Sandra Nyankumah

• Year of graduation: 2027
• Coaching year: 2025–26

Meet Sandra, an Occupational Therapy student whose passion for helping others has shaped her experience as a Career Coach within Student Futures. Supporting students with CVs, cover letters, job searching, placements and interview preparation, Sandra has particularly valued seeing students grow in confidence and achieve their career goals. Through the role, she has developed a wide range of transferable skills, including communication, coaching, mentoring, problem-solving, teamwork, and stakeholder engagement. Her experience as a Career Coach has strengthened her confidence and reinforced her passion for supporting others, equipping her with valuable skills and experience for her future career.

Can you tell us about your role as a Career Coach and what a typical day looks like?  

As a Career Coach, I support students with all aspects of their career journey, including job searching, CV and cover letter advice, and general placement enquiries. A typical day involves meeting with students for one-to-one appointments, providing tailored guidance to help them achieve their career goals, answering questions about placements and employability, and helping students build the confidence and skills they need to secure opportunities.

What did you enjoy most about working with students at the University of Northampton?  

What I enjoyed most about working with students at the University of Northampton was seeing them grow in confidence and achieve their goals. I am passionate about helping people thrive, and it was incredibly rewarding to see the transformation from a student’s first visit, often feeling unsure or overwhelmed, to watch them leave with greater confidence, a clear plan, and a smile on their face. Being part of their journey and seeing the positive impact that tailored support can have was the most fulfilling aspect of my role.

What were the most common challenges students came to you with, and how did you help them overcome them?  

One of the most common challenges students came to me with was repeated job application rejections or difficulty securing part-time work. I would begin by taking the time to understand their concerns and identify any barriers they were facing. In most cases, the first step was reviewing their CV, as it often required improvements to better highlight their skills and experience. We would work together to strengthen their CV before moving on to job search strategies, application techniques, and interview preparation. By providing practical, personalised support, I helped students improve the quality of their applications and build the confidence to continue their job search.
 
What’s the one piece of advice you think every student should hear when it comes to their career or employability?  

My advice to every student would be to make the most of the excellent career support and opportunities available at the University. Take advantage of the Student Futures service by booking appointments to have your CV reviewed, discuss your career goals, and receive tailored guidance throughout your studies. Most importantly, start your job search early rather than waiting until you’re about to graduate. Securing a job is a process that takes time, and the earlier you begin preparing, the better your chances of success. The Student Futures team offers free support throughout the working week, so don’t hesitate to use the service as often as you need. Investing time in your employability while you’re studying can make a significant difference to your future career.

What would you say to a student who’s unsure whether they should drop in to see a Career Coach? 

I would encourage every student to come and speak to a Career Coach. The service is completely free, and it is there to support you throughout your time at university. Whether you need help with your CV, finding a part-time job, preparing for interviews, or simply don’t know where to start, we’re here to help. I can personally vouch for the value of career support; I am a living testament to the opportunities it can create. Taking that first step to ask for guidance could open doors you never expected and give you the confidence to achieve your career goals. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain by reaching out

What’s been your proudest moment as a Career Coach?  

My proudest moments as a Career Coach have always been when students return to share their success stories. Seeing them coming back with smiles on their faces telling me they have secured a part-time job, placement, internship, or graduate role is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that the guidance and support I provided played a small part in helping them achieve their goals is what makes the role so fulfilling. Watching students grow in confidence and celebrate their achievements has been the highlight of my career as a Career Coach.

How do you feel you developed your own skills, experience and confidence whilst in this role, and what did this enable you to go on to do yourself?  

Working as a Career Coach has significantly developed both my professional skills and my confidence. Throughout the role, I strengthened my communication and interpersonal skills by working with students from diverse backgrounds and tailoring my advice to their individual needs. I also enhanced my skills in teamwork, time management, coaching and mentoring, active listening, problem-solving, business development, and stakeholder engagement. The role also improved my ability to build strong relationships, deliver student-centred support, and adapt my approach to different situations. Most importantly, it gave me the confidence to guide others, facilitate meaningful conversations, and make a positive impact on students’ career journeys.
These experiences have prepared me to take on new opportunities and challenges, equipping me with transferable skills that I will continue to use throughout my career. The role has not only helped me grow professionally but also reinforced my passion for supporting others in achieving their goals.