Sarah Dean - Director

Over the last 24 years, I have been lucky enough to gain a unique insight into the ‘employer side’ of student recruitment – a deep knowledge of what goes on behind the scenes and what many professional employers are looking for in their new school leaver and graduate hires. I have spent the majority of my career running the European graduate recruitment, MBA and Apprenticeship programs for large global employers within the Professional Services, Investment Banking and Legal sectors, and consequently, I have learned how recruitment and selection processes are designed to identify the ‘top talent’.  I have also seen first-hand what makes one student stand out from another in what is a highly competitive marketplace.

I have developed a genuine passion and interest for helping students, whether that’s been through coaching them on ‘skills workshops’ that I have run at Universities and schools, providing constructive feedback to them during their Summer Internships or after an unsuccessful interview, or mentoring them through an application and interview process.

Creating StudentSpringboard was a natural next step for me.  Throughout my corporate career, I had also coached the sons and daughters of my friends in my spare time, helping some to choose and apply for a suitable course or University, some to decide whether they wanted to pursue a degree or start their career, and for others I provided CV and interview coaching for those all important first job applications and interviews - and I loved it! 

Since launching StudentSpringboard, I have worked with clients from as young as 15/16, seeking advice on their 'A' level choices, or requiring coaching for Sixth Form entrance interviews, right up to mature students looking to revitalise their CV or change tack in their career.  Each client is unique, so my practical, 'hands-on' approach is tailored to each individual's needs and objectives.  I also work with local schools and Sixth Forms, delivering talks, workshops and independent careers advice. 

As an accredited Career Coach, I also work with professionals/adults who are seeking support with a change in their career direction, to update their CV/LinkedIn profile, tackle interviews and assessments to improve their chances of success, or who wish to rebuild their confidence to rejoin the workplace following a break.  Through CareerSpringboard, I offer full career coaching packages as well as discrete skills development and practice. 

Sarah Dean

BSc Applied Psychology, CIPD, DBS certificate, ICF coach

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