Niall Mackenzie

Graduate Recruitment Officer at Leeds Trinity

I wouldn’t have the transferable skills I can rely on every day had I not done the course at Leeds Trinity and benefited from two industry placements.

Why I chose Leeds Trinity

I was interested in Leeds Trinity as I wanted to remain local and Trinity was one of only five universities in the country at the time to offer Forensic Psychology.  I was totally sold after attending an open day, so much so, that after experiencing the friendly and warm community and small class sizes, I just knew it was the place for me. I was even more certain after lecturer Paul Smith delivered his talk about the course.

My student experience

From day one I really enjoyed my time here and knew I’d made the right choice after the open day. The small class sizes really suited me and I loved the relationships I developed not only with my classmates but also with lecturers. Despite being local I lived in Norwich accommodation block during the first year so I really got the whole student experience.

The course was really interesting and I certainly learned a lot but I think the overall feeling I have after graduating centred around what I learned about myself during my time here and just how important and vital the placements Leeds Trinity offer can be. I wouldn’t have the transferable skills I can rely on every day had I not done the course and benefited from two industry placements. My experiences here as a student demonstrate how I’ve used these experiences to widen my own options, which puts me in a great position to help others.

Coming full circle

When I completed my course in 2013 I was a Recruitment Consultant at Corecom. I enjoyed three and a half years working there but towards the end I wanted to focus more on helping people rather than how much commission I was making. Then, in 2016, I found out about the role at Leeds Trinity and knew straight away from my experiences on placement that this was the role that I’d been really holding out for. I started my role as Graduate Recruitment Officer in October 2016.

Supporting Leeds Trinity students

At Leeds Trinity my role revolves around supporting final year students with their employability. I support them by looking at their CVs, helping them best prepare for interviews, building their confidence and delivering the best career advice I can to see them succeed. I get the greatest satisfaction from being able to help a student that first turns up upset or confused and transforming this into a positive scenario where they leave with ten new options. Seeing someone get a job after you’ve supported them not only leaves them in a better place but also gives me an incredible lift.

Three words I’d use to describe Leeds Trinity University

Community, fun and rewarding.