Dive into your Career

The word "Overwhelm" is used in many contexts and in this episode of the Dive Into Your Career podcast - we are taking about it's definition as having too much to deal with. (Ha - a little but like how I felt when my computer didn't want to save this edited episode due to the disk being too full - Aaaaargh - but I digress!)The timing and topic is inspired by a LinkedIn post from fellow Registered Career Development Professional Elizabeth Lloyd - and of course, here in the world of Your Career And Future and Dive Into Your Career - we are always taking about facilitating the journey from education to employment being in a spirit of joy and optimism, not fear and overwhelm. (You can click here for the LinkedIn post mentioned - which includes some useful tips)Listen in to get 6 top tips to support your overwhelm... ... and a good range of context before the tips - to set the scene and get you thinking of your own circumstance/s (as well as excuses and priorities)Also - why don't you come along to a 90-minute "Sort out your summer" workshop if this is one of the priorities for you right now. For a teeny financial investment in yourself, I am happy to help you efficiently and enjoyably take some brilliant steps towards carving out a balanced summer including some game-changing career development opportunities. Click here to buy a place on the workshop. Listen in.You won't want to miss this one. Do feel free to engage with this topic (or indeed with me) at any of the below: The Dive Into Your Career podcast page of the Your Career And Future website where you can also leave me a message suggesting a careers-related topic for a future episode Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok Via "Gina Visram" on LinkedIn (where they may be a post with a link to this episode where you can contribute some wisdom / reflections) Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow) E-mail me on gina@yourcareerandfuture.com with any queries

As a school or university student, the term time / holiday cycles mean you have multiple opportunities a year to have greater control of your time. Whether it's the Easter holidays, summer holidays or any others - these moments provide great opportunities to build your employability skills - skills which ultimately result in you being an increasingly appealing candidate to future employers. In this episode of the Dive Into Your Career podcast, career coach and consultant Gina Visram encourages you to: Recognise the importance of rest (let's start there!) AUDIT / self-reflect on where you are on your career development journey Make progress through (often free) ONLINE COURSES which could benefit your next steps (arguably - all online courses could but if you know you are interested in supporting a career in healthcare for example, you can do a healthcare-related short course)Sign up for and progress through ONLINE WORK EXPERIENCE TASTERS (through platforms such as Springpod, The Forage, Bright Network etc.) Update your CVAudit and progress your LinkedInHave curious conversations Do understand more about this and to hear some real-life examples which can inspire your action... check out this episode of the Dive Into Your Career podcast.More information to follow on the "Sort out your summer" workshop and more.Do feel free to engage with this topic (or indeed with me) at any of the below: The Dive Into Your Career podcast page of the Your Career And Future website where you can also leave me a message suggesting a careers-related topic for a future episode Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok Via "Gina Visram" on LinkedIn (where they may be a post with a link to this episode where you can contribute some wisdom / reflections) Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow) E-mail me on gina@yourcareerandfuture.com with any queries

Ready for some tough love? Well good... that's what you've got today with this episode which focuses on 5 things holding you back in your career development (and what to do about them). You my lovely... you are sometimes your own worst enemy when it comes to how you positively move your career forward. How can that be? Well... it's because there are certain things you do or attitudes you have which are not conducive to you moving forward positively on your career journey. There are a number of these... and the 5 I mention in this episode are:PerfectionismLack of clarity (and indeed what you interpret lack of clarity means)Lack of engagement Attitude Lack of support and accountability But don't fear - for each of these areas I go into some amount of detail about what you can do to improve the situation. I wouldn't leave you hanging like that! Also - in reference to number 5 - remember, one of your solutions to this can be the Work Experience Wins offers I am developing. Join the waiting list for Work Experience Wins hereWhich of these points most resonate with you? Do share... Do feel free to engage with this topic (or indeed with me) at any of the below: The Dive Into Your Career podcast page of the Your Career And Future website where you can also leave me a message suggesting a careers-related topic for a future episode Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok Via "Gina Visram" on LinkedIn (where they may be a post with a link to this episode where you can contribute some wisdom / reflections) Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow) E-mail me on gina@yourcareerandfuture.com with any queries

