I graduated from university around 3 years ago now with a Politics and International Relations degree. I initially did struggle to get a job after university but managed to get a position at a think tank through networking at an event. However, the period in which I struggled most to find employment was just after the first lockdown started in 2020. After consistently applying for jobs and writing countless cover letters, a friend referred me to the programme because they had completed the workshop a few weeks prior and found it immensely useful. What I found most useful from the workshop were all the tips and tricks I learned in regards to preparing for an interview. I learned to articulate exactly why I wanted the job and confidently declare all the reasons why my qualifications, experience, and personal attributes meant I deserved to get the job. Preparing my answers to questions that might arise was something I had struggled with in the past. I also learned how to go about researching a prospective employer. So, I am immensely grateful to Making the Leap for all the training and support!

Sheila and her cohort on the virtual ACE workshop.

I am now pleased to say I am a Client Strategy Associate in the Digital Marketing team of a leading e-commerce cloud platform and paid advertising company. I definitely see myself being in a leadership position in the future, and Making The Leap empowered me to rediscover the ambition in me after so many months of lockdown and job searching. I believe that MTL has changed the way I interact with people in the (virtual) workplace, whether that be with colleagues, senior members of staff, or clients. I am now much more confident in my abilities and competence, which has changed how I conduct myself around others because I know that I deserve to be there and heard.

So, to all the young people out there either considering or already using MTL’s services, I would say take full advantage of all the support offered. Dedicate yourself during the workshop so you can compile a set of guidelines and valuable advice you can later always refer back to when you continue your job search!

By Sheila.