Meet Andy, our new Careers Beyond Covid Administrator
Where were you before you became Career Beyond Covid’s Administrator?
I worked for the University of Brighton for a number of years organising their recruitment events. I enjoyed meeting a wide variety of people and inspiring young people. I was excited when the Careers Beyond Covid opportunity came up because it incorporated so much that I love and is helping young people in a way that I believe is crucially important right now.
What drew you to the role?
It was personal experience. My daughter was looking for work in 2020 and I felt so much for her. She sent off hundreds of applications and had no response. I saw how despondent the process made her and so I was immediately drawn to the positive, practical support the Careers Beyond Covid programme offers. I could see how much of a difference if would have made to her.
What does a typical day involve?
There’s no such thing as a typical day! Sometimes I’ll be talking with our delivery partners about what employers are looking for and how we can respond to that, and others I’ll be talking young people through the sign up process for the programme so that they can get the most out of it.
This year we’re going to be running lots more group and one-to-one tutorials to help guide young people through all the support they can access.
What is unique about the Careers Beyond Covid programme?
I’ve been really impressed by how holistic it is. It sees the whole person behind the job search. When a young person signs up for the programme we offer them tailored careers guidance with fully qualified careers advisors, help them develop their job searching and interview skills and where necessary, work with them on wider skills like building resilience and confidence and managing anxiety.
What one thing would you want to tell people about the programme?
I’d tell them it’s really necessary and valuable. The struggle young people face is genuine. When they can’t find work, it’s not for want of trying. The job landscape at the moment is incredibly tough. But by supporting them with quality guidance, helping them broaden their horizons and by bolstering their real world skills we can give them a signifcant boost on their journey to finding that first all-important role.
What message would you give a young person currently looking for work and struggling?
I’d say don’t give up! It’s such a cliché, but it really does only take one positive answer to turn everything around. My daughter is now working in a management role for Co-Op and absolutely loving it. I wish she could have seen into the future while she was searching.
What one piece of advice would you give to a young person to increase their likelihood of securing a role?
I’d give three pieces of advice if that's allowed:
1. Stay positive because employers will be attracted to the energy you give off
2. Broaden your horizons. We often see young people who have an incredibly narrow view of what they want to do, but the minute they think laterally, exciting new opportunities open up
3. Sign up to Careers Beyond Covid! It’s free and the support you get might just set you on the path to a bright future. What’s not to love?
Find out more about the Careers Beyond Covid programme or sign up today by clicking here. It could be the start of an exciting journey...