You can! You just need to believe it

A woman making positive steps forward in her career.

The theme for this year's National Careers Week is "You Can!" And of course you can.

The best advice my grandma ever said to me was ‘You can do anything you put your mind to’ and she was right. She usually was!

It’s all about having the right attitude, the motivation, the necessary skills and knowing where to seek the right support and guidance.

But it’s not always easy. There are likely to be obstacles to overcome but if you take the step forward, you will develop resilience and adopt a growth mindset.

Believe in yourself and others will too

After 15 years of working as a journalist I felt institutionalised and was fearful of leaving a job I knew inside out. But I underestimated the skills and experience I had and how transferrable they were. My next job was working for a national charity, Macmillan Cancer Support, where my background was invaluable. This facilitated a life working in London, something I’d not considered possible before, and the opportunity to learn new skills.

No experience is wasted

I recently volunteered at a careers event for sixth formers and college leavers where I talked to hundreds of young people about their career aspirations.

My icebreaker was a list of all the jobs I had done and the different skills each one had given me.

Beginning with my holiday job as a cheese packer (punctuality), my first ‘proper job’ as a trainee journalist (attention to detail), though to Features Editor (creativity), Head of Digital (SEO and social media management), Communications Manager (Brand and Marketing), Project Manager and Change Management at Macmillan Cancer Support (organisational change and Excel!), to working in higher education as Head of Corporate Communications (crisis communications) – before finally using all that experience and insight to become a Professional Coach – supporting individuals and organisations with their personal and professional development.

Embrace change

I didn’t have a career plan mapped out for any of these roles and at times I didn’t have the experience in the field, or the qualifications required, but I was willing to have a go.

At the time these hurdles often felt insurmountable, but I tackled it by finding the right support and doing the right training.

I had a steep learning curve when I became head of digital, managing a team of experts, when I had yet to learn the basics of SEO and content management systems.

I got my project management qualification about a year after accepting the role.

By gaining new skills, I not only expanded my expertise but also became empowered to pursue new opportunities.

Who can help?

Developing a support network is vital. Naturally friends and family can be a source of support, but it is really valuable to find professional support as well, such as a mentor and coach.

Mentors can offer expertise in the field while coaches can help you overcome obstacles, and keep you motivated and focused on your career goals. Peer support can also be invaluable as you can learn from each other.

A gift for you

So, if you’ re exploring potential career pathways, or at a crossroads in your career, and want to focus on you and your goals I am offering you a free 30-minute call to give you some specific support.  

Book your free call

Remember ‘You Can!’

Believe in your capabilities, step out of your comfort zones and embrace change.

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