Supporting success: meet Sonia Lassami, Careers Consultant for EECS

What does your role involve?

My role as a Careers Consultant is to support students and graduates with their personal and professional development - whether that’s career planning, building employability skills, or developing confidence.

No two days are the same. I could be meeting with employers, creating new workshops, researching labour market trends, or delivering sessions for EECS and SMS students. I also hold one-to-one appointments and contribute to our in-curriculum teaching. Often, all of that happens in a single day!

What inspired you to work in student career development?

After finishing my Sociology degree, I felt quite lost - I had no work experience and no idea what I wanted to do. I tried several jobs and sectors before realising I wanted a role that allowed me to help others. My brother once said, “Why don’t you help people find the right jobs for them, since you’ve struggled so much to find the right one for you?” That moment changed everything.

It took a few years to retrain and gain experience, but becoming a Careers Consultant in higher education turned out to be the perfect fit. What I find most rewarding now is seeing students avoid the uncertainty I once faced. When students graduate knowing what they want to do - and have the skills to get there - that’s incredibly fulfilling.

What kinds of one-to-one guidance or workshops do you offer to help students explore career paths in computer science and electronic engineering?

I offer one-to-one careers appointments for students and graduates on a wide range of topics, from exploring career options to preparing for interviews. I also run 40-minute practice interview sessions for those heading into assessment centres or job interviews.

Alongside this, I deliver EECS- and SMS-specific workshops on LinkedIn, networking, job searching, professionalism, time management, and interview skills. As part of the wider Careers team, I also lead workshops on psychometric testing and assessment centres within our Careers Essentials programme.

We collaborate closely with employers to create real-world opportunities, too. Recently, we hosted hackathons with Nationwide Building Society and Rockstar Games which were both fantastic experiences for our students.

What are some of the key skills or attributes that employers in tech and engineering are looking for right now?

In 2025, demand is especially strong for technical skills such as:

· AI and Machine Learning

· Software Development

· Cloud Computing

· Data Analytics and Engineering

· Cybersecurity

· Sustainable Engineering

But employers are equally focused on transferable skills: collaboration, problem-solving, communication, adaptability, and creativity. Having an innovative mindset and the curiosity to keep learning are what truly set candidates apart.

Could you share an example of a student success story that stands out to you?

One that stands out is a Computer Science third year student who came to me with no work experience and very little confidence. She had made the decision to study the degree due to her fascination of technology but did not think about the future. Through regular appointments, we explored her interests, set SMART goals, and worked on presenting her skills effectively to employers.

In the end, she received two job offers: one from Octopus Energy Group and another from Mercedes. She chose Mercedes, and seeing her growth from uncertain student to confident graduate was a real highlight.

The tech sector is evolving quickly, especially with AI and automation - how do you help students prepare for jobs that may not even exist yet?

Adaptability is key. I encourage students to stay informed about industry trends through employer events and reliable sources like CompTIA, Tech Nation, Udemy Business, Tech UK and The World Economic Forum.

While technical skills evolve, creativity, empathy, leadership, and human-centred thinking will always be in demand. The ability to keep learning and adapting will prepare students for whatever the future holds.

What advice would you give to current EECS students about making the most of the careers support available to them?

First, read your emails! I regularly share opportunities, workshops, and events through QMplus announcements. Students should also check the Careers Hub for upcoming sessions and book one-to-one appointments. The ‘EECS- Careers & Enterprise’ QMplus page has tailored advice for every year of study, and if you ever feel unsure or need support, don’t hesitate to book a one-to-one careers appointment. This is a 20-minute appointment with a Careers Consultant (online or in-person) where we can help students and graduates with any careers or employability enquiry, no matter how big or small.