser since 2003 in Queen’s Careers Service.  In my previous careers role, I completed a postgraduate diploma in Careers Education, Information in Guidance (CEIG).  I recently qualified as a coach from completing the ILM Level 5 in Coaching and Mentoring, which has been beneficial as career consultations often require a coaching approach. I am also a Myers Briggs Step I and II Practitioner so I can deliver MBTI workshops to students to increase their self-awareness.

What's your role at The Graduate School, and what do you enjoy most about it?

I started working in the Graduate School in December 2017 as a Postgraduate Careers and Employability Consultant.  My current role involves working primarily with postgraduates to develop their employability skills.  I provide workshops both online and in person on CVs, application forms, LinkedIn, interview practice, and presentations as well as 1-2-1 career consultations. Master students can also obtain a Future Ready Award by completing my employability programme called Master Your Employability.  There is also an opportunity for postgraduate students to discover their personality type by completing my workshop called ‘Unlock Your Personality’.  All of these opportunities are available to book via MyFuture. 

If you could give one piece of advice to incoming students, what would it be?

My one piece of advice to incoming students is in addition to obtaining a good academic result, grab all opportunities in The Graduate School to develop personally and professionally – this will demonstrate to employers that you are ambitious and motivated.

Are there any unique resources or opportunities available through your department that students might not be aware of?

Students can attend my workshop, ‘Unlock the Power of your Personality’ to discover their personality type using the Myers Briggs Type Questionnaire (MBTI).  Students can also use VMock via MyFuture (a free online CV checker) to check the structure of their CV.

Name one thing you can’t survive a working day without. Why’s it so important?

My calendar, as I can plan my time effectively (and of course a good cup of tea) – oops that's two!

How do you stay up to date with the latest developments in your field to better serve students' needs?

This is a part of my job that I enjoy – I keep up to date by attending conferences, networking, and reading relevant resources.  I am a member of relevant professional bodies such as the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Service (AGCAS), Association of Higher Education Careers Services (AHECS) and the Association for Coaching (AC), which are also helpful avenues for keeping up with current developments.

Do you have any favourite inspirational quotes or mantras that keep you motivated in your work?

‘Every day is a school day’, as I am open to learning something new every day, and I believe it is important to have this mindset working in an educational setting. I also learn from my interactions with students, which I highly appreciate.

Do you think there are any unique challenges that students face today which are different to the challenges students faced in previous generations? What are they?

I believe that the competition for jobs has increased. Students can strengthen their chances by performing well academically and developing personally and professionally through the Graduate School's opportunities.

What's your favourite thing about Belfast that students should definitely check out?

The Botanic Gardens next to Queen’s is free to walk around and enjoy the outdoors – the rose garden in the summer is a sight and smell to behold!

What's your go-to spot for grabbing a quick bite to eat near campus?

Junction cafe – it is next door, so handy for a quick bite.

If you could switch roles with any student for a day, which program or course would you choose, and why?

Medicine – I would like to try something completely different from what I do.  It would really challenge me but I also think it would be very interesting.

What's your favourite book or movie that you think every student should experience?

The book ‘7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ by Stephen R. Covey is helpful for focus and goal setting.

What types of music or podcasts do you enjoy listening to in your free time?

I like most music genres and I use YouTube or Spotify to choose as per mood and time of day.

If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only bring three things, what would they be?

A diary and pen to note my daily adventures, which I hope to translate into a best seller, should I ever be rescued, and of course chocolate to keep me sane!

Share a fun fact about yourself that might surprise your colleagues and students.

A fun fact you say…. I have tread the boards in an amateur play – it was fun playing the role.

If you could travel back in time, which historical era would you visit and why?

The 60s as it saw a burst of music creativity and it sounded like a fun era.

What are your favourite hobbies or pastimes outside of work (sports, creative hobbies, music)?

I enjoy trying new hobbies so my current new ones are rowing, dragon paddling and basketball – my faithfuls are swimming, badminton, and Pilates.

Do you have a favourite travel destination or a memorable trip?

Too many but I will narrow it down to my trip to South America for a milestone birthday.  I was delighted to achieve a long established goal to visit Peru where I completed the four day Inca trail to see the wonders of Machu Picchu.  Afterwards, I flew up to Quito and onwards to experience the animals and amazing plants found on Galápagos Islands.  Definitely a memorable big birthday trip!