From Campus to Careers

What does it really take to build a successful career? And how can students stand out from the start?

In this episode of From Campus to Careers (part of The Employer Desk mini-series), we’re joined by Tasneem Bhamji, Digital Engagement Director at Lloyds Banking Group and founder of Office Real Talk.

Tas has built a successful career across operations, commercial strategy, digital transformation and leadership. In this episode, she shares her personal journey, including how her upbringing and early experiences shaped her ambitions, and the defining moments that helped her progress into senior leadership.

We also get an insider perspective on what employers are really looking for from students and graduates - particularly during placements, internships and graduate schemes.

00:00 Introduction
01:39 Tasneem's role at Lloyds & the future of marketing
05:06 From operations to digital leadership
19:05 How your background shapes your ambitions
25:14 What makes graduates stand out?
27:13 The 3 things every graduate needs: Value, Voice & Visibility
38:55 The biggest mistake graduates make
41:19 Stop waiting - start taking action
43:21 Why Tasneem created Office Real Talk
49:15 Building relationships instead of "networking"
50:29 How to deal with imposter syndrome
52:57 Practical ways to manage anxiety and nerves
55:18 When your environment makes you feel like an outsider
58:19 How to prepare when you don't know the answer
59:07 Should you change who you are at work?
64:15 Finding confidence by being yourself
65:25 Advice for graduates starting their careers
66:29 Outro

The Employer Desk is our insider mini-series where you can hear directly from employers and senior professionals about what they're really looking for. Each episode explores recruitment, workplace expectations, career development and the skills that can help students stand out in the world of work.

Subscribe for more episodes of From Campus to Careers – your go-to podcast for honest, practical careers advice, inspiring student stories, and insights from top employers : https://careersandplacements.buzzsprout.com/

Follow Aston University Careers and Placements:
instagram.com/astonunicareers
linkedin.com/company/astonunicareers

aston.ac.uk/careers

What’s the best career advice Aston graduates can give? What do they wish they’d known when they first started university?

In this special Graduation Day episode of From Campus to Careers, we’re speaking to members of Aston University’s Class of 2026 as they reflect on their university experience, share the lessons they’ve learned and look ahead to the next stage of their careers.

🎓 In this episode, our graduates share:

- Their favourite memories and highlights from their time at Aston
- How university helped prepare them for the world of work
- The experiences, opportunities and skills that shaped their career plans
- How Aston’s Careers and Placements team supported them during their studies
- Advice they would give to students just starting their university journey
- The one thing they wish they had known when they were in first year
- What they’re most excited about after graduation

From placements and work experience to university projects and careers support, hear directly from students who have reached the end of their Aston journey and are now taking their next steps.

Subscribe for more episodes of From Campus to Careers – your go-to podcast for honest, practical careers advice, inspiring student stories, and insights from top employers : https://careersandplacements.buzzsprout.com/

Follow Aston University Careers and Placements:
instagram.com/astonunicareers
linkedin.com/company/astonunicareers

aston.ac.uk/careers

What does it really take to turn a creative passion into a business while still at university?

In this episode of From Campus to Careers, part of The Blueprint mini-series, we’re joined by Aston student entrepreneur Jaspreet Kaur, founder of Jaspreet K Studio - an art business selling original paintings and prints.

Jaspreet shares her journey from creating art as a hobby to launching her own creative business alongside university. We discuss the realities of student entrepreneurship, building confidence, overcoming challenges and learning how to turn creativity into something sustainable and professional.

In this episode, we discuss:

- How Jaspreet turned her passion for art into a business
- The challenges of starting something while studying at university
- The role Aston Enterprise and BSEEN played in supporting her journey
- Why entrepreneurial thinking is valuable in any career
- Advice for students with business ideas, side hustles or creative ambitions

Jaspreet's website - https://jaspreetkstudio.com/

About The Blueprint:
The Blueprint is our mini-series where Aston students and graduates share real stories, lessons and advice from their own career journeys - helping others learn from those who’ve already been there.

Subscribe for more episodes of From Campus to Careers – your go-to podcast for honest, practical careers advice, inspiring student stories, and insights from top employers : https://careersandplacements.buzzsprout.com/

Follow Aston University Careers and Placements:
instagram.com/astonunicareers
linkedin.com/company/astonunicareers

aston.ac.uk/careers

What is inclusive leadership and why is it such an important skill for the modern workplace?

In this episode of From Campus to Careers, the last in our four part Aston Power Skills series, we’re joined by Rabia Ahmed, Senior Lecturer and Academic EDI Lead at Aston University, to explore what inclusive leadership really means and why employers increasingly value it.

Rabia shares practical insights into how inclusion shows up in everyday workplaces, how students can begin developing inclusive behaviours through their studies and work experience, and why empathy, collaboration and awareness are becoming essential career skills. She also reflects on her own leadership journey across healthcare and higher education.

🎙️ In this episode, we cover:

• What inclusive leadership looks like in practice
• Why inclusion is a key skill for future workplaces
• How students can demonstrate inclusive leadership early in their careers
• Aston’s approach to embedding inclusive leadership across undergraduate degrees
• Rabia’s personal leadership experiences and advice for students

Whether you’re preparing for placements, graduate roles or leadership opportunities in the future, this episode offers practical insight into a skill that will shape the workplaces of tomorrow.

Subscribe for more episodes of From Campus to Careers – your go-to podcast for honest, practical careers advice, inspiring student stories, and insights from top employers : https://careersandplacements.buzzsprout.com/

Follow Aston University Careers and Placements:
instagram.com/astonunicareers
linkedin.com/company/astonunicareers

aston.ac.uk/careers

Why is innovation one of the most powerful skills you can bring to today’s job market - even if you don’t want to start your own business?

In this episode of From Campus to Careers, part of the Aston Power Skills series, we’re joined by PJ Ellis to explore why innovation and entrepreneurial thinking matter for students and graduates across every industry.

PJ shares what a day in his life really looks like - from broadcasting and entrepreneurship to community work - and reflects on his journey from law into media, leadership and beyond. Together, we unpack what it really means to “think like an entrepreneur”, and how these skills show up in everyday roles, job applications and interviews.

In this episode, we cover:

• What innovation looks like in the workplace, beyond start-ups
• How students can practise entrepreneurial thinking early in their careers
• Why networking matters and how to start building connections
• What employers look for when they talk about “entrepreneurial mindset”
• Practical steps students can take now to build innovation and enterprise skills

This episode is part of a special four-part series supporting the Aston Power Skills, which are embedded into every undergraduate degree at Aston to help students prepare for the modern workplace and global challenges ahead.

Subscribe for more episodes of From Campus to Careers – your go-to podcast for honest, practical careers advice, inspiring student stories, and insights from top employers : https://careersandplacements.buzzsprout.com/

Follow Aston University Careers and Placements:
instagram.com/astonunicareers
linkedin.com/company/astonunicareers

aston.ac.uk/careers

How important is sustainability in today’s job market - and how can students turn it into a real career advantage?

In this episode of From Campus to Careers, we’re joined by Nancy Powell, Manager of Sustainability for the UK, Ireland and EMEA Markets at HP, to explore why environmental sustainability is a core skill for the modern workplace.

Nancy shares insights from her work at HP, including how organisations are working towards net-zero, how sustainability influences business decisions, and how students can start building careers in this space, whatever their degree background.

In this episode, we cover:
• Why sustainability matters across all industries
• What sustainability careers look like and how to get started
• How HP is driving environmental responsibility and net-zero goals
• The skills and mindsets employers value in sustainability-focused roles
• How students can develop sustainability skills through everyday actions
• Nancy’s career journey and leadership in sustainability

Whether you’re interested in green jobs, ethical business, or making a positive impact through your future career, this episode offers practical insight straight from industry.

This episode is one of a special four-part series created to promote the Aston Power Skills. The Power Skills have been embedded into every undergraduate course at Aston and are designed to help students be prepared for the modern workplace and global challenges ahead. 

Subscribe for more episodes of From Campus to Careers – your go-to podcast for honest, practical careers advice, inspiring student stories, and insights from top employers : https://careersandplacements.buzzsprout.com/

Follow Aston University Careers and Placements:
instagram.com/astonunicareers
linkedin.com/company/astonunicareers

aston.ac.uk/careers

Artificial Intelligence is changing the job market... but what does that really mean for students and graduates?

In this episode of From Campus to Careers, we’re joined by Tahira Suleman, co-founder of AIQual, to explore how AI is shaping jobs, recruitment, and the skills employers are looking for. Tahira shares her journey from science and problem-solving into AI consultancy, and explains why AI is more likely to transform jobs rather than replace them.

We discuss how employers are already using AI in the recruitment process, how students can use AI tools ethically in job applications, and how to stand out without losing authenticity. Tahira also highlights the technical and human skills students should develop and offers practical advice for anyone feeling anxious about the future of work.

