She’s known to millions as a finalist of the hit BBC series The Apprentice and now Bianca Miller has shared some of her secrets with students at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU).
The entrepreneur, who juggles two businesses, was among the expert guest speakers at the university’s Summer Bootcamp.
This three-day event was organised by the Placement Service to enhance the employability skills of first years across all faculties and included advice on everything from video interview techniques to psychometric testing.
Bianca, founder of personal branding company The Be Group, was at DMU to show students how to market themselves to employers.
She said: “The job market is very competitive, so you need to positively differentiate yourself.
“There has also been a shift in the dynamic. In the past, interviews were about what organisations could offer you but now the organisation expects you to say what you can contribute. This gives people an opportunity to say what they can do and what is unique about them.”
Bianca’s interactive session focused on PACK – presentation, approach, communication and knowledge.
She said: “I gave tips on each area including how to network and the students created their own ‘elevator pitch’.
“It’s about preparing you for real-life scenarios and how to be the best version of yourself.”
She may boast big-name clients including Google, HSBC and BT, but Bianca, a Business Management and Economics graduate, loves speaking to students.
She said: “They’re receptive to the information and you can see the ripple effect. It’s great when you get feedback that they have got a job after following your advice.”
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There was a big queue of students wanting selfies with the star of 2014’s The Apprentice, who shared the most important thing she’d learned from the show – apart from the fact TV is heavily edited!
Bianca added: “It reaffirmed for me the importance of personal branding and authenticity. I was myself and got to the end and there’s something good about that.
“It also gave me to the confidence to launch my range of nude hosiery Bianca Miller London.”
First year Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science student Esther Madueke is a big fan. She said: “I watched her on The Apprentice and she is a model of what I hope to be in the future. She has great tips to pass on.”
Students agreed the Summer Bootcamp sessions offered great advice.
Sam Goode, a first year Accounting student, found the tips for using LinkedIn particularly useful.
She said: “I’m useless at social media and this was a crash course in LinkedIn. It was very clear and explained what to do. It will boost my chances of landing a placement.”
The advice on video interview techniques appealed to Business and Management student Beth Barnham, who is currently on a placement year as Placement Assistant for Business and Law.
She said: “It’s really useful to have a YouTuber come in and tell you how to present yourself and set up the tech.”
Senior Placement Manager Adele Browne said this is the second year the university has run the bootcamp to give students the tools they need, as early as possible, to get a placement and graduate job.
“It has been fantastic to have Bianca and the other speakers here,” she said. “It is powerful for students to learn about recruitment techniques from professionals in industry.
“Students can also connect with the speakers on social media and instantly expand their network.”
Posted on Monday 9 May 2016