Potential and Power Skills with Kristie Brookes & Olivia Roden

Wit + Grit

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Tuesday, 28 April 2026 - 37 minutes

The graduate job market has never been more competitive, with up to 150 applicants per role, but that doesn’t mean opportunity has disappeared.

In this episode, we sit down with Kristie Brookes and Liv Roden from Aston University to unpack what it’s really like to be a student right now, and what employers might be getting wrong.

We explore the growing gap between education and employment, why “entry-level” roles now expect experience, and how students can stand out in a world of AI-generated CVs and identical applications.

From “power skills” and emotional intelligence to hiring for potential over perfection, this is a practical, honest conversation about the future of work - and how both students and employers need to adapt.

If you’ve got kids heading into the world of work, or you’re hiring the next generation, this one matters.

Key Takeaways

The graduate market is tougher than ever — but opportunity still exists

Differentiation is everything (and it’s not just about grades)

Employers should hire for potential, not just experience

AI is changing entry-level work, but human skills matter more than ever

“Power skills” (leadership, AI, innovation, emotional intelligence) are the real advantage

Students aren’t lazy - they’re navigating a completely different world

Your personality, passion, and story are what set you apart

Themes

• Future of work

• Early careers / graduate market

• AI & employability

• Emotional intelligence

• Identity & confidence

• Social mobility

• Hiring & leadership

Keywords

graduate jobs, early careers, Aston University, employability, Gen Z workforce, hiring graduates, AI in recruitment, power skills, soft skills, student careers, internships UK, graduate market UK, career advice, emotional intelligence at work, leadership skills, entry level jobs UK

Chapters

00:00 Meet the Employer Engagement Officers

01:40 Current Student Experience and Market Challenges

05:44 Understanding the Role of Employer Engagement Officers

08:56 Career Journeys of Kristie and Olivia

13:48 Aston University: Opportunities and Offerings

16:45 Power Skills and Student Preparedness

20:02 Perceptions of Young People in the Workforce

21:50 Emotional Intelligence in the Job Market

24:57 Demonstrating Passion and Personality

28:55 The Value of University Experience

33:10 Overcoming Self-Doubt in Career Paths

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