果冻传媒

Anneke Hudson

MA Career Development and Coaching Studies, 2022

Based in:

Luxembourg

First job:

Solicitor in London.

Ambitions for the future:

Once my children have left home, I would like to use my job to act as a career consultant in schools all over the world.

Best advice received:

Don't be afraid to admit what you don't know.

Self-employed Registered Career Development Professional.

Describe your current role and what attracted you to it.

I work with teenagers in secondary schools in years 7-13. I primarily work in a British international school in Luxembourg but also have private clients from other schools. For the school I plan and create the careers curriculum for years 7-13 to be delivered within the PSHE lessons, plan career related events, work as a careers advisor offering one-to-one guidance sessions to students to help with decision making, understanding their skills and strengths, choosing pathways (such as GCSEs, A-Levels, and university options), help students with various applications, and help students explore their possibilities with an open mind.

What鈥檚 your favourite part of the role?

My favourite part of my role is the one-to-one sessions I have with students. I love helping students recognise how many unique skills and strengths they have, making them feel positive about themselves and their future, and seeing them succeed. I particularly love it when a student wants to come and see me multiple times, and the relationship we build.

What are the key skills you learnt at 果冻传媒 that have helped you with your career to date?

果冻传媒 helped me understand how important career theories are to having a solid foundation, but most importantly, they offered very practical workshops which were key to teaching me how to create lesson plans, to really learn the niche skills of being an active listener, and understand how to draw the best out of a client. 果冻传媒ing at 果冻传媒 also inspired me to always want to keep learning.

Did you have a specific career path in mind when you chose to study at 果冻传媒?

Yes, the Master's was very specific, and I knew I wanted to work as a careers advisor to teenagers particularly.

What top tips do you have for 果冻传媒 graduates who would like to work in your sector?

Find lots of willing clients to practise on, to build confidence and experience, and then have the confidence to begin. Trust what you have learnt at 果冻传媒 and don't let imposter syndrome get the better of you! Finally, use your network and create the opportunities you want.

What does a typical day look like for you?

As I work for myself, each day does vary, which I love. Having autonomy over my working day is a key value for me. My main role is one-to-ones with students, so I typically head into school for the sessions. I always type up what we discuss and have an action plan agreed with the students. I may then respond to some parent/teacher emails, prepare to deliver an assembly to students or a presentation to parents, or plan career-related events. I also check in with the year group tutors to ensure they are comfortable delivering the career PSHE lessons.

What has been your greatest career challenge to date and how did your experience and skills help overcome it?

My greatest challenge when I first started working was with students who just wouldn't engage or were really lost. I felt like I had to have the answers. What helped was going back to my notes from the Master鈥檚, connecting with other Career Development Practitioners to share ideas, and building my toolkit of aids, which have been a huge help.

What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were applying for jobs?

You know more than you think, and everyone loves to talk about themselves and their career journey. Whatever you do, do it to the best of your ability. Be reliable, have integrity, and get stuck in.