They have supported each other throughout their studies, started jobs as recruitment consultants on the same day and now sisters Natalia and Izabela Valjaskova are graduating together.
The Business Management and Human Resource Management (HRM) students will collect their Firsts at De Montfort University (Leicester) this week and they couldn't be 'happier or more excited for one another'.
"I am lost for words that we have both achieved something so big," said 22-year-old Natalia. "There isn't anyone else in this world who I would want to stand next to at my graduation."
"I'm excited and proud," said 21-year-old Izabela. "I cannot wait to celebrate such a big achievement."
Born in Slovakia, the sisters moved to the UK aged 11, settling in Walsall.
Izabela chose to study at DMU because 'it's a community rather than a university', picking her course because of the 'variety of career options'.
For Natalia, the degree combined two of her passions - working with people and managing projects.
"Studying this course has allowed me to question challenging topics behind human motivation within the workplace, diversity, challenges of HRM, contemporary business issues and more," she said.
"Staff have given real-life examples, which very much relate to the 'real' issues organisations face today."
Assessed consultancy projects saw the sisters put theory into practice. "This has helped me throughout my interviews, as I could give examples as to where I would apply certain policies/practices within an organisation," said Natalia.
The sisters have enjoyed studying alongside each other. "It has been brilliant," said Izabela. "We always supported, empowered and motivated each other."
The experience has made their relationship even stronger, said Natalia. "Most importantly, it made the happy moments even more special because not only were we proud individually but we were also proud of each other," she said.
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They have also taken advantage of the support offered by lecturers and the #DMUworks careers programme.
"The support you get throughout your studies is exceptional," said Natalia. "Staff are always ready to help, offer advice, support or guidance - that may be with your studies or even if you are having a bad day.
"The placement team as well as the careers team are always ready to help - this was especially important to me, as the labour market is so competitive.
"They helped me form my CV, which led to job interviews, which then led to a graduate job. They were 100 per cent there throughout the whole journey."
Both sisters are now working in Birmingham, with Natalia focused on building and developing a new market, Berlin. She also has responsibility for recruiting back end developers for IT projects as part of her role at Th@t Recruitment Company.
"The organisation I have joined very much represents the modern ways of doing business - it's fun, dynamic and supportive," she said.
"I already feel that I will stay with this company for many years to come."
Izabella is also enjoying her recruitment consultant role at Kenton Black, with duties including attracting new candidates through advertising, networking and headhunting and matching them to clients.
"I was very proud and excited to start and I'm really enjoying it," she said.
Ann Baughan, from the Business and Law careers team, added: "When I first saw Natalia, she'd had some job interviews, so I knew her CV was pretty strong. I'm really pleased that my interview tips and encouragement have paid off.
"I'd encourage all our students to seek advice and help from the careers team as early as possible in their job search."
Posted on Wednesday 17 July 2019