The challenge of going it alone
Job hunting can be an isolating experience. For many students, the cycle of tailoring applications, preparing for interviews, and managing self-doubt takes as much of a toll emotionally as it does practically. Viktoriia Bulanova, a BA International Business student at Greenwich Business School, knew she had the experience to compete for strong roles. What she needed was the structure and support to channel it effectively.
Personalised support through the Career Catalyst Programme
Through the Career Catalyst Programme, Viktoriia took part in a series of 1-to-1 coaching sessions with a dedicated mentor. The sessions covered the practical fundamentals: practising interview questions, reviewing her CV, and refining her cover letter. But the impact went beyond technique.
I gained a lot from the coaching. I became much more confident before my interview, and having someone to support me throughout the whole process was incredibly helpful emotionally. It helped me stay positive about myself and avoid doubting my abilities.
This kind of sustained, human support is something Viktoriia reflects on with real appreciation. Having a consistent point of contact throughout the process meant she could build momentum rather than starting from scratch each time self-doubt crept in.
Sharper applications, smarter preparation
Alongside the confidence-building, the programme delivered concrete, practical skills. For Viktoriia, one of the most valuable takeaways was learning how to work efficiently, cutting the time spent tailoring applications without sacrificing quality.
The Career Catalyst Programme helped me sharpen my applications, learn how to save time when tailoring my CV for different job opportunities, and improve my interview skills by using the STAR method, which helped me stay focused and clearly communicate my answers.
The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a structured framework for answering competency-based interview questions. For Viktoriia, learning to apply it gave her a reliable way to organise her thinking under pressure and present her experience clearly and convincingly.
The result: a role at Amazon, without the scatter-gun approach
The focused, targeted approach paid off. Rather than spending weeks applying to dozens of positions and hoping for a response, Viktoriia secured a role at Amazon - one she describes as one of the best possible outcomes for her at this stage of her career.
As a result, I secured one of the best possible roles for myself at Amazon without having to spend time applying for hundreds of positions.
Why personalised coaching made the difference
Viktoriia is thoughtful about what made the Career Catalyst Programme effective compared to self-directed preparation. In an era where AI interview tools are widely available, she draws a clear distinction between practising with a tool and working with a person.
I don't think I would have gained the same level of confidence by practising with an AI interview tool alone. Having personalised coaching gave me the confidence to realise that passing an interview isn't as complicated as it seems, especially when you already have strong experience to draw upon.
It is a distinction worth noting. Technology can simulate an interview, but it cannot replicate the human reassurance of a mentor who knows your background, believes in your potential, and can help you see your own strengths more clearly.
Ready to take the next step?
Greenwich Business School students can access the Career Catalyst Programme and book 1-to-1 coaching sessions through the Student Hub.
