Elizabeth Connolly
Summary
I am a 22-year-old student currently studying Economics at Sheffield Hallam University with an expected grade of 2.1. I am looking for a full-time graduate job within my field of interest, Economics and Business. Throughout my degree, I have studied various modules. This includes business consultancy, macro and micro economics, econometrics and more. Studying these modules has helped me develop strong analytical and quantitative skills, interpret data and economic trends and relate this to the current economy. This has helped me prepare to think critically about real-world issues and make informed evidence-based decisions.
Overview
1
1
year of professional experience
Work history
Work experience at a benefits consultancy
Willis Towers Watson
Manchester
- I completed work experience at an actuarial and benefits consultancy, where I worked closely with interns and more senior members of the company to get a better understanding of how the job differs throughout your career as you work your way through the company. I travelled to businesses that the company worked closely with, and I attended meetings to observe how these are run. As well as this, I was able to see how a large company operates on a day-to-day basis. This was very beneficial for my learning and ambition for the future. I was introduced to the math’s used within an actuary’s day and how these correlates to the specific jobs. I attended meetings where all members of staff explained their role and jobs they have to do for that day, I then followed members of staff around while completing these jobs. Seeing a global business in action was very interesting and helpful for my motivation and ambition. Being able to see new employees attending their first meetings to employees who have been at the company for 30+ years showed me how being loyal to one company can benefit you greatly.
Student Ambassador
Superdrug and Nerds Candy, Campus Industries
- Over the past couple years, I have joined campaigns for well-known brands to help them market their goods and services to students. I would be given a brief and a completion date and do this job remotely. I was very successful with my adverts for these brands and reaching a specific demographic, so much so that I was asked to help pitch another campaign and asked to join the ambassador team again. This job has helped me develop my social media, marketing and admin skills. I gained many transferable marketing skills from this job. From learning these skills, I have managed to work with other brands and local Sheffield businesses outside of this company to promote various goods and services through my social media.
Front of house staff/bar staff
Blend Kitchen
Sheffield city centre
- At Blend kitchen I would be a host for events of 50+ people for events such as charity events, parties etc. I ensured the venue was clean and that the events would run smoothly as planned, this included checking the food being served, stocking up the bar and much more. I also worked as a support worker for other staff with different needs as this was an organisation that hired a variety of people with different learning abilities ranging from autism, low levels of reading and writing and overall, lacking social confidence. In doing this I would help other staff members complete their job and help them understand why and how the business is run. This allowed me to develop my skills for supervising and guiding others which I thoroughly enjoyed, watching them grow as people and workers was one of the best experiences within this job.
Student Ambassador
Superdrug and Nerds Candy, Campus Industries
- Over the past year, I have joined campaigns for well-known brands to help them market their goods and services to students. I would be given a brief and a completion date and do this job remotely. I was very successful with my adverts for these brands and reaching a specific demographic, so much so that I was asked to help pitch another campaign and asked to join the ambassador team again. This job has helped me develop my social media, marketing and admin skills. I gained many transferable marketing skills from this job. From learning these skills, I have managed to work with other brands outside of this company to promote various goods through my social media.
Waitress/Bar Staff
The Red Lion
Parbold, Lancashire
- At the Red Lion I was a team member. My responsibilities included ensuring the dishes and utensils were clean and stored away to be ready on hand for the chef. Serving customer’s food and attending to their needs. I also would work the bar when needed and ensure all customers have been served to a high standard. I worked here as a summer job along side the Windmill Pub and will be returning to both pubs when I go home for Christmas. Working two jobs has helped with my time management and organisational skills. Working at the Red Lion has allowed me to be quick on my feet as I was one of the few members who could control the floor and bar, I would jump from bar to floor when necessary and guide the younger floor staff on which jobs to be completed.
Waitress
The Windmill Pub
Parbold, Lancashire
2022.06 - 2023.06
- I worked at a local pub for many months which has helped build my experience within the hospitality industry. My job includes serving and attending to customers’ needs, helping customers with dietary requirements and making sure everyone is catered for. I worked here very frequently and built a good relationship with customers and other staff.
Education
GCSEs - Mathematics
Burscough Priory Academy
BurscoughGCSEs - English Language
Burscough Priory Academy
BurscoughGCSEs - English Literature
Burscough Priory Academy
BurscoughGCSEs - Biology
Burscough Priory Academy
BurscoughGCSEs - Chemistry
Burscough Priory Academy
BurscoughGCSEs - Physics
Burscough Priory Academy
BurscoughGCSEs - Geography
Burscough Priory Academy
BurscoughGCSEs - History
Burscough Priory Academy
BurscoughGCSEs - Spanish
Burscough Priory Academy
BurscoughA-Levels - Mathematics
Winstanley College
OrrellA-Levels - Geography
Winstanley College
OrrellA-Levels - Economics
Winstanley College
OrrellSkills
Commercial & Analytical Skills
- Conducted structured economic analysis using Excel, statistical tools, and data modelling to evaluate trends and support decision‑making
- Produced clear, concise reports and presentations summarising complex data for academic and professional audiences
- Applied analytical reasoning in consultancy work experience at Willis Towers Watson, supporting problem‑solving and structured thinking
- Delivered fast, accurate responses to customer queries in high‑pressure hospitality environments, consistently maintaining professionalism
- Built strong relationships with customers and colleagues across multiple venues, adapting communication style to different audiences
- Managed technical or detailed product queries as a Student Ambassador, translating brand information into clear customer‑friendly messaging
- Identified inefficiencies in floor operations and introduced small workflow improvements that increased speed and customer satisfaction
- Supported team coordination and training, helping new staff understand systems and procedures quickly
- Confident user of Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, lookups, data cleaning), Word, PowerPoint and CRM-style systems
- Comfortable learning new technical systems quickly, demonstrated through multiple workplace transitions and university software tools
- Frequently resolved unexpected customer issues independently, using judgement to balance customer needs with business priorities
- Demonstrated proactive thinking in academic projects, identifying opportunities to improve analysis quality and structure
Hobbies
During my university experience, I have thrown myself into lots of new activities. I was part of the pole dancing society for a year, learning new skills and meeting new people. I am also part of the Women's rugby union society, which is a passion of mine. Training and playing matches as a team have shaped my university experience for the better. Being part of women's rugby has helped my determination massively. Watching women's sports thrive over the past few years for the players, coaches and referees makes me so proud to be a part of my university team. I am also part of the Economics Society, debating current topics and attending talks. Being part of this society helps me keep up to date with current issues and further my knowledge through my degree.
Timeline
Waitress
The Windmill Pub
2022.06 - 2023.06
A-Levels - Economics
Winstanley College
A-Levels - Geography
Winstanley College
A-Levels - Mathematics
Winstanley College
GCSEs - Spanish
Burscough Priory Academy
GCSEs - History
Burscough Priory Academy
GCSEs - Geography
Burscough Priory Academy
GCSEs - Physics
Burscough Priory Academy
GCSEs - Chemistry
Burscough Priory Academy
GCSEs - Biology
Burscough Priory Academy
GCSEs - English Literature
Burscough Priory Academy
GCSEs - English Language
Burscough Priory Academy
Waitress/Bar Staff
The Red Lion
Student Ambassador
Superdrug and Nerds Candy, Campus Industries
Front of house staff/bar staff
Blend Kitchen
Student Ambassador
Superdrug and Nerds Candy, Campus Industries
Work experience at a benefits consultancy
Willis Towers Watson
GCSEs - Mathematics
Burscough Priory Academy