Lindsay Gilbert, who graduated with a First in Spanish five years ago made a flying visit to our University to talk to students about opportunities in the European Union (EU).

Lindsay, who works with the European Parliament in Brussels, aims to encourage more UK graduates to apply for jobs in the EU, where native English speakers are under-represented.

Lindsay visited the James Graham building with her former tutor, Graham Webb, and fellow Leeds Met languages graduate Joanne Williams, to chat with students interested in knowing more about the EU application process and discussed the benefits of studying languages and the career opportunities doing this can lead to.

Speaking about her own career path, Lindsay said: "I was good at languages at school and it seemed that it was something different and exciting and would give me wider opportunities for a career. That is exactly what has happened. I had no idea I would end up in Brussels working in the EU Parliament with people from all over Europe. It's a really exciting environment, always changing and with so many different opportunities. I'm so glad I did a languages degree.

"The course at Leeds Met was great because we learned useful language skills, not from literature etc but the language used in all sorts of careers and jobs.

"My communication skills are vital for success in my job - I have to constantly persuade people, convince people of certain arguments, build relationships etc to win votes - and this is something that I think is enhanced significantly with a languages degree. However, doing a degree with another subject, like I did, and acquiring lots of practical language skills, is also very valuable. The MEP who employed me liked the joint degree I did and wanted someone with business experience too so it really helped," she added.

It is hoped that Lindsay's visit will be followed up with another from a senior representative of the European Parliament later this year to spearhead a bigger recruitment campaign among Leeds Met students.

For further information on graduate jobs and careers in the EU please click here or here. To read Lindsay's full interview with Graham click here.