What's happening this National Careers Week? National Careers Week (NCW) is a one-week celebration of careers guidance and free resources in education across the UK. The aim of the week is to provide a focus for careers guidance activity at an important stage in the academic calendar to help support young people develop awareness and excitement about their future pathways.NCW is a dedicated week every year allowing schools, colleges, universities, alternative provision settings and organisations to work towards. It’s backed-up with free high-quality printable, downloadable, digital and video resources for educators to support planning and delivery.In this episode of the Dive Into Your Career podcast - I take a look at some of the NCW opportunities which are nationally accessible online - however this episode is all about reminding you what week it is and encouraging you to explore what's available in your school / university. Enjoy NCW2024... and take advantage of the opportunity to joyfully immerse yourself in all things careers.Do feel free to engage with this topic (or indeed with me) at any of the below: The Dive Into Your Career podcast page of the Your Career And Future website where you can also leave me a message suggesting a careers-related topic for a future episode Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok Via "Gina Visram" on LinkedIn (where they may be a post with a link to this episode where you can contribute some wisdom / reflections) Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow) E-mail me on gina@yourcareerandfuture.com with any queries

Did you know that sometimes the highest achieving students are the most fearful when it comes to their career journey? Sometimes this can manifest as disinterest or not wanting to make decisions. In this episode of the Dive Into Your Career podcast, the topic of fear and uncertainty takes centre stage. How are you feeling about your early career journey? If you have any worries or fears, what are they? Take the time to name them. It may include fear of:The unknownRejectionSpeaking to people Making a decisionMaking the wrong decision Wasting timeWasting money Coming across as pushy... what is it for you. By recognising and owning it you can overcome and / or live alongside it... resulting in a more joy-filled, less stressful early career journey. Sound good? Good. If this episode has been useful to you, please share it with at least one friend. Let's support the mental health and progress of those at this stage in their journey. Do feel free to engage with this topic (or indeed with me) at any of the below: The Dive Into Your Career podcast page of the Your Career And Future website where you can also leave me a message suggesting a careers-related topic for a future episode Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok Via "Gina Visram" on LinkedIn (where they may be a post with a link to this episode where you can contribute some wisdom / reflections) Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow) E-mail me on gina@yourcareerandfuture.com with any queries

If you want to get past the needing work experience to get work experience cycle that exists in the world of careers - this pep talk is for you...In this episode of the Dive Into Your Career podcast - you will get a full on work experience pep talk.  I say full on because I started with certain points I wanted to convey to you... and then was on a roll so you now have half an hour of gems, designed to help you re/engage with the process of securing work experience. In this episode I mention that some people in the early careers space may not agree about the importance of work experience but here is where I respectfully disagree and provide my take on this. Please, do lean into my experiences and knowledge as a careers professional of over a decade... your early career journey gets easier once you build up your work (and adjacent) experiences. Whether you are in secondary school / high school / sixth form / college / university, beyond or in between - know that this episode is for you. You may even want to listen to it multiple times while actively applying for opportunities. Oh, and don't forget to share this episode with at least one friend. Securing work experience may not be easy but let's spread some positivity, hope and advice to help make it happen. Once you have checked out this episode you may want to explore some other work experience related episodes on the Dive Into Your Career podcast, including: 096: How to secure work experience when you have given up hope 066: 3 steps to finding work experience 057: How do I find work experience? (10 top tips)017: Where can I find virtual work experience? Adjacent topics which can be helpful include:097: Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't you are right... the power of mindset 091: How to make your career a positive one: 8 foundations for a positive career journey 088: 8 inspiring quotes about goals and goal setting Do feel free to engage with this topic (or indeed with me) at any of the below: The Dive Into Your Career podcast page of the Your Career And Future website where you can also leave me a message suggesting a careers-related topic for a future episode Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok Via "Gina Visram" on LinkedIn (where they may be a post with a link to this episode where you can contribute some wisdom / reflections) Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow) E-mail me on gina@yourcareerandfuture.com with any queries

