DMU Works gives architecture student the blueprint for his career

De Montfort University Leicester’s (DMU) award-winning career support team has helped Architecture graduate Shyam Patel secure a job with the company that re-designed his college campus.

Shyam first became aware of GSS Architecture when they started development work at his college in Leicester. Now, a decade later, the 23-year-old is now joining the organisation as a Part 1 Architectural Assistant after receiving guidance from the university’s DMU Works team.

Having graduated from DMU, he approached the team for CV and cover letter advice, booking two one-to-one appointments with ADH Employability Officer Dimple Chavda. Working with Dimple, Shyam was able to express himself more creatively when applying for jobs.

He said: “Working with Dimple and the DMUworks team really boosted my confidence when approaching potential employers.

“With their help, I was able to create a cohesive set of CV and portfolio documents, with the prospect of even potentially moving them onto my own website to make everything more accessible for employers.

“I also learnt not to worry about lack of experience as firms are understanding of our level of knowledge at this stage and are keen to teach and mentor us to our full potential.”

Students that utilise the support on offer can access guaranteed work experience, unlimited access to digital tools including LinkedIn Learning courses, self-assessments, and lifelong career support after graduation.

The DMU Works team offer 30-minute one-to-one appointments to all students and graduates, offering guidance on CVs, cover letters, applications, psychometric testing, interviews, assessment centres and general career guidance.

Dimple said: “It was a pleasure to help Shyam secure a job role with an architecture practice. I advised on how he could tweak his CV and showcase more of his strengths and abilities.

“We also discussed how LinkedIn and speculative applications generally are common methods for searching and applying to opportunities as well as building networks. I shared a few resources with him, including job handouts for design and architecture as well as using the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) website for information.

“All credit goes to Shyam, he worked hard to achieve this and in return secured the role.”

For Shyam, the chance to work with GSS Architecture is the first step in his dream career. Fascinated by the relationship between people and spaces from an early age, he enrolled on DMU’s Architecture BA having previously completed a diploma in Art and Design at the university.”

Before securing his role at GSS Architecture, Shyam had jobs with both Leicestershire Police and Sainsbury’s. The roles enabled him to gain real-life work experience in big organisations and that has helped him appreciate his new architectural job.

He said: “The workplace environment has been extremely beneficial to understanding the level of detail and knowledge which is required to succeed in a career in architecture. It is constantly challenging and there are always new and existing projects to get working with.”