111 - A work experience pep talk for students and graduates (from a career coach)

What's happening this National Careers Week? 

National Careers Week (NCW) is a one-week celebration of careers guidance and free resources in education across the UK. The aim of the week is to provide a focus for careers guidance activity at an important stage in the academic calendar to help support young people develop awareness and excitement about their future pathways.

NCW is a dedicated week every year allowing schools, colleges, universities, alternative provision settings and organisations to work towards. It’s backed-up with free high-quality printable, downloadable, digital and video resources for educators to support planning and delivery.

In this episode of the Dive Into Your Career podcast - I take a look at some of the NCW opportunities which are nationally accessible online - however this episode is all about reminding you what week it is and encouraging you to explore what's available in your school / university. 

Enjoy NCW2024... and take advantage of the opportunity to joyfully immerse yourself in all things careers.

Do feel free to engage with this topic (or indeed with me) at any of the below:

• The Dive Into Your Career podcast page of the Your Career And Future website where you can also leave me a message suggesting a careers-related topic for a future episode
• Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok
• Via "Gina Visram" on LinkedIn (where they may be a post with a link to this episode where you can contribute some wisdom / reflections)
• Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow)
• E-mail me on gina@yourcareerandfuture.com with any queries

Did you know that sometimes the highest achieving students are the most fearful when it comes to their career journey? 

Sometimes this can manifest as disinterest or not wanting to make decisions. 

In this episode of the Dive Into Your Career podcast, the topic of fear and uncertainty takes centre stage. 

How are you feeling about your early career journey? 

If you have any worries or fears, what are they? Take the time to name them. It may include fear of:

• The unknown
• Rejection
• Speaking to people 
• Making a decision
• Making the wrong decision 
• Wasting time
• Wasting money 
• Coming across as pushy

... what is it for you. 

By recognising and owning it you can overcome and / or live alongside it... resulting in a more joy-filled, less stressful early career journey. Sound good? Good. 

If this episode has been useful to you, please share it with at least one friend. Let's support the mental health and progress of those at this stage in their journey. 

Do feel free to engage with this topic (or indeed with me) at any of the below:

• The Dive Into Your Career podcast page of the Your Career And Future website where you can also leave me a message suggesting a careers-related topic for a future episode
• Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok
• Via "Gina Visram" on LinkedIn (where they may be a post with a link to this episode where you can contribute some wisdom / reflections)
• Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow)
• E-mail me on gina@yourcareerandfuture.com with any queries

If you want to get past the needing work experience to get work experience cycle that exists in the world of careers - this pep talk is for you...

In this episode of the Dive Into Your Career podcast - you will get a full on work experience pep talk.  I say full on because I started with certain points I wanted to convey to you... and then was on a roll so you now have half an hour of gems, designed to help you re/engage with the process of securing work experience. 

In this episode I mention that some people in the early careers space may not agree about the importance of work experience but here is where I respectfully disagree and provide my take on this. Please, do lean into my experiences and knowledge as a careers professional of over a decade... your early career journey gets easier once you build up your work (and adjacent) experiences. 

Whether you are in secondary school / high school / sixth form / college / university, beyond or in between - know that this episode is for you. You may even want to listen to it multiple times while actively applying for opportunities. Oh, and don't forget to share this episode with at least one friend. Securing work experience may not be easy but let's spread some positivity, hope and advice to help make it happen. 

Once you have checked out this episode you may want to explore some other work experience related episodes on the Dive Into Your Career podcast, including: 

• 096: How to secure work experience when you have given up hope 
• 066: 3 steps to finding work experience 
• 057: How do I find work experience? (10 top tips)
• 017: Where can I find virtual work experience? 

Adjacent topics which can be helpful include:

• 097: Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't you are right... the power of mindset 
• 091: How to make your career a positive one: 8 foundations for a positive career journey 
• 088: 8 inspiring quotes about goals and goal setting 

Do feel free to engage with this topic (or indeed with me) at any of the below:

• The Dive Into Your Career podcast page of the Your Career And Future website where you can also leave me a message suggesting a careers-related topic for a future episode
• Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok
• Via "Gina Visram" on LinkedIn (where they may be a post with a link to this episode where you can contribute some wisdom / reflections)
• Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow)
• E-mail me on gina@yourcareerandfuture.com with any queries

This National Apprenticeship Week 2024 is based on the theme "Skills for Life" and what better time to go back to the basics about apprenticeships and whether they are a good choice for you.