This National Apprenticeship Week 2024 is based on the theme "Skills for Life" and what better time to go back to the basics about apprenticeships and whether they are a good choice for you.National Apprenticeship Week is a week-long celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy. So... this episode of the Dive Into Your Career podcast, Gina Visram - career coach and consultant and host of this podcast explores "What is an apprenticeship and is it a good option for me?" If you are a student on your early careers journey - this is actually a question you should ask yourself at least once. In exploring your options on your education towards employment / entrepreneurship journey - it is important to consider the variety of pathways... apprenticeships included. What is an apprenticeship?An apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable experiences It involves on the job training and at least 20% of their working hours completing class room based learning with a college, university or training provider which leads to a nationally recognised qualification. This episode of the Dive Into Your Career explores this topic and recommends some resources including:Website: The National Apprenticeship Week 2024Website: UCASWebsite: Amazing Apprenticeships Website: Rate My Apprenticeship Website: Not Going to Uni Website: Government (Gov.Uk) apprenticeship site Website / Course: The Career People - Apprenticeship Academy Website / Online course: All things careers - Degree Apprenticeship Academy Book: Understanding Apprenticeships: A Student Guide (Ben Rowlands)Enjoy this exploration of apprenticeships and whether this can be a good opportunity for you...Do feel free to engage with this topic (or indeed with me) at any of the below: The Dive Into Your Career podcast page of the Your Career And Future website where you can also leave me a message suggesting a careers-related topic for a future episode Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok Via "Gina Visram" on LinkedIn (where they may be a post with a link to this episode where you can contribute some wisdom / reflections) Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow) E-mail me on gina@yourcareerandfuture.com with any queries

What is a growth mindset? Is a fixed mindset or growth mindset better?Why is the word "yet" so magical when it comes to mindset? In this episode of the Dive Into Your Career podcast, Gina Visram takes a look at what a growth mindset is and why it is so important this and every year when it comes to making progress with our goals. Inspired by the work of American psychologist Carol Dweck, who studies human motivation, this episode is a short, sharp, important reminder of how:embracing a growth mindset tweaking / changing our language and praising the process, not the talent...... can be a game changer when it comes to how we work towards any developments in our life and/ or career.If you liked this episode, do remember to share it and to subscribe. Do feel free to engage with this topic (or indeed with me) at any of the below: The Dive Into Your Career podcast page of the Your Career And Future website where you can also leave me a message suggesting a careers-related topic for a future episode Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok Via "Gina Visram" on LinkedIn (where they may be a post with a link to this episode where you can contribute some wisdom / reflections) Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow) E-mail me on gina@yourcareerandfuture.com with any queries

For nearly 20 years, there has been talk of "Blue Monday" - the most depressing day of the year which is said to be the third Monday of the year. In 2024, that is Monday 15 January. Now, you and I know that there is unlikely to be a scientific way to confirm this as the most depressing day. In fact, it was a travel company (albeit led by a psychologist) who first created a campaign about this - with the first Blue Monday being 2005. All of that said, I suspect that one of the reasons why the notion has lingered for nearly two decades is because it resonates. There is something that can feel 'heavy' about the shorter days, freezing weather, lack of Christmas lights now that the festive season is over, financial challenges after the festive season and more. As such, in case you are feeling a touch blue at this time of the year - this episode of the Dive Into Your Career has one... just one but a powerful one tip for you to help. Create a high vibe (music) playlist. Listen to the episode to find out more about go to the Your Career And Future blog for a post which features some of my favourite high vibe tunes. Do feel free to engage with this topic (or indeed with me) at any of the below: The Dive Into Your Career podcast page of the Your Career And Future website where you can also leave me a message suggesting a careers-related topic for a future episode Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok Via "Gina Visram" on LinkedIn (where they may be a post with a link to this episode where you can contribute some wisdom / reflections) Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow) E-mail me on gina@yourcareerandfuture.com with any queries

