WHO ARE THEY?

Zane is a Year 12 learner at a Sixth Form in Bradford. He enjoys keeping fit and walking in nature. He wants to pursue a career in finance and looks up to his cousins, who have become successful in similar industries. He has enjoyed helping with the family finances at home. Although he was determined to be successful ahead of taking part in Higher Education (HE) Careers Coaching, he needed some reassurance.

“I just thought, you know, I like doing this. I found it fun where other people find it boring”

[in relation to helping with family finances]

THE LEARNER’S EXPERIENCE OF HIGHER EDUCATION CAREERS COACHING

Zane took part in GHWY’s HE Careers Coaching, attending two 1-1 sessions with a Careers Coach. Prior to that, he had attended a GHWY talk by an apprenticeship provider. During his first session with a Careers Coach, Zane discussed his options and completed an activity using ‘Know Your Strengths’ cards. As a result, his understanding of what he wants to do in the future deepened, and he felt reassured that he has the skills to do it. Talking to the coach also helped him reflect on the apprenticeship talk and feel more sure of himself and his potential choices.

“It showed me all the skills I would have learned in those subjects and I think this made me more sure of myself.”

[in relation to the ‘Know Your Strengths’ activity]

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

HE Careers Coaching gave Zane the confidence and reassurance he needed to move forward with his career plans and make an informed decision based on his values and his skills. Zane’s experience also demonstrates the importance of repeat encounters, when a memory of a previous experience can re-emerge during a reflective conversation later down the line. Although Zane would have preferred more time to unpick this, Uni Connect enabled Zane to make connections between his skills, experiences and pathway options through tailored coaching and conversation.

“When you’re talking to someone about what you want to do, you think over it yourself, and you get the reassurance of the other person.”