National Careers Week: Your path, your way!
This National Careers Week (NCW), following this year’s theme of ‘own your future’, we asked our advisers to share the paths that led them to becoming Careers Advisers. And one thing is clear, when it comes to your career route… expect some twists and turns!
From unexpected first jobs to surprising career changes, our advisers’ stories show that every experience counts. Each step, even the ones that didn’t go to plan, helped shape where they are today. As the saying goes, “The journey is the destination.”
Some lessons from our advisers’ experiences…
#1 You can learn something from everything
You may study a subject or take on a job that doesn’t seem connected to your future career, but every experience builds transferable skills.
“My journey definitely wasn’t straightforward! Before becoming a Careers Adviser, I worked in hospitality, retail and even funeral services. I then moved into student services and school outreach at an FE college before finally working in careers and education in schools.
Every role taught me something different – communication, empathy, organisation, resilience. Looking back, none of it was wasted. It all led me here.” – Nicole Moore, Careers Adviser
#2 What can feel like a setback, can actually be a redirection
Not achieving the grades or role you hoped for doesn’t mean the end, it may just mean a different path forward.
“I didn’t achieve the A Level grades I hoped for – I got D E E – and at the time it felt like a setback. After this, I secured a Level 2 apprenticeship as a SEN Teaching Assistant, then worked 1-2-1 supporting students with complex medical needs. I completed my Level 3 in Teaching and Learning while working. I applied for three Level 3 TA roles and was unsuccessful each time because I ‘didn’t have enough experience’. It was frustrating but I didn’t give up. Eventually, I secured a Level 3 role and stayed for several years before progressing to become a Careers Adviser. Now, I’m completing a Level 6 degree apprenticeship and I’m so close to the finish line!” Amy Green, Careers Adviser
#3 Your career can evolve as your interests become clearer
Sometimes you begin in one direction and gradually realise where you truly want to be.
“I began my career as a medical secretary in a hospital. After that, I moved into school administration, and later became a Sixth Form Learning Manager. Each role brought me closer to supporting young people directly – and that’s what eventually led me into careers guidance. Sometimes your career doesn’t start where you expect, but every step moves you forward.” Alison Pass, Careers Adviser
#4 It’s never too late to change direction
Even with an established, successful career, you can pivot towards something new – and still thrive!
“I started my career as a Supply Chain Analyst at Boots head office, coordinating logistics for Boots Healthcare. I then became a Skincare Buyer, testing and selecting products for Boots stores nationwide. After that, I moved to Morrisons head office as a Buying Manager, responsible for a £100M account and leading a team of buyers. Later, I became a National Account Manager at Molson Coors, working on major accounts like Sainsbury’s and Tesco. Eventually, I moved into education as a 14–16 mentor and discovered a new passion! I trained as a Careers Adviser, became Careers Lead at Garforth Academy, and now work with Progress Careers. My journey proves that career changes are possible at any stage, and success in one sector can transfer to another.” Rachel Costoya, Careers Adviser
#5 Follow your passions but allow them to evolve!
Your dream might shift over time, and that’s completely okay.
“I studied Equine Science, taught horse riding and worked at Topshop – all while volunteering as a Teaching Assistant because I loved working with young people. I started teacher training and worked as a Cover Supervisor, but realised it wasn’t the right fit. I wanted to help young people differently. I moved into student welfare, then FE supporting vulnerable learners, and later worked as a Community Engagement Officer. Finally, I became a Careers Adviser – inspired by the advisers I saw supporting young people. I’ve spent 16 years in education, in many different roles, but my motivation has always been the same: to be the person I wish I’d had growing up. (And secretly, I’d still love to join the mounted police one day!) – Sophie Short, Careers Adviser
#6 Your passion can show up in many different careers
The theme of your career might stay the same, even if the job titles change.
“I began working as a sales assistant at 16 while studying Nutrition at university. Over time, I progressed into management roles in clothing and jewellery stores. I discovered I loved developing and training people, which led me into education as an Apprenticeship Assessor. From there, I moved into pastoral and academic mentoring in schools and sixth forms. I then trained as a Careers Adviser with Progress Careers and progressed into my current role as Operations Manager, leading the South team. My career has always been about developing people, I’ve just done it in different ways! – Rebecca Darby, Operations Manager
#7 Sometimes your path brings you back to where you started…
…but this time with new experiences, skills, and perspective to guide you forward.
“Careers Adviser was my first career (and it will be my last!) Before qualifying, I worked in a careers office doing admin tasks like tracking NEET figures. Alongside school, sixth form and university, I had all sorts of part-time jobs: shop work, fruit picking, bar work, Christmas post office shifts, admin roles and even delivering brand-new cars each August. I later worked in local authority and Connexions services, managing careers and youth services before moving into special educational needs. In 2025, I returned to being a Careers Adviser – where I started. (And I’m also a qualified running coach!) Sometimes you come full circle and realise you were in the right place all along! Gill Fox, Careers Adviser
#8 Embrace experiences! They teach us what we want and don’t want for our futures…
Different environments, sectors and experiences make you adaptable and confident.
“I was a Business & IT Teacher, but also taught Health & Social Care, Travel & Tourism, Public Services and Food Technology! Because my husband was in the Army, I moved frequently – teaching IT to soldiers, students in Germany, and even primary pupils. Along the way I’ve worked as a Cinema Manager in Cyprus, served in the Army Reserves as a Data Telegrapher in the Royal Signals Corps, worked in a butcher’s shop from age 13–17, taught youth offenders, and worked in bars and restaurants. All before becoming a Careers Adviser. I’ve embraced every change and enjoyed the variety – careers don’t have to follow one straight line! – Caroline Larsen, Careers Adviser
#9 Skills are transferable, even across completely different industries
“I worked as a Quality Assurance Engineer in a company manufacturing hand tools. My role focused on precision, problem-solving and maintaining high standards – skills I now use in a different way when supporting young people with their futures. Even technical careers can lead somewhere unexpected.” – Sean Panting, Careers Adviser
#10 Doing what you enjoy often reveals your true calling
The role you love most might point you towards your long-term future.
“I started out as a PR club promoter and danced for four major clubs in Glasgow, while running one of the club bars. I progressed into hospitality management, then moved into recruitment for the hospitality sector. That led me into employment advice – which I loved! Supporting people into work made me realise I wanted to go further into careers guidance. I’ve now worked in careers guidance for 15 years. Sometimes the job you enjoy most points you towards your true career.” – Mel Craven, Operations Manager
#11 No job is ever “just a job”
Every role teaches you something valuable.
“I’ve had a variety of roles – including secondary school teacher and outreach worker – but one of my most unexpected jobs was working as an Intelligence Officer for the Environment Agency, tackling environmental crime. My very first job was as a pot washer in my local pub. After three months, I became a waitress and stayed there for six years while I studied through school, college and university. No job is ever “just a job” – they all teach you something.” – Katharine Atkinson, Careers Adviser