It's here! The last of 3 episodes in this series shining a light on some very accomplished women who would likely enhance your feed if you follow them on LinkedIn.  "Saluting Our Sisters" is the theme of Black History Month 2023 in the UK. This has inspired today's topic of the Dive Into Your Career podcast - "32 awesome UK-connected black and mixed heritage women to follow on LinkedIn" (Part 3 of 3).In this episode... I am proud to introduce  the final11 of the 32 women who feature in this series. Please note... there was no vote. There are no rankings. This isn't even divided by industry. Over the three parts, these episodes feature 32 black and mixed heritage women whose work I have seen up close or from afar and who I greatly admire. Importantly, for the purpose of this list - they are also active content creators and contributors on LinkedIn, the world's biggest online professional network - so aren't you lucky to be able to click a button in these show notes and follow them on the platform.So here goes, here's the list. Do remember to make sure that you share this episode if it's of value to you and also subscribe to the Dive Into Your Career podcast to make sure you don't miss more valuable career development content. (22) Shereen Daniels Follow Shereen on LinkedIn(23) Annika Allen Follow Annika on LinkedIn(24) Ladi Mohammed ChapmanFollow Ladi on LinkedIn4(25) Cel Amade Follow Cel on LinkedIn5. (26) Serlina Boyd Follow Serlina on LinkedIn6. (27) Deborah B Williams Follow Deborah on LinkedIn7. (28) Naomi KellmanFollow Naomi on LinkedIn8. (29) Ramat Tejani Follow Ramat on LinkedIn9. (30) Vanessa Sam Follow Vanessa on LinkedIn10. (31) Hayley Mulenda Follow Hayley on LinkedIn11. (32) Marielle Legair Follow Marielle on LinkedInand a bonus mention 12. (33) Ore Ade Follow Ore on LinkedInAs you know, this list is not exhaustive but is packed full of recommendations so that when it comes to content and fascinating people to follow, engage with and learn from -  you can ensure the spirit and energy of BHM stays with you, throughout the year. Catch you on another episode of theDo feel free to engage with this topic (or indeed with me) at any of the below: The Dive Into Your Career podcast page of the Your Career And Future website where you can also leave me a message suggesting a careers-related topic for a future episode Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok Via "Gina Visram" on LinkedIn (where they may be a post with a link to this episode where you can contribute some wisdom / reflections) Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow) E-mail me on gina@yourcareerandfuture.com with any queries

"Saluting Our Sisters" is the theme of Black History Month 2023 in the UK. This has inspired today's topic of the Dive Into Your Career podcast - "32 awesome UK-connected black and mixed heritage women to follow on LinkedIn" (Part 2 if 3).In this episode... I am proud to introduce 11 of the 32 women who will feature in this series. (If you've listened to the first episode you will see that there were meant to be 20... but I added a few more!)Please note... there was no vote. There are no rankings. This isn't even divided by industry. Over the three parts, these episodes feature 32 black and mixed heritage women whose work I have seen up close or from afar and who I greatly admire. Importantly, for the purpose of this list - they are also active content creators and contributors on LinkedIn, the world's biggest online professional network - so aren't you lucky to be able to click a button in these show notes and follow them on the platform.So here goes, here's the list. Do remember to make sure that you share this episode if it's of value to you and also subscribe to the Dive Into Your Career podcast to make sure you don't miss more valuable career development content. Names and LinkedIn links of 11 of our 32 women featured in this short series include the below. Listen to the episode for further details and context:(11) Chichi EruchaluFollow Chichi on LinkedIn(12) Vee Kativhu Follow Vee on LinkedIn(13) Dr Anne Marie ImafidonFollow Dr Imafidon on LinkedIn(14) Rebecca Achieng Ajulu-BushellFollow Rebecca on LinkedIn(15) Kike Oniwinde AgoroFollow Kike on LinkedIn(16) Lisa AndersonFollow Lisa on LinkedIn(17) Sharon ThomasFollow Sharon on LinkedIn(18) Faith LockenFollow Faith on LinkedIn(19) Lady Phyll Opoku-GyimahFollow Lady Phyll on LinkedIn(20) Stacy MooreFollow Stacy on LinkedIn(21) Michelle Raymond Follow Michelle on LinkedInSee you soon for part 3!Do feel free to engage with this topic (or indeed with me) at any of the below: The Dive Into Your Career podcast page of the Your Career And Future website where you can also leave me a message suggesting a careers-related topic for a future episode Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok Via "Gina Visram" on LinkedIn (where they may be a post with a link to this episode where you can contribute some wisdom / reflections) Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow) E-mail me on gina@yourcareerandfuture.com with any queries

