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Studying at Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ Leicester (Æß²ÊÖ±²¥) has helped a student construct the perfect career ahead of graduation.

Ben Rawding is "elated" to have secured a role at the JCB World Headquarters and can't wait to make the most of the exciting opportunities on offer.

He credits Æß²ÊÖ±²¥'s emphasis on real-world skills with helping him land the post, while the new £100 Employability Award - available to final-year students - funded his travel to the JCB assessment day.

The 22-year-old said: "Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ has always had a focus on employability and providing students like me with the skill-set needed to stand out in an extremely competitive jobs market."

Ben starts his new chapter in September, joining the Staffordshire-based company as a commercial and technical sales graduate.

"My role will offer me a fantastic opportunity to kick-start my career in sales and marketing, said Ben. "It will include a number of very exciting opportunities, such as international travel, something that particularly appeals to me."

Meanwhile Ben, from Stratford-upon-Avon, is focused on achieving the best grades possible.

His passion for business, particularly sales and marketing, goes back many years and he chose to study at Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ after attending an Open Day.

"I was struck by the importance placed on student placement years," he said.

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"Throughout my time at Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ I have relished the quality of teaching, supported by an abundance of practical experience.

"It is clear to see that Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ is investing in its students and has a real desire to see them succeed before and after graduation.

"With outstanding facilities and a growing campus, Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ has given me the perfect university experience."

Ben gained "invaluable experience" during a placement year as a commercial marketing undergraduate at Goodyear Dunlop, which he landed after attending group sessions on interview techniques and preparing for assessment centres.

He said: "The role allowed me to develop my skills through the significant responsibilities given to me, such as leading direct mail campaigns from creation and brief to execution and review."

His duties also encompassed marketing strategy and decision making, a project launch for Europe, the Middle East and Africa and leading high-profile events.

Ben added: "I believe that without Æß²ÊÖ±²¥'s focus on employability and support from Associate Professor David Gordon and the , I would not have been able to get the job at JCB."