Making the Leap

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  Success Story - Christelle

  Christelle I came across the opportunity to take part in the ACE Programme at Making the Leap after finishing University. I noticed at the time that I needed to improve my networking skills when it comes to navigating the professional landscape. The Programme not only taught me how to navigate the this, but also how to utilise my already given talents, charisma, and raw life experiences, to package and present myself as a valuable candidate to my prospective employers. The ACE Programme has helped me knock down certain social barriers; as the first woman in my immediate family to go university, I felt that I owed it to my family to make them proud, not give up on myself, and to also pave a way for my siblings. I was eager to learn and get my foot in certain doors, and the programme enabled me to do so and has since guided me through my journey. Being able to have first-hand insight into some of the UK’s leading organisations through a multitude of industries, helped me to realise that it is not impossible to reach greater heights so long as I could visualise myself there and take the necessary steps to get there. I was able to exercise these newly learnt skills at a coffee morning with HSBC Bank where I got to network and eventual got a role in HSBC. Following my banking experience, I moved on to gaining great experience with a prominent law firm called Mishcon de Reya, where I truly enjoyed the professional atmosphere and saw the importance of building healthy relationships within the workspace; so much so I’ve still maintained my networks despite working in another organisation. I’m currently working for a Regulator and I have continued to nurture all the skills I gained from Making the Leap. Like any journey in life, my journey hasn’t been smooth sailing; however I do believe that I have gained extremely valuable tools from this Programme that continue to benefit me throughout my life even with opportunities I’ve gained outside of work. I am still continuously looking to grow, and I am excited to see what the future holds for me By Christelle

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  Success Story - Bindiya

  Bindiya                   I’m from North-West London. I graduated in 2018 with a 2:1 in Economics and Management from Brunel University London. After graduating, I decided it was time to step out of my comfort zone and welcome new experiences. I travelled to six countries across South-East Asia and Australia. On my return, I was expecting to come back with answers and know what I wanted from life, but instead I was still confused and looking for answers. But one thing I did know is that I was all for new challenges. Whilst attending my job search appointment, I saw a Making the Leap leaflet and thought let’s see what they’re about. In July 2019, I attended the 3-week ACE Programme, I remember being told that “every single person will leave here learning at least one thing”. That was true, I left with more self-confidence and belief that I was on the right path – my own path. With being open to new experiences and stepping out of my comfort zone, I networked and pitched myself to companies at the Social Mobility Careers Fair hosted by Making the Leap. This is where my career officially began. Mindshare was a company I was not aware of, but after speaking to the representatives I was intrigued to find out more. Networking further with the company, I managed to bag an interview! Applying to Mindshare; a media company was not one I expected as I thought the chances of me getting a job in an industry, I know so little of, were low. But after the 3-stage interview process I received the long-awaited good news. I am currently an Ecommerce Account Executive at Mindshare, working with Unilever and Amazon. To sum up my experience so far, I would definitely say it has been interesting, challenging, and fun (there are certainly some worthwhile perks being in the media industry!). Making the Leap have been amazing, and I would recommend anyone struggling to find a job to be open to help. The support and opportunities I received whilst with Making the Leap and after, has helped me in more ways than one. Thank you to those that have been part of my journey! By Bindiya, 25     Bindiya and her cohort on a corporate experience day.