"Saluting Our Sisters" is the theme of Black History Month 2023 in the UK. This has inspired today's topic of the Dive Into Your Career podcast - "32 awesome UK-connected black and mixed heritage women to follow on LinkedIn" (Part 1). ***(Please note that since recording this episode - the total number of number of women mentioned in these 3 episodes will be 32)In this episode... I am proud to introduce 10 of the 20 women who will feature in this series. Please note... there was no vote. There are no rankings. This isn't even divided by industry. Over the two parts, these episodes feature 20 black and mixed heritage women whose work I have seen up close or from afar and who I greatly admire. Importantly, for the purpose of this list - they are also active content creators and contributors on LinkedIn, the world's biggest online professional network - so aren't you lucky to be able to click a button in these show notes and follow them on the platform. So here goes, here's the list. Do remember to make sure that you share this episode if it's of value to you and also subscribe to the Dive Into Your Career podcast to make sure you don't miss part 2 or any other amazing episodes ahead. Names and LinkedIn links of 10 of our 20 women featured in this short series include the below. Listen to the episode for further details and context:Davinia Tomlinson Follow Davinia on LinkedInJenny Garrett OBEFollow Jenny Garrett OBE in LinkedInNova ReidFollow Nova Reid on LinkedInVeronica Patton-CemmFollow Veronica Patton-Cemm on LinkedInShola Mos-ShogbamimuFollow Shola Mos-Shogbamimu on LinkedInRonke LawalFollow Ronke Lawal on LinkedInAmina Yonis PhDFollow Amina Yonis PhD on LinkedInAkima Paul-LambertFollow Akima Paul-Lambert  on LinkedInDenise MyersFollow Denise Myers on LinkedInMildred TalabiFollow Mildred Talabi on LinkedInSee you soon for part 2!Do feel free to engage with this topic (or indeed with me) at any of the below: The Dive Into Your Career podcast page of the Your Career And Future website where you can also leave me a message suggesting a careers-related topic for a future episode Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok Via "Gina Visram" on LinkedIn (where they may be a post with a link to this episode where you can contribute some wisdom / reflections) Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow) E-mail me on gina@yourcareerandfuture.com with any queries

How do I make new friends? What is the accommodation like?How does cleaning work in halls? Conversations about creating a positive start to the new academic year are taking place far and wide - and while not all of these questions above are addressed - this 2-part episode episode highlighting "10 ways to have a positive start to the new academic year" is my contribution. Listen to Part 1 (featuring numbers 1-5) hereIn this episode of the Dive Into Your Career podcast - there are even more suggestions about how to create a good foundation for an amazing academic year ahead... including actively building employability skills (# 6) and start conversations (with curiosity) (# 10). Whether you are starting Year 12 in a new school or college; starting your undergraduate degree or even just determined to have a great year - regardless of your stage in education - I hope you will find a few suggestions here that you will commit to trying! As ever, it would be brilliant to hear about what resonates and what actions you take so feel free to DM me on Instagram, message me on LinkedIn or get in touch in any way (details below) to let me know how you are getting on. Have an amazing start to the academic year. You've got this! Do feel free to engage with this topic (or indeed with me) at any of the below: The Dive Into Your Career podcast page of the Your Career And Future website where you can also leave me a message suggesting a careers-related topic for a future episode Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok Via "Gina Visram" on LinkedIn (where they may be a post with a link to this episode where you can contribute some wisdom / reflections) Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow) E-mail me on gina@yourcareerandfuture.com with any queries

