Josh Gosselin on: Recruitment, riding and reaching the next stage.
16 December 2009
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OSA Recruitment consultant, Josh Gosselin, recently gained his Certificate in Recruitment Practice from the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC). As well as fitting in his studies with his day job, Josh is a serious amateur cyclist and is in training with the ambition of competing in next year’s Commonwealth Games. The Grammalogue caught up with Josh to take a closer look at life in recruitment and how the 24 year old maintains a work-life balance.
Recruitment Consultant – title aside, what do you actually do?
I offer people career advice with the ultimate aim of finding them a job – I guess it is as simple as it sounds. I give advice on training and what options are available to job seekers. I work with them to look at employment positions that they might not have otherwise considered. Our strong relationships with businesses in the island mean that we have a greater understanding of an organisation and its culture in order to create the best fit with our candidate.
What do you love about your job?
Every day is different. It’s always busy, always changing and it is really satisfying knowing that you have helped someone to further their career. Whether it is placing them in a job, or just advising them on possible career opportunities, I get to offer a different insight and perspective of the job market which can often open up different paths for them.
What did you have to do as part of your course in Recruitment Practice?
The course covers four areas essential to our industry: the recruitment marketplace, legislation and procedures, managing relationships with the business community and relationships with candidates. I completed four pieces of course work and sat a final written examination. I saw it as an important qualification to help with my career; it has developed my understanding of the industry and ensured that my knowledge is current.
How do you balance work, study and training?
With great difficulty! It has been a challenge but I think I’ve been fairly successful. I have needed to make time to commit to the coursework which was particularly hard as I also needed to put in hours of cycling training - I’m currently training between 12 and 20
hours a week. I had to be really organised and do a lot of planning. OSA has been a great support, offering me study leave and making sure that I am managing my priorities well. And it is not just the study side of things; they have also become my main sponsor for cycling and this includes my kit, so they are always on my back…literally! But seriously, they’re backing (no pun intended) has been so important and I really want to make them proud.
You have competed in previous Island Games, what’s next for you?
The Commonwealth Games in October 2010 is the next big competition. It’s something I have been working towards for a long time and it all depends on me achieving the required qualification times and positioning in a number of races by the end of 2009. Some of the top professional riders from around the world will be competing, so the Commonwealth Games will be more about experience and being part of such a massive event. There’s also the 2011Island Games in the Isle of Wight where I will hopefully be seen as a serious contender.
And finally, if you could offer one piece of advice to students who are beginning to think about their future, what would it be?
To think seriously about where you want to be going - the next step may be university but going into industry and working could be just as beneficial. Gaining hands on experience is really pivotal, whether it is summer work experience or a week of unpaid employment; it is a real boost to your CV and shows a strong commitment to work. If you’re committed to do something, no matter if it is academic or sport you need to sell yourself - it can make a huge difference to your job prospects.
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