When Tom Dredge attended a workshop to learn about Google's online advertising operation he would have given anything for a job with the multinational technology company.
Now the Business and Management graduand is in the fortunate position of having an accounts management role lined up at the company's Dublin office.
Tom, who graduates from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) next month, said: "It feels amazing! I'm very proud."
The 22-year-old heard about Google's London AdCamp through a DMU email and jumped at the chance to gain industry insight.
He said: "They made it clear it was an opportunity to learn about the company, so I had no idea there was a possibility of a job.
"While I was there I had the opportunity to interview with HR. I did well, so had a phone interview and I was meant to go to an onsite interview, but because it was in the middle of my exams they organised a three-hour hangout call. Then it had to go to America for sign-off.
"It took a lot of research and prep but it was worth it."
He credits his experiences at DMU with giving him the skills needed to secure his post as an associate accounts strategist within the sales department.
Wokingham-born Tom first looked into studying at DMU on the recommendation of a teacher. "I loved that everything was in one place and I had the opportunity to do a placement," he said.
DMU didn't disappoint. Tom said: "The theoretical knowledge offered on the course is very important but the modules run at DMU have practical elements, too. In terms of prepping for interviews I can't fault it!"
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Among his course highlights was taking part in Fox's Lair! - DMU's annual contest for entrepreneurs.
"It was a great experience," he said. "It either reinvigorates your passion for entrepreneurship or gives purpose to your passion."
Tom spent his third year on placement with recruitment specialist Hays in London. His role was to find appropriate candidates for jobs and prepare them for interview.
Although Tom found working in a target-driven, pressured environment difficult at times, it was also an invaluable experience and he would "100 per cent do it again".
Tom said: "Indirectly I owe massive thanks to Hays for the job I have. Before my placement, I was uncomfortable speaking on the phone and always had a script. It really was sink or swim.
"I got over my fears and it gave me more confidence and the skills to succeed at interviews."
Tom added his highlight of university was being part of DMU Squash club: "It may sound like a cliché but we really are like a little family. It was the best decision to join."
Posted on Monday 26 June 2017