National Apprenticeship Week is a week-long celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

So... this episode of the Dive Into Your Career podcast, Gina Visram - career coach and consultant and host of this podcast explores "What is an apprenticeship and is it a good option for me?"

 If you are a student on your early careers journey - this is actually a question you should ask yourself at least once. In exploring your options on your education towards employment / entrepreneurship journey - it is important to consider the variety of pathways... apprenticeships included.

What is an apprenticeship?

• An apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable experiences 
• It involves on the job training and at least 20% of their working hours completing class room based learning with a college, university or training provider which leads to a nationally recognised qualification. 

This episode of the Dive Into Your Career explores this topic and recommends some resources including:

• Website: The National Apprenticeship Week 2024
• Website: UCAS
• Website: Amazing Apprenticeships 
• Website: Rate My Apprenticeship 
• Website: Not Going to Uni 
• Website: Government (Gov.Uk) apprenticeship site 
• Website / Course: The Career People - Apprenticeship Academy 
• Website / Online course: All things careers - Degree Apprenticeship Academy 
• Book: Understanding Apprenticeships: A Student Guide (Ben Rowlands)

Enjoy this exploration of apprenticeships and whether this can be a good opportunity for you...

Do feel free to engage with this topic (or indeed with me) at any of the below:

• The Dive Into Your Career podcast page of the Your Career And Future website where you can also leave me a message suggesting a careers-related topic for a future episode
• Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok
• Via "Gina Visram" on LinkedIn (where they may be a post with a link to this episode where you can contribute some wisdom / reflections)
• Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow)
• E-mail me on gina@yourcareerandfuture.com with any queries

What is a growth mindset?

Is a fixed mindset or growth mindset better?

Why is the word "yet" so magical when it comes to mindset? 

In this episode of the Dive Into Your Career podcast, Gina Visram takes a look at what a growth mindset is and why it is so important this and every year when it comes to making progress with our goals. 

Inspired by the work of American psychologist Carol Dweck, who studies human motivation, this episode is a short, sharp, important reminder of how:

• embracing a growth mindset 
• tweaking / changing our language and 
• praising the process, not the talent...

... can be a game changer when it comes to how we work towards any developments in our life and/ or career.

If you liked this episode, do remember to share it and to subscribe. 

Do feel free to engage with this topic (or indeed with me) at any of the below:

• The Dive Into Your Career podcast page of the Your Career And Future website where you can also leave me a message suggesting a careers-related topic for a future episode
• Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok
• Via "Gina Visram" on LinkedIn (where they may be a post with a link to this episode where you can contribute some wisdom / reflections)
• Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow)
• E-mail me on gina@yourcareerandfuture.com with any queries

For nearly 20 years, there has been talk of "Blue Monday" - the most depressing day of the year which is said to be the third Monday of the year. In 2024, that is Monday 15 January.

Now, you and I know that there is unlikely to be a scientific way to confirm this as the most depressing day. In fact, it was a travel company (albeit led by a psychologist) who first created a campaign about this - with the first Blue Monday being 2005. All of that said, I suspect that one of the reasons why the notion has lingered for nearly two decades is because it resonates. There is something that can feel 'heavy' about the shorter days, freezing weather, lack of Christmas lights now that the festive season is over, financial challenges after the festive season and more.

As such, in case you are feeling a touch blue at this time of the year - this episode of the Dive Into Your Career has one... just one but a powerful one tip for you to help. Create a high vibe (music) playlist.

Listen to the episode to find out more about go to the Your Career And Future blog for a post which features some of my favourite high vibe tunes. 

Do feel free to engage with this topic (or indeed with me) at any of the below:

• The Dive Into Your Career podcast page of the Your Career And Future website where you can also leave me a message suggesting a careers-related topic for a future episode
• Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok
• Via "Gina Visram" on LinkedIn (where they may be a post with a link to this episode where you can contribute some wisdom / reflections)
• Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow)
• E-mail me on gina@yourcareerandfuture.com with any queries

It's here! The last of 3 episodes in this series shining a light on some very accomplished women who would likely enhance your feed if you follow them on LinkedIn. 

"Saluting Our Sisters" is the theme of Black History Month 2023 in the UK. This has inspired today's topic of the Dive Into Your Career podcast - "32 awesome UK-connected black and mixed heritage women to follow on LinkedIn" (Part 3 of 3).

