Getting to know the futures of people you share campus with
Being on campus means constantly being surrounded by diverse people all holding their own ambitions and aspirations. I’ve always wondered what people, who do different courses to me, see for their future. So, I decided to interview two students both doing separate courses who are hoping to pursue very different career paths. By conducting these interviews, I got to know a little bit about them and gained insight into what students at university of Leeds plan to do post-graduation. I hope this can encourage, motivate and guide those who are struggling on what they might see for their future.
I had the opportunity to interview Eddie Goldstone who is studying History at university. Please continue reading to see what questions Eddie answered from me:
What industry or field are you most interested in working in and why?
I’m most interested in becoming a lawyer because it’s a very respected industry and it allows me to better myself by helping others. A family friend of mine is a media and entertainment lawyer and deals with high-profile individuals and he and his work are very interesting to me. I have met plenty of people in this industry who absolutely love it so that reaffirmed my decision. It was always an interest of mine so whilst at university I took a module on Law and that has motivated me to take this path.
What are the short-term goals post-graduation?
I hope to travel and go to South America, North America and if possible, I’d love to go to Russia so I can become more cultured. After that I’d like to move to London and set up there with a job whether that’s working as an intern or a start-up graduate at a law firm and be amongst like-minded individuals.
What steps have you taken this far to prepare for your career?
Outside of university gaining experience at law firms and watching a lot of videos on UK law channels surrounding what I want to do. Also reading and obviously I enjoy watching SUITS. I have also gained work experience at an insurance broker, and I have also worked for a recruitment company. In these roles I was taught how to reach out to people, how to network and how to be resourceful which I know will help me when I begin my career. Being at university has also been a big help as I’ve gotten more used to speaking to other people and learning about them. Also, public speaking which I used to be terrible at, so I’ve gained more confidence.
Have you started applying for jobs and if so, what has this process been like for you?
It’s been tricky but you must show perseverance and willingness to come back from setbacks.
I then found myself in a very different conversation with Amelia Basso who studies Sociology at university. Using similar questions I received very different answers:
What industry or field are you most interested in working in and why?
Teaching. There’s a couple of reasons why: For one, after doing sociology at A Level I found my lessons on education to be most interesting. It showed me how much of an impact teachers have on young people which I hope to have.
How did you decide on your career path and what influenced your decision?
It was always in the back of my mind, but I never really embraced it. I always thought there was something else out there for me. When it came down to deciding, I found the only job that would truly make me happy was teaching. I considered law or being a therapist and I did some work experience in law but very quickly I realised it wasn’t for me but I’m glad I tried it as it reassured me what career path I was supposed to take. My teachers at school also encouraged me to not take a teaching course and to do something that provides me with more opportunities and I’m glad I listened.
What skills have you developed inside and outside university and how do you hope to apply them to your career?
I think coming to university has encouraged me to become a lot more independent and to take things into my own hands. It’s challenged me mentally and in the grand scheme of things I’ve come out a lot stronger and more open-minded. I’ve also taken up work experience at my old school, I babysit and I hope to go on camp America just so I can gain as much experience in being around kids as I can as that is what matters to me.
An important takeaway from these interviews is that the journey toward a specific future is never linear. There are bound to be setbacks, detours, or unexpected challenges. Evidently, resilience is key in maintaining focus and motivation. After reflecting on these interviews, I hope your perspective, like mine, has shifted toward a more fluid, adaptable approach to your future. I’ve realised that while it’s essential to have a clear vision of where you want to go, it’s equally important to embrace flexibility, learn from setbacks, and stay open to the unpredictable nature of the world ahead. The future isn’t a destination but a journey, and your plans should be designed to evolve and grow with it.
Words by Pearl Benjamin
