When I was 17, I went into care because my mum became ill. At that time, I was doing my A-levels, but I had little motivation, and I didn’t really care about them.
Luckily, I had other people in my life who supported and encouraged me, and because of this, I decided to go to university. I went to Kent University to study Marketing. Not many women on my mum’s side have graduated from university. And so, I feel proud to have my graduation pictures framed on their walls.
During my second year at university, I had to decide between going into a year in industry or continuing into my third year. Although I wanted to do the year in industry, my situation with living and being a care leaver meant that I would find it hard to find accommodation in London to be able to do that. My PA (Personal Advisor from the Council) suggested that I go into my third year and then, when I graduate, look for an internship. I went that route because I had to think about finding housing and affording to live.
In my final year, my PA introduced me to Felix, my Careers Specialist at Drive Forward. At that time, I was open to any opportunity. Felix told me about an Internship with the Civil Service, and we applied together. His impact on my journey was massive. During the application and security process, he would email them about the documents I didn’t have and ask for alternative methods. He would also chase them up to help get me into the role quickly.
Being in the Civil Service has been great. I have such a good team; they’re friendly and helpful. I have noticed a change in myself. I’m more confident speaking to the team because they push me to talk. They’re pushing me to contribute, which is good.
I still use Drive Forward, and Felix helped pair me with a mentor at the Civil Service. He also continues to send me helpful events to attend. If I had not had the help of Felix or Drive Forward when I was in university, I know I would not be in the position I am in right now.
My advice to someone who may be going through the same things that I was going through would be to take all the help you can get. If anyone’s trying to help you, even though sometimes you might not want to attend the meeting, just go because it will help you, and there may be a new opportunity. After university, I needed a career where I would feel secure. Otherwise, I would be coming out of studying with no job and no money.
In the future, I am considering doing a Master’s in International Business because I would like to travel and work abroad. Travel is possible within the Civil Service, so this could be an option.
