Name: Carrie
Job title: Careers Advisor
What exactly is that?
I work with students in a secondary school to give them advice about their future career pathways.
How did you get there?
I trained as a secondary geography teacher but have always been interested in knowing what happens when someone leaves school and what jobs are available to them. My friends used to ask me to check their CVs and help them prepare for interviews so working in careers advice and getting qualifications in this area was a natural progression route for me.
Give us a picture of a typical day for you
I arrive in school before 8.30am and my first job is to meet a guest speaker for assembly. We work in partnership to deliver a presentation about employability skills in preparation for work experience week. Next I do some administration work; checking emails and making bookings for a careers fair that is taking place in a few weeks. At 11am,
I stop for a break and catch up with some of my colleagues for 15 minutes before leading a session to year 11 students about CV writing. Then I offer some individual careers interviews (which is the bit I enjoy the most) where students discuss their ideas and plans with me and I make some suggestions about how they can turn their ideas in to reality.
Lunch is a quick sandwich which I eat on the run as I go to visit a local college in the afternoon to learn more about a new apprenticeship training scheme that they are launching. At 3.15, I return to school to train some tutors about how to run careers activities with students in their form groups. I finish by checking emails and checking what is going to be happening at school the following day. I leave work around 5pm and head home to relax before meeting friends for dinner.
What’s the best thing about what you do?
Listening to young people discuss their plans and ideas, being able to make a positive difference and supporting them to turn their ideas in to reality.
What’s the one thing you would change if you could?
Schools are always busy places, I would like more time to focus on one particular job without interruptions
Tell us about one thing you were insecure about when you were at school
I worried about my friends opinions of me and didn’t particularly enjoy secondary school. I really wanted to be accepted by other people.
What advice would you have given yourself at 18 years old?
Spend more time thinking and planning about what you want to do and then really go for it; Be confident to try different things, meet new people and go to new places.
What’s your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Exploring new places, spending time with good friends and eating good food!
What’s the title of the last book you read?
The Good, The Bad and the Dumped by Jenny Colgan
Share with us one beauty tip you have learned
Smile and take an interest in other people
Please share with us one money tip you have learned
Save! Try not to waste money on things you don’t really need. Volunteering for festivals often means that you can enjoy the event for free.
Please share one life lesson you have learned
Don’t give too much of yourself away to other people. Don’t be afraid to spend time on your own, everyone needs a bit of space.
Tell us about your favourite recent purchase under £25
Paul Mitchell super sculpt for girls with curly hair!
Where can people find you online for more info?
You can contact me through the Girl Did Good website with any questions
