An Interview with…A Careers Advisor
Grab your reading specs and get ready for part four of the ‘Interview With…’ mini series! Hopefully you enjoyed parts one, two and three. Today we meet Sarah Ward, a Careers Advisor working in South Tyneside. Sarah is another beautiful soul that I’ve had the joy of sharing an office with in the past. She’s an absolute gem and guaranteed to make anyone smile. Read on for Sarah’s career journey…into careers!
1.What’s your name, age and what do you do?
Sarah, 37 and I am careers advisor working within the South Tyneside area. I provide bespoke 121 and group session Careers Information Advice and Guidance (CIAG) to both employed and unemployed adults.
At the moment I am working from home over a phone, however in days pre-covid, my work was face to face within a range of community settings.
2. How long have you done this job?
I have been working as a Careers Advisor for the past 4 years, however, prior to this I worked for a construction company and supported with their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) strategy, supporting with employability programs delivered in both primary and secondary schools.
3. How did you get your job?
As a careers advisor, I am a huge advocate of networking, be it friends, family, past and present colleagues, social platforms etc as it’s one of the best ways to move into employment. I heard of this role through a friend who thought I would be good at the job and she was right!
4. Is this a career that you planned?
This is not the career I planned however I am not 100% sure that I knew exactly what I wanted to be. Even now as an actual careers advisor I sometimes have a fleeting thought of running away and joining the circus or working at Disneyland! However, I am in a job that is making a difference to people’s lives and supporting them to make informed choices about their careers. I currently have a Level 4 in IAG (Information, Advice and Guidance) and intend to do my Level 6 in the next 12 months.
5. If someone wanted to do what you do, what would you advise?
For someone who would like to do what I do, I would recommend speaking to a careers advisor! There are so many different routes into careers and employability such as volunteering, apprenticeships, college, university or what I did which was on the job training alongside a professional IAG qualification. Even if you’re in an unrelated field at the moment, there is nothing to say that you can’t move into something different. For example many careers advisors come from a teaching or recruitment background.
6. Where do you see yourself in 2 years?
I think this is a tricky one to consider as today a lot of people don’t stick with the traditional path and do not do the same job with the same company for a very long time. Ideally, I would have liked to have completed my L6 IAG in the next two years, however who knows – after this past year, I think we have all realised that a job isn’t or may not be forever.
Finally – any words of wisdom for anyone considering a career change or wondering which path to take?
As a careers advisor I work with lots of people who are interested in career changes, so if that is something you want to learn more about get in touch! Words of wisdom – if you’re unhappy in your job, take some ownership and do something about it. However, always make sure you have another job offer in writing in place before you hand in your notice!
If you are interested in a change in career or some advice to better your working situation, contact Sarah ([email protected]) and visit the Education Development Trust’s website (Home – Education Development Trust) to find out more about their services and how they can help.
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