Nick Wheeler, Opt2Vote
What is your background?
I’m Nick Wheeler, I grew up in Fife and attended Auchmuty High School. I graduated in 2010 from the University of Edinburgh where I studied for an MA (Hons) in Politics.
Why did you apply to the TalentScotland Graduate Placement Programme?
I was initially wary about applying through TalentScotland. Having worked a ‘graduate placement’ before, I was left disappointed and was put off applying for another. After taking a better look at the TalentScotland website, I was more convinced. The placements seemed genuinely interesting, with a good range of areas and skills covered. Importantly, and unlike a lot of graduate jobs, they all offered a reasonable starting salary. The position I applied for looked challenging and presented an excellent opportunity to combine my degree with my interest of business.
How have you benefited from the programme?
The program has benefitted me substantially by setting me up with the job I’m in. It is a position that has given me a proper and exciting challenge in an industry related to my degree.
What advice would you give to other graduates?
CV, CV, CV. If your CV isn’t up to scratch you’re wasting your time. Use all resources available to you to get it to a good standard; friends or family in businesses, Uni careers service etc. Also, practise writing cover letters and filling out applications – first impressions are definitely everything. If you are getting interviews for jobs you want, you’re 90% there and with enough interview practise it won’t be long before you land a decent job.