UNIVERSITYNEWS - University of Exeter

The volunteer’s view
Sitting across the desk from a
student, alumnus Nick Chapman
(pictured) questions him in detail,
testing knowledge and seeking
aspirations in a mock job interview
which is very close to the real thing.
The publishing expert, who has held
the positions of Managing Director
of BBC Worldwide Publishing and
Managing Director of the Irish Times
within his own career, volunteered
his time to help give students a real
understanding of what to expect
when facing an interview panel for
the first time.
After studying the CVs of his
‘candidates’, Nick (MA War and
Society 2008) was able to give an
authentic interview experience,
followed by detailed feedback.
Joseph Johnston, currently studying
for an English degree, found the
exercise extremely valuable.
“It highlighted things that I may not
have been aware of that I was doing
wrong,” he explained. “It’s better to
make my mistakes where it doesn’t
have any consequences, rather than
where I could break into a career –
or not.”
It also gave Joseph the opportunity to
pick up tips from Nick on how to
begin a career in publishing.
Nick decided to offer his services
after reading about the volunteering
programme in University News.
“This seemed an interesting way
to spend a day, helping students
in entering the world of work –
particularly as it’s much tougher
now,” he said. “Hopefully I have
contributed something to their
learning to help them handle
job interviews.”
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