In this episode... I am proud to introduce  the final11 of the 32 women who feature in this series. 

Please note... there was no vote. There are no rankings. This isn't even divided by industry. Over the three parts, these episodes feature 32 black and mixed heritage women whose work I have seen up close or from afar and who I greatly admire. Importantly, for the purpose of this list - they are also active content creators and contributors on LinkedIn, the world's biggest online professional network - so aren't you lucky to be able to click a button in these show notes and follow them on the platform.

So here goes, here's the list. Do remember to make sure that you share this episode if it's of value to you and also subscribe to the Dive Into Your Career podcast to make sure you don't miss more valuable career development content. 

1. (22) Shereen Daniels
   Follow Shereen on LinkedIn
   
   
2. (23) Annika Allen
   Follow Annika on LinkedIn
   
   
3. (24) Ladi Mohammed Chapman
   Follow Ladi on LinkedIn
   
   4(25) Cel Amade
   Follow Cel on LinkedIn
   
   5. (26) Serlina Boyd
   Follow Serlina on LinkedIn
   
   6. (27) Deborah B Williams
   Follow Deborah on LinkedIn
   
   7. (28) Naomi Kellman
   Follow Naomi on LinkedIn
   
   8. (29) Ramat Tejani
   Follow Ramat on LinkedIn
   
   9. (30) Vanessa Sam
   Follow Vanessa on LinkedIn
   
   10. (31) Hayley Mulenda
   Follow Hayley on LinkedIn
   
   11. (32) Marielle Legair
   Follow Marielle on LinkedIn
   
   and a bonus mention
   
   12. (33) Ore Ade
   Follow Ore on LinkedIn
   
   As you know, this list is not exhaustive but is packed full of recommendations so that when it comes to content and fascinating people to follow, engage with and learn from -  you can ensure the spirit and energy of BHM stays with you, throughout the year. 

Catch you on another episode of the

Do feel free to engage with this topic (or indeed with me) at any of the below:

• The Dive Into Your Career podcast page of the Your Career And Future website where you can also leave me a message suggesting a careers-related topic for a future episode
• Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok
• Via "Gina Visram" on LinkedIn (where they may be a post with a link to this episode where you can contribute some wisdom / reflections)
• Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow)
• E-mail me on gina@yourcareerandfuture.com with any queries

"Saluting Our Sisters" is the theme of Black History Month 2023 in the UK. This has inspired today's topic of the Dive Into Your Career podcast - "32 awesome UK-connected black and mixed heritage women to follow on LinkedIn" (Part 2 if 3).

In this episode... I am proud to introduce 11 of the 32 women who will feature in this series. (If you've listened to the first episode you will see that there were meant to be 20... but I added a few more!)

Please note... there was no vote. There are no rankings. This isn't even divided by industry. Over the three parts, these episodes feature 32 black and mixed heritage women whose work I have seen up close or from afar and who I greatly admire. Importantly, for the purpose of this list - they are also active content creators and contributors on LinkedIn, the world's biggest online professional network - so aren't you lucky to be able to click a button in these show notes and follow them on the platform.

So here goes, here's the list. Do remember to make sure that you share this episode if it's of value to you and also subscribe to the Dive Into Your Career podcast to make sure you don't miss more valuable career development content. 

Names and LinkedIn links of 11 of our 32 women featured in this short series include the below. Listen to the episode for further details and context:

1. (11) Chichi Eruchalu
   Follow Chichi on LinkedIn
   
   
2. (12) Vee Kativhu
   Follow Vee on LinkedIn
   
   
3. (13) Dr Anne Marie Imafidon
   Follow Dr Imafidon on LinkedIn
   
   
4. (14) Rebecca Achieng Ajulu-Bushell
   Follow Rebecca on LinkedIn
   
   
5. (15) Kike Oniwinde Agoro
   Follow Kike on LinkedIn
   
   
6. (16) Lisa Anderson
   Follow Lisa on LinkedIn
   
   
7. (17) Sharon Thomas
   Follow Sharon on LinkedIn
   
   
8. (18) Faith Locken
   Follow Faith on LinkedIn
   
   
9. (19) Lady Phyll Opoku-Gyimah
   Follow Lady Phyll on LinkedIn
   
   
10. (20) Stacy Moore
    Follow Stacy on LinkedIn
    
    
11. (21) Michelle Raymond
    Follow Michelle on LinkedIn
    
    See you soon for part 3!
    
