Maria Barden

Experience

• 

  Waitrose & Partners

  Jun 2013 - Feb 2019

  Customer Service Assistant

  Worked across three supermarkets in various departments: customer service, operations, community engagement and online delivery. Organised fundraising events as part of the ‘Waitrose in the Community’ engagement team, representing the company within the local community.

• 

  University of Reading

  Sept 2017 - Jul 2018

  Student Support Officer

  Assisted first year students with Autism to integrate into university life. Provided advice with orientation and joining societies, discussed welfare concerns and acted as a friendly face on campus.

• 

  Realise Futures

  Aug 2020 - Apr 2021

  Worked on the 'Community Connections Building Better Opportunities' programme in Essex, supporting adults who were considered furthest away from the job market by drawing up action plans for employment, job searching and education or training. Maintained a caseload of over 100 clients in paid employment, working alongside my customers and their employers to ensure retention. Tackled issues that arose in the workplace with practical solutions, offering workplace training and by considering suitable reasonable adjustments.

  • Employment Adviser

    Dec 2020 - Apr 2021

  • In Work Support Adviser

    Aug 2020 - Dec 2020
• 

  Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

  Apr 2021 - Mar 2022

  Work Coach

  Coached claimants receiving Universal Credit into sustainable employment. Worked with some of the most vulnerable members of society, offering tailored advice depending on the clients needs.

• 

  Anglia Ruskin University

  Apr 2022 - Dec 2022

  International Admissions Officer

  Processing of international student applications and admissions for ARU, contributing to the achievement of international student recruitment targets.

• 

  ARU London

  Dec 2022 - now

  Careers Consultant

  Working with and supporting university students to improve their employability, gain confidence and learn effective job searching skills. Providing 1:1 support, as well as presenting group employability sessions.

• 

  MB Careers

  Sept 2023 - now

  Careers Consultant and CV Writer

  Consulting with clients to build compelling ATS optimised and recruiter specific CVs, speculative and targeted cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles.