Before Making The Leap, I graduated in 2019 with a degree in Fashion Promotion and Communication. Post-graduation, I freelanced at a Digital Marketing agency and in 2020, I decided I wanted to pursue a full-time career in public relations.

I soon found out that PR is a fiercely competitive industry with a tough application process, at first I couldn’t secure an interview. I even invested in CV scanning apps and CV building sessions, but no luck. During my job search, I was referred to Making The Leap through my work coach from JobCentre Plus.

The Virtual ACE Programme was, in a nutshell, incredible. During the programme, I attended networking sessions, masterclasses and received tailored 1 to 1 career support, as well as this, I learnt so much from my Fellows, the MTL team, and guest speakers. I was fortunate enough to still get the full Making The Leap experience despite the restrictions of the pandemic. Natalie’s sessions were fun, engaging, interactive, informative, and gave me all the tools I needed to thrive in a professional environment. I was introduced to a group of young people like myself which was inspiring to know I was not the only one going through this difficult time. It was lovely to be part of a friendly and supportive environment.

Even after the workshop I felt fully supported. I received regular check-ins from Krupa and had relevant job opportunities sent to me from the MTL team. I was very fortunate to have the help of two mentors who both led very inspiring careers and had a wealth of experience to share with me. For every application and interview I completed, my mentors were there to support me every step of the way. From reviewing my cover letters to holding mock interviews and regular pep talks, at no point did I feel like I was going through this process alone.

I was soon referred to a PR account executive position by one of my mentors. Ironically I had seen a similar role at the same agency but didn’t apply because I thought I was not qualified enough. I was thrilled to find that I got through to the final interview stages. Admittedly imposter syndrome quickly sunk in and I became incredibly nervous about the final interview, this was a global agency where I would be taking on larger responsibilities than I was used to. At the same time, I was offered a Kickstarter role doing social media at another smaller company, I thought that this would be more suited to my experience and almost couldn’t go through with the final interview. After speaking to my career champions, they both encouraged me to aim high and reassured me that I was perfectly qualified to take on this role. Now, I am thrilled to say that I have been working as an Account Executive for Hill and Knowlton Strategies for 5 months.

Without speaking to my career champions, there is no way I would have had the confidence to go through with my final interview and land my dream role. And that is what I love the most about Making The Leap, it’s not about keeping score of the number of jobs they can secure their Fellows, instead they see your true potential give you that confidence to dream bigger, aim higher, and achieve more.

I only have MTL to thank for this incredible start to my career. I’m thrilled and grateful to have secured a position at Hill and Knowlton Strategies and plan to pursue a long term career in PR. I would say to any young person that’s feeling stuck, doesn’t have the confidence to get themselves out there to join this programme. Once you’re in, take all the opportunities the team offers you, attend the masterclasses, meet with your career champions, go to the careers fair, be curious and ask questions – you’ll learn so much more that way.

The enthusiasm and passion from MTL is unmatched, you’ll be introduced to an incredible team that cares as much about securing you a role as much as you do and will offer you a lifetime of support. Thank you Making The Leap for your time and endless generosity!