    

Do feel free to engage with this topic (or indeed with me) at any of the below:

• The Dive Into Your Career podcast page of the Your Career And Future website where you can also leave me a message suggesting a careers-related topic for a future episode
• Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok
• Via "Gina Visram" on LinkedIn (where they may be a post with a link to this episode where you can contribute some wisdom / reflections)
• Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow)
• E-mail me on gina@yourcareerandfuture.com with any queries

"Saluting Our Sisters" is the theme of Black History Month 2023 in the UK. This has inspired today's topic of the Dive Into Your Career podcast - "32 awesome UK-connected black and mixed heritage women to follow on LinkedIn" (Part 1).

***(Please note that since recording this episode - the total number of number of women mentioned in these 3 episodes will be 32)

In this episode... I am proud to introduce 10 of the 20 women who will feature in this series. 

Please note... there was no vote. There are no rankings. This isn't even divided by industry. Over the two parts, these episodes feature 20 black and mixed heritage women whose work I have seen up close or from afar and who I greatly admire. Importantly, for the purpose of this list - they are also active content creators and contributors on LinkedIn, the world's biggest online professional network - so aren't you lucky to be able to click a button in these show notes and follow them on the platform.
 
So here goes, here's the list. Do remember to make sure that you share this episode if it's of value to you and also subscribe to the Dive Into Your Career podcast to make sure you don't miss part 2 or any other amazing episodes ahead. 

Names and LinkedIn links of 10 of our 20 women featured in this short series include the below. Listen to the episode for further details and context:

1. Davinia Tomlinson
   Follow Davinia on LinkedIn
   
   
2. Jenny Garrett OBE
   Follow Jenny Garrett OBE in LinkedIn
   
   
3. Nova Reid
   Follow Nova Reid on LinkedIn
   
   
4. Veronica Patton-Cemm
   Follow Veronica Patton-Cemm on LinkedIn
   
   
5. Shola Mos-Shogbamimu
   Follow Shola Mos-Shogbamimu on LinkedIn
   
   
6. Ronke Lawal
   Follow Ronke Lawal on LinkedIn
   
   
7. Amina Yonis PhD
   Follow Amina Yonis PhD on LinkedIn
   
   
8. Akima Paul-Lambert
   Follow Akima Paul-Lambert  on LinkedIn
   
   
9. Denise Myers
   Follow Denise Myers on LinkedIn
   
   
10. Mildred Talabi
    Follow Mildred Talabi on LinkedIn
    
    See you soon for part 2!

Do feel free to engage with this topic (or indeed with me) at any of the below:

• The Dive Into Your Career podcast page of the Your Career And Future website where you can also leave me a message suggesting a careers-related topic for a future episode
• Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok
• Via "Gina Visram" on LinkedIn (where they may be a post with a link to this episode where you can contribute some wisdom / reflections)
• Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow)
• E-mail me on gina@yourcareerandfuture.com with any queries

How do I make new friends?

What is the accommodation like?

How does cleaning work in halls?

Conversations about creating a positive start to the new academic year are taking place far and wide - and while not all of these questions above are addressed - this 2-part episode episode highlighting "10 ways to have a positive start to the new academic year" is my contribution.

Listen to Part 1 (featuring numbers 1-5) here

In this episode of the Dive Into Your Career podcast - there are even more suggestions about how to create a good foundation for an amazing academic year ahead... including actively building employability skills (# 6) and start conversations (with curiosity) (# 10). 

Whether you are starting Year 12 in a new school or college; starting your undergraduate degree or even just determined to have a great year - regardless of your stage in education - I hope you will find a few suggestions here that you will commit to trying! 

As ever, it would be brilliant to hear about what resonates and what actions you take so feel free to DM me on Instagram, message me on LinkedIn or get in touch in any way (details below) to let me know how you are getting on. 

Have an amazing start to the academic year. You've got this! 

Do feel free to engage with this topic (or indeed with me) at any of the below:

• The Dive Into Your Career podcast page of the Your Career And Future website where you can also leave me a message suggesting a careers-related topic for a future episode
• Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok
• Via "Gina Visram" on LinkedIn (where they may be a post with a link to this episode where you can contribute some wisdom / reflections)
• Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow)
• E-mail me on gina@yourcareerandfuture.com with any queries