Happy New Year! Okay okay... that's not quite right. Happy New ACADEMIC year! (If you're listening in real time), it is September - and it's back to school season, whether you are heading back to secondary school or starting / returning to university. New academic years are so full of promise, but also before you get into the swing of things, can be nerve wracking and uncertain - especially if you are in a new environment, be it:a new post-16 setting like a college or new sixth form to you... or post-18,  where you may be embarking on a new apprenticeship or university degree. The coming weeks may include leaving home for the first time, moving into student accommodation, having a first taste of lectures and seminars and so much more. It's a big deal for you... and indeed for your parents who are supporting you with the greatest of hope for this new chapter. So, on this episode of the Dive Into Your Career podcast, we take a look at the first 5 of 10 ways to have a positive start to the new academic year.  (If you haven't subscribed to this podcast yet make sure you do, so you ensure you don' miss the second part to this episode and the many awesome episodes which will follow)Check out the episode and don't forget to share it if you find it helpful!Do feel free to engage with this topic (or indeed with me) at any of the below: The Dive Into Your Career podcast page of the Your Career And Future website where you can also leave me a message suggesting a careers-related topic for a future episode Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok Via "Gina Visram" on LinkedIn (where they may be a post with a link to this episode where you can contribute some wisdom / reflections) Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow) E-mail me on gina@yourcareerandfuture.com with any queries

If you, or anyone you know is in a situation where it recently became apparent that your "Plan A" wasn't going to happen as you hoped - then this will be a useful episode for you. Inspired by A-Level (& GCSE) results season, this episode of the Dive Into Your Career podcast gives some food for thought and specific ideas around how to change direction and create a new vision for your future. Coming to terms with the fact that your original plan will not be happening in the way you intended can be tough, but stay tuned to this episode for some ideas about how you can take the necessary next steps to adjust your vision and move forward positivelyAs ever, if this is episode is useful - please do share it far and wide! Do feel free to engage with this topic (or indeed with me) at any of the below: The Dive Into Your Career podcast page of the Your Career And Future website where you can also leave me a message suggesting a careers-related topic for a future episode Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok Via "Gina Visram" on LinkedIn (where they may be a post with a link to this episode where you can contribute some wisdom / reflections) Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow) E-mail me on gina@yourcareerandfuture.com with any queries

As we enter A-Level results day 2023, my mind and heart goes out to students around the U.K. and globally who follow the British system, with their own hearts in their throats right now. On the cusp of greatness (whether or not they achieve their grades) and soon to realise whether the expectation and hope they have for themselves for their immediate next chapter is to be realised as they envisioned it… or whether it is time for them to dream a new dream (or pivot the existing one, or at the very least - reset the potential timing of it all).Such a big day.  If you missed your offer - firstly *hugs*. I am so soooo sorry. I know it can be devastating. You will need to recalibrate and come up with a new plan. Do listen to this episode of the Dive Into Your Career podcast - it is full of gems just for you. Do listen and share this episode with anyone in your world who is creating a new vision  or new plan for themselves, after navigating some disappointing results. All while remembering that regardless of your results you are just as incredible as you were before receiving them - and if you are kind to yourself in this process and ready to take action, you can create a brilliant alternative plan. Do feel free to engage with this topic (or indeed with me) at any of the below: The Dive Into Your Career podcast page of the Your Career And Future website where you can also leave me a message suggesting a careers-related topic for a future episode Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok Via "Gina Visram" on LinkedIn (where they may be a post with a link to this episode where you can contribute some wisdom / reflections) Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow) E-mail me on gina@yourcareerandfuture.com with any queries