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  Success Story - Sharleen

  Sharleen                   I graduated in Banking and International Finance from City, University of London in 2019. Prior to starting Making the Leap (MTL), I was looking for graduate jobs in the Accounting and Banking sector throughout my final year of university, but never managed to reach or even pass the 2nd stage at most. Even after I finished university in June, I continued to look for graduate positions full time, but still failed to achieve any. I was starting to lose hope and motivation, but, fortunately, I managed to come across MTL in the following January. I first heard about Making the Leap through my university. I thought the workshop was a great initiative but having been to countless career events at my university, I didn’t really think I would learn anything more than what I already knew. But, boy, was I wrong! I loved my experience at MTL and it was probably one of the best decisions I have ever made. Throughout my time there, I came out of my comfort zone and undertook personal challenges. The activities involved really bolstered my growth and changed my perspectives on how to tackle applications, cover letters, interviews and many more. I was able to develop on my skills and understanding, by taking on interesting and insightful challenges. The best moment I experienced at the workshop was that I did not feel alone. I was able to enjoy my time and feel comfortable doing activities with other people who were in a similar situation as me. The more I spent time with my peers, the more I thoroughly enjoyed it and felt at ease. Everyone was very supportive and friendly, and I really loved spending time with them. My peers honestly made my experience. We were able to grow as individuals together. The workshop has definitely exceeded my expectations and I feel that it has met my intentions as well as many more, I couldn’t be more grateful. Everyone working for MTL is amazing, their support and faith in us has been exceptional. I have no words to describe their commitment to us. It’s been a wonderful journey and I have learnt so much in such a short space of time. Making the Leap has strengthened my confidence and my preparation. It left me feeling more optimistic, stronger and motivated. It has also made me considerably more confident from the mass of exercises and I feel I am more willing to undertake challenges that are out of my comfort zone because I know ultimately it will help me grow. I am always looking for ways to enhance my self-development and MTL has definitely contributed to that tremendously. For anyone who is considering MTL, definitely take the opportunity. It is worth the time and commitment, and I guarantee you will learn something new and expand on skills you thought you couldn’t. Even just the little things can make a huge difference. I underestimated the impact it can have on my personal growth and career goals. But now, I am recommending it to my friends and family. I would say my journey to get to where I am now has been a long and tough ride. Before this workshop, I was receiving countless and countless of rejections and was starting to lose motivation. For me, I am someone who is very career-focused and not achieving my ideal graduate position really dampened my dreams. However, since starting MTL, as each day passed, it had continuously had a positive impact on my mindset. After leaving, I continued to maintain that positivity and incorporate what I learnt into real life. As a result, I have now achieved an Audit Assistant graduate job at RSM. Alongside this, I intend to study for the ACA. I hope to become a qualified Chartered Accountant in the next 3 years, where I can then progress into more senior positions or explore a different sector within my field. I would just like to thank everyone at MTL for strengthening my personal development and allowing me to achieve my dreams. I will forever cherish everyone here at MTL. By Sharleen, aged 24       Sharleen and her Workshop cohort on graduation day.

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  Succes Story - Umra

  Umra                   I was brought up in North London and went to a relatively good state school. I had to work hard to motivate myself because I knew I could only help myself. I was always ambitious but didn’t know how to articulate it. With good GCSE grades and A-levels, I decided to study English at Queen Mary University because the modules suited my interests. When I graduated, I found that my lack of work experience meant I was behind in the job market and my peers were favoured for jobs. The biggest barrier I faced was that I struggled to apply my theoretical knowledge to practical work skills like teamwork and time management. I first heard about Making The Leap when, travelling home disappointed after not getting past the interview stage of a job application, I met someone who’d attended the Workshop and advised me to try it. He mentioned that Making The Leap had helped him secure a good job and improved his confidence. I was not getting any application replies so I took his advice and signed up with enthusiasm. When I started the Workshop I was unsure how participating in a three-week workshop would actually help me. However, I soon came to learn that soft skills were as important as technical skills. I realised I had talents, such as presenting and marketing, which the activities helped me to improve. This fundamental change in mindset would not have been possible without the well-planned sessions that push you to get out of your comfort zone. One of the key things they teach you at Making The Leap is that it’s all about taking that first step and trusting in the good that can come from it, as so many success stories start and end differently. The staff and volunteers help you to demystify the application process and give you tailored feedback which suits your career goals and circumstances. I still remember when the Career Coach said: “you need to take the power back and tell yourself that the employer needs you and not the other way around”. This confidence boost triggered me to apply for jobs I didn’t think I’d get and speculatively ask my network about roles. I even became more forthcoming and articulate in how to sell my skills to prospective employers. At the end of the Workshop, I applied for and was offered a four-week Social Media Internship. This wouldn’t have happened without my improved self-confidence. It was my first professional role so I was nervous when I started but settled in quickly. I learnt so much about Social Media but also how to manage expectations of myself and communicate effectively with colleagues. It was a very practical and uniquely challenging experience that I am proud of. One of the key lessons I took from the whole experience is that we can be an obstacle to our own success. A rejection from our dream employer can trigger a lot of negative self-talk. Truly believing that you are an asset is hard but essential. Making The Leap are the most unique organisation I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. The experience they provided was what I needed to bridge the gap between education and work. They have empowered me to understand the job market and believe I can be successful. I am now working as a Partnerships Coordinator for Comic Relief. I’m so glad I worked with them and can’t recommend it enough. By Umra, aged 23 Umra with her Workshop cohort on the way to a corporate visit

