Hi, my name is Shoaib, and I graduated from Cardiff Metropolitan University in 2021, with a BSc in Biomedical Science. Whilst I was studying, I was working in various takeaways before starting a new job at Royal Mail. There I worked as a Post Sorter before I became an acting manager. During my spare time I play a lot of sports including football, cricket and boxing.
This led me to an amazing opportunity with Bay Dragons Cricket Club, where I began to help coach their very own juniors’ team. I’ve been lucky enough to have the opportunity in the past to help people, whether it was through charity work or work experience. However, this opportunity was different, it gave me the chance to give back to my own community and really make a difference in the children’s lives.
Why did you join Police Now’s National Detective Programme?
After finally completing my degree and working in the field, I realised it wasn’t the role for me. I had no clue what I wanted to do and kept looking on the Bright Network webpage for an opportunity or for some guidance. Suddenly, the job listing for the National Detective Programme appeared and I instantly kept scrolling thinking this isn’t for me.
However, the more I thought about it, the more I realised I could be that change I wanted to see. The opportunity to help people and make a difference in the world was staring me right in the face, so I had to give it a go. The police service is often scrutinised but when crisis hits, they are the first people you call. Why sit back and complain when you can jump straight in and help improve the culture, all while helping people in all stages of life.
How did you prepare throughout the recruitment process?
I have to be honest, even though I have interviewed for jobs before, nothing could have truly prepared me for this recruitment process. The assessment centre consisted of an interview, a written report, a role play and debrief session. It tested my character; decision making and judgement skills. As well as giving me a real-life experience of what it would be like to be a detective.
One of the ways I prepared for this was using the help provided on the Bright Network webpage. They provided a list of possible questions that may come up, as well as reading materials that could be extremely beneficial.
There was a time where I thought I wasn’t doing enough to secure a place on the programme. This is where I found having close friends and family was a crucial part of the process, as they were there to reassure me and motivate me to carry on.
I am also extremely lucky to have a friend who has conducted interviews in the past. So, spending time practising questions with him was extremely beneficial.
How did Bright Network help you in securing your role?
I honestly had no clue what I wanted to do with my career, I had hit a wall and didn’t know which way to turn next. Bright Network had a range of different graduate opportunities.
The webpage is extremely easy to navigate, and everything was clear and simple. They even had a full section dedicated to people like me titled, ‘No idea what to do?’ This was amazing as it offered advice, guidance and helped put things into a different perspective.
They provided knowledge of different career pathways as well as advice to go with each area. This could be crucial when you’re unsure of what to do next or what may be best for you.
What top three tips would you give Bright network members applying to graduate jobs?
- Believe in yourself. Even if you haven’t done anything like it before, your passion and commitment will shine through and allow you to achieve your goal.
- Never give up. If it doesn’t work out the first time, try again and again and again. Don’t stop if it’s what you want, because eventually your hard work and determination will pay off.
- Enjoy the journey and take the time to congratulate yourself. Time flies and sometimes you forget what you have achieved in such a short time because you’re working hard. Slow it down, enjoy the small wins and have fun along the way.