In this episode, we cover:

• Is AI really going to take our jobs?
• How AI is changing the job market
• AI in recruitment and hiring
• Using AI ethically in job applications
• Future technical and human skills
• How students can prepare for an AI-driven workplace

This episode is one of a special four-part series created to promote Aston Power Skills. The Power Skills have been embedded into every undergraduate course at Aston and are designed to help students be prepared for the modern workplace and global challenges ahead. 

Subscribe for more episodes of From Campus to Careers – your go-to podcast for honest, practical careers advice, inspiring student stories, and insights from top employers : https://careersandplacements.buzzsprout.com/

Follow Aston University Careers and Placements:
instagram.com/astonunicareers
linkedin.com/company/astonunicareers

aston.ac.uk/careers

What do employers actually look for in students and graduates? And what’s it really like to work in the energy sector?

In this episode of From Campus to Careers, part of The Employer Desk mini-series, we’re joined by Clare Johnson, Early Careers Talent Acquisition Business Partner at National Gas. Clare leads recruitment for apprenticeships, industrial placements, internships and graduate programmes, helping build the future workforce supporting the UK’s transition to a cleaner, net-zero energy system.

Clare shares an honest, behind-the-scenes look at early careers at National Gas and offers practical advice on how students can stand out as applicants - even without extensive experience.

In this episode, we discuss:
• What National Gas does and what it’s like to work there
• Early careers opportunities, including placements, apprenticeships and graduate roles
• What employers really look for in CVs and applications
• How to prepare for interviews and assessment centres
• The future of energy careers and in-demand skills
• Clare’s own career journey in Early Careers and Talent Acquisition

Whether you’re exploring placements, applying for graduate schemes, or interested in careers in energy, infrastructure or sustainability, this episode offers clear, honest advice directly from an employer.

About The Employer Desk
The Employer Desk is our insider mini-series where students hear directly from employers about what they’re really looking for — including workplace culture, recruitment processes, and how to stand out when applying for early careers roles.

Subscribe for more episodes of From Campus to Careers – your go-to podcast for honest, practical careers advice, inspiring student stories, and insights from top employers : https://careersandplacements.buzzsprout.com/

Follow Aston University Careers and Placements:
instagram.com/astonunicareers
linkedin.com/company/astonunicareers

aston.ac.uk/careers

How should students really be using AI when applying for jobs?

In this episode of The Workshop - part of the 'From Campus to Careers' Podcast - we sit down with Joshua Honey, Lead Placement Co-Ordinator in the Careers and Placements team, to break down Aston University’s brand-new AI guidance for job applications.

Josh shares his own experience with AI, how the guidance came to life, and what students need to know to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot safely, effectively, and ethically during their placement, internship, and graduate job search.

We cover:
🤖 How AI is shaping recruitment for both students and employers
🧭 What Aston’s new AI guidance includes and why it matters
💡 Smart ways to use AI for CVs, cover letters and interview prep
🚫 The risks of overusing AI (and how it can actually harm your application)
🔍 How to stay authentic and avoid generic, look-alike content
📍 Where to find the full guidance on the Aston Careers & Placements Resource Library
🎓 What support students can access if they want more help navigating AI

Whether you’re applying for placements or preparing for graduate roles, this episode will help you understand how to make AI work for you - without damaging your chances or losing your own voice in the process.

About The Workshop: The Workshop is our practical mini-series where we share step-by-step guides and expert insights to help you stand out and succeed throughout your career journey. 

Subscribe for more episodes of From Campus to Careers – your go-to podcast for honest, practical careers advice, inspiring student stories, and insights from top employers : https://careersandplacements.buzzsprout.com/

Follow Aston University Careers and Placements:
instagram.com/astonunicareers
linkedin.com/company/astonunicareers

aston.ac.uk/careers

In this episode, we chat with Evie Phillips, an Aston University student who completed a 13-month placement with BMW Financial Services UK. Evie shares her experience working on diversity and inclusion projects, leading events, and growing her professional skills - plus how Aston’s Careers and Placements Team supported her journey.

About The Blueprint: The Blueprint is our insightful mini-series where you can find real stories and advice from Aston students and graduates.

🎙️ Hosted by Andy Hollings with co-host Marjana, current Aston placement student.

#FromCampustoCareers #AstonUniversity #PlacementYear #BMW #StudentExperience

Subscribe for more episodes of From Campus to Careers – your go-to podcast for honest, practical careers advice, inspiring student stories, and insights from top employers : https://careersandplacements.buzzsprout.com/

Follow Aston University Careers and Placements:
instagram.com/astonunicareers
linkedin.com/company/astonunicareers

aston.ac.uk/careers