How do you feel about where you're at in your career?

I had this idea throughout most of secondary school that I wanted to be a Dentist, but after going on work experience in a dental surgery that quickly changed. This left me in a weird place - knowing I definitely wanted to go into higher education after my A-Levels, but unsure of what I would do after that. I decided to to apply to study Psychology since human behaviour and interaction always intrigued me, and I hoped by the time I completed my degree I would maybe have a better understanding of myself and be in a better position to figure out what I wanted to do. In my last semester of my undergraduate studies, I enrolled to study a module in Occupational Psychology which I thoroughly enjoyed. I then went on to study a Masters degree in Occupational Psychology, but during this time I fell ill and I was in and out of hospital for almost a year, having over 10 surgeries. Yea, it was a pretty intense time but I was determined to finish what I started. If you’d told me when I graduated that I would go on to work in a data focused role in HR, I wouldn’t have believed it! My dad always says 'Whatever you do, do it well. You never know who is watching' - this is a piece of advice I have carried with me since the beginning of my career journey. I’ve achieved a lot more than I thought I could in a short space of time. Being proactive about learning and improving myself has been a key driver to my success so far. Also just winging it in the process!  Who knows where I will be in ten years’ time?! #TadsForPrimeMinister2030

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What’s the biggest challenge that you face in your professional life?

I think we all face challenges at some point at work. For me, it’s negative thoughts - overcoming any negative thoughts and being courageous enough to trust my abilities and decisions when faced with difficult situations.

 

Are role models important to you?

Absolutely! I feel there’s a need for a lot more role models young people from different backgrounds can relate to in the professional world. There are so many untold stories of successful young BAME professionals, and  look at it from the point of view that if there’s something you want to be, and you don’t see it, then it’s an opportunity go for it, tell your story, shout about your achievements so that someone else can see that it’s possible. You never know who you will inspire!

 

What advice would you give to young people who are still starting off in their career?

Remember that things may not always go as planned but that’s okay. Be open minded and have a willingness to adapt to change. The road to where I am now has been full of twists and turns, but what kept me going was my ability to embrace change and take on new challenges. Focus on your abilities, have a strong support network and go for it. One of my favourite proverbs is ‘Still waters run deep.’ You will never understand the power of water when it’s still. As a young person, if you’re constantly going to be standing still, never testing yourself or getting out of your comfort zone you will never understand your power. Be fluid, enter new spaces, drive yourself, step into new opportunities- you will adjust!