Paul Bailey – BSc (Hons) International Relations with Psychology graduate

“I would recommend undertaking a course at Plymouth because it’s a great place to study with some good facilities and plenty of opportunities.”

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

After graduation I found a great position as a Business Analyst within the finance industry and worked there for three years in Jersey. (This was before I decided to go travelling for a year with my now fiancée). Following this we wanted a new experience so we decided to teach English in China for a year, like a gap year experience but getting paid. After a year I moved into an Australian purchasing company as Operations Manager before being offered the position with InternChina.

What is the most difficult thing which you have faced in your career?

Sometimes it can be difficult to make decisions to ‘stick’ and work on what you have or to ‘twist’ and go for a new direction which is what I did most recently. You can invest a lot of your time and energy into positions and this can make it more difficult to leave.

What is the best, most exciting or fun thing that you have done in your career?

In my current role I work with students and I get to take them on a lot of trips and take part in lots of cultural activities. Most weeks, we are doing something new, interesting, and fun.

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to get in to the same line of work?

For anybody who is interested in going into HR or internships I would suggest a positive and patient approach. Working with people can be a challenge; it seems that there are always people who will try to make your life difficult, but it’s how you react to the situation that matters.

How did studying at Plymouth help you?

Plymouth is a big university and, having personally come from a small island where my friend group was quite close, as we had grown up together, it taught me to get out of my comfort zone and meet new people.

Would you recommend undertaking a course with the University, and why?

I would recommend undertaking a course at Plymouth because it’s a great place to study with some good facilities and plenty of opportunities. It’s not too small and it’s not too big. Plymouth is a town with a lot of different things to do and lots of places to go out.  

Is there anything else which you would like to share with our current students?

I would like to suggest that students make the most of their studies and that they shouldn’t be afraid to work with their lecturers and ask them questions. Get involved with societies and the social side of things, but don't forget to engage with your tutors and enjoy what you are studying.