An Economics and Finance graduate is delighted to have landed a role with one of the world's largest courier companies after impressing them on a placement.
Ivy Mwaura spent a year with TNT Express as part of her De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) course and was invited by her manager to apply for the Revenue Management Analyst post, which she has just started.
The 21-year-old says it feels like a dream - and credits DMU with making her feel prepared.
She said: "I'm so happy. The job is similar to my placement, as a Project Co-ordinator, but with more responsibility and more training to work as an analyst.
"I'm excited to go back and be part of the team. It doesn't seem real - it's like a dream.
"This is a good place to start to achieve my longer-term career aspirations and with a company I really like.
"My course shaped me into a better person and I'm ready to face the professional world."
Born in Kenya and living in London, Ivy chose to study in Leicester after attending a DMU Open Day.
She said: "I loved Hugh Aston, the library was open all the time and I was impressed with the computers.
"I met student ambassadors and they were all so happy to be part of the university.
"I was also determined to do a placement and DMU was the only university to offer it with my course."
Ivy, who graduates this month with a First, has "loved the course and studying".
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She said: "I liked the mix of this course. The staff understand their fields and I was able to learn more about economics and how it applies to the real world.
"I think like an economist - it's more a way of life."
Ivy was in the first cohort of placement students at TNT Express, in Atherstone, so had the opportunity to shape her job role.
She said: "I had key goals including to learn more about risk management. I met many senior managers, so I could get ideas, and I gained mentors who have helped me develop my personal and professional skills."
Her time at DMU has gone "so quickly" but includes many highlights.
Ivy said: "I enjoyed working as a Brand Ambassador and I go to the First Love Church, which is amazing and helped me network and build confidence."
A trip to New York's financial institutions with #DMUglobal - the university's award-winning international experience programme - inspired her through her finals.
She added: "I thought as soon as I get through my exams I can do this!
"I aspire to work in Dubai or New York as a financial analyst, so being there and seeing people do what I want to want to do was inspiring."
Posted on Friday 15 July 2016