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  Success Story - Bernard

  Bernard My name is Bernard, I’m a 22-year-old from South-West London. I graduated in 2018 with a 2:1 in Accounting and Finance from the University of Northampton. After graduating, I had been applying for different roles within the finance sector but I was not getting past the interview stage. I felt that I had a lack of ability and experience that was hindering me when compared with the other candidates. Despite achieving a good degree, knowing that I lacked experience did not make me feel very confident when applying for entry-level and graduate jobs – I felt that employers would see it as a disadvantage. I found out about Making The Leap through my Work Coach, who told me what a great experience it would be. Coming into it, I did not know what to expect but I was willing to give it a try due to all the positive things I’d heard. On my first day I still had mixed feelings but, as the week went on, I could really see what they were trying to achieve and I began to enjoy the whole process. My best moment was being forced out of my comfort zone at OakNorth Bank. By stretching myself and my abilities, I learned I was able to perform under pressure. The Making The Leap Workshop builds your confidence and allows you to develop professional etiquette due to how the process is structured. Each day is different and there are several activities that you will participate in that not only test you but allow you to demonstrate skills you may not have realised you had. Personally, I developed professional skills such as strong verbal communication, and I also improved my self-confidence. Bernard and the April Workshop Graduates The resilience that I developed on the Workshop made me confident for the job interview that I succeeded in. I had learned so much about interpersonal skills and truly believed I was as good any other candidate, which allowed me to show my personality and attributes during the interview process. I am now working as a Trainee Business Advisor, with study support towards a professional qualification, at Richard Place Dobson. I am very optimistic for the future and aim to become a chartered accountant. I would strongly encourage any person to give the Making The Leap Workshop a try – you will definitely take many positives out of the process. There is a lot of support and it doesn’t cost anything but a bit of your time for three weeks. By Bernard, aged 22

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  Success Story - Nadeem

  Nadeem                   I am 22 years old, from West London and a recent Business Management graduate from the University of Westminster. So far, all my work experience has been retail-based and I’ve never stepped into an office with a suit on, which has always been a dream of mine. I have faced many challenges throughout my life and failed many times, but I’ve always got back up and tried. I always dreamed big but that meant a lot of hard work, dedication and resilience. I struggled to stay motivated a lot of the time due to challenges I faced and at some points I felt like I wouldn’t make it anywhere. Before coming to Making The Leap, I had never got passed an initial phone interview. I didn’t have the confidence to talk to someone over the phone, didn’t really know how to approach different companies and never knew what to include in my applications. It got me down because I felt like I wasn’t wanted, but really the way I was applying wasn’t correct. Searching for inspiration, I started looking at motivational quotes and watching YouTube speeches on personal development. I began to realise that no matter whose house you are born in, your hands do the work and your body makes the sweat, so your grind will make you shine. Those words spurred me on, so it was amazing when, years later, I heard the same words at Making The Leap from Tunde. My introduction to Making The Leap came through my older brother who, after graduating from university, completed the Workshop after two years of unemployment. He promised me I would get some sort of benefit from it and pushed me to go. After speaking to Rosa on the Engagement Team, I could see this was right for me. The staff Making The Leap have the rare ability to connect with and help anyone. The organisation is made up of such a unique group of people that, once you meet a few of the team, you just feel like you are in the right place. Nadeem presenting on a corporate visit to Foxtons The main benefit I got from my time at Making The Leap was understanding myself more. It wasn’t like school where the same rules apply to everyone – I felt loved and cared for because of the individual help I was given. My Career Coach, Karem, quickly learned things about me and, because of the way she spoke to me about them, I really felt like someone wanted to help me. That helped me open up about what I needed to do to be a success. My main issues were confidence and not being able to talk about myself, which is precisely what I’m doing here! I also improved many technical skills such as presenting and, a few days ago, presented my story to August’s Workshop. It felt so normal I didn’t even break a sweat! Another characteristic I developed, which I didn’t really know about before, was emotional intelligence. I grew to understand the feelings of others and adapted to situations in order to achieve something. Another key part of the Workshop was gaining insights into professional environments. I made a promise to myself not to take pictures from the high-rise office windows so I could do it when I actually worked in a place like that. Meeting people who have made something out of nothing made me realise it could be me – that gave me so much motivation to better myself. On Workshop graduation day, Karem gave a short speech about each of us. It was my best moment and I walked out of the office feeling invincible. I felt like if I put my energy into something, I could do whatever I wanted. I recently accepted a position as a Programme Consultant at Global University Systems and my plan for the next few years is to work my way up to a managerial role and lead a team. I will also volunteer for the Army Cadets where I can gain other skills I need for my future career. Making The Leap really changed my character and thinking, helping me understand the world better. Before the Workshop, the ‘right’ career for me meant having a steady, monthly income and a smile on my Mother’s face. Now, ‘right’ means having a network of peers; developing my skills; planning a career before getting into it; taking the time before communicating with people; applying for something I feel comfortable doing; researching companies and getting to know workplaces. And, of course, a smile on both my Mothers face and mine. My success story may just be words to those reading but I, and many others, are living proof that working on yourself will get you to where you want to be. Stay positive, always give 110% in everything you do and you will shine. You will stand out and you will be where you want to be. Apply yourself and make a change in your life. Starting now. By Nadeem, aged 22 Graduation day for Nadeem and the April Workshop cohort