In the 100th episode of the Dive Into Your Career podcast (that's right - 100... woohoo!!!) and today we are focusing on "8 ways to dive into your career which will improve your life and make your career journey more fun". At Your Career And Future, it's my mission to support students and graduates on their journey from education to employment (and entrepreneurship) in a spirit of fun and optimism, not fear and overwhelm. That fear and overwhelm on the journey to employment can be a result of uncertainty, confusion, fear of 'failure', denial and and even just the lack of interest and engagement when it comes to career development.  So - what can improve the feelings around the early career journey. How can it be more fun, interesting and impactful? Listen to this episode to work out how really immersing yourself on your career discovery journey can make it so much more fun! There are 8 ways in which you can do this and through listening to the episode you'll hear all about the below with full explanations and examples. Be self-reflectiveBe curiousStart researchingTake actionRecognise the proximity principleFail forwardRecognise your life has chapters Be kind to yourself If you are a student or graduate and haven't yet subscribed to this podcast - do so now! Do feel free to engage with this topic (or indeed with me) at any of the below: The Dive Into Your Career podcast page of the Your Career And Future website where you can also leave me a message suggesting a careers-related topic for a future episode Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok Via "Gina Visram" on LinkedIn (where they may be a post with a link to this episode where you can contribute some wisdom / reflections) Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow) E-mail me on gina@yourcareerandfuture.com with any queries

Hello. Helloooooo?! Anybody there?! If you are a subscriber / regular listener to the podcast (and huge thank you if you are!) - you may have been knocking on my podcast door and asking this question. It has been over a month since I published my last episode of the Dive Into Your Career podcast. Not great (says my inner critic) for someone who intends to publish one podcast episode per week. But (she says, determined to turn lemons into lemonade) - what better time to talk about this week's topic: Finding joy in creating content and your personal brand.When it comes to career development, I am a HUGE advocate of actively creating your personal brand and an integral part of that is publishing content online. Think about it:- Do you have a favourite beauty TikToker?- Do you know which LinkedIn contacts talk about opportunities for international students? Or social mobility? Or diversity, equity and inclusion?- Which instagrammers in your world create awesome travel on a budget content?- When you are ready to pay attention to your finances, which podcasters or YouTubers do you turn to?  Content creators often carve out a niche of sorts - for which you can depend on them. I hope that the Dive Into Your Career podcast here is one of the places you turn to when you are focused on your career progression. When you associate a certain person with a topic or specialism (or even personality trait - such as a content creator being funny) - that person is successfully building a personal brand. This is something that can make you positively stand out. ... and where else it is useful to positively stand out? Yup - that's right - when you are applying to jobs. Be yourself - loudly! Whether you want to publish content about sports, marketing, social impact, entertainment (music / film) , travel or anything else - you are engaging with something which is of interest and potentially brings you joy. So - whether you know you can regularly publish weekly or fortnightly or whether you are a bit adhoc (falling off the map like I did for a month) - get started. You can even warm up with LinkedIn (such an important platform) before potentially going down the road of a blog, podcast or YouTube channel.As well as any awesome work experience and internships - you can highlight your uniqueness through sharing what you choose to be known for online - and let this be a jumping off point for building relationships and positioning yourself well for job opportunities. If you are not yet convinced remember, you can revisit episode 077: What is PERSONAL BRANDING and can it improve my career prospects - but I do hope you are 'sold' on what we have been talking about today and are ready to create or revive the platform/s upon which you are creating content. In the summer or autumn of 2023 I am likelDo feel free to engage with this topic (or indeed with me) at any of the below: The Dive Into Your Career podcast page of the Your Career And Future website where you can also leave me a message suggesting a careers-related topic for a future episode Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok Via "Gina Visram" on LinkedIn (where they may be a post with a link to this episode where you can contribute some wisdom / reflections) Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow) E-mail me on gina@yourcareerandfuture.com with any queries

How do I figure out what I want to do with my life? This is a big, important question that many students and graduates grapple with on their journey from education to employment. Sometimes, the magnitude can result in overwhelm, uncertainty and even shame - none of which are helpful in moving forward positively.So  in this episode of the Dive Into Your Career career coach Gina Visram recommends 5 ways to approach what can be a big question, in a more purposeful, meaningful way. Dive in...Do feel free to engage with this topic (or indeed with me) at any of the below: The Dive Into Your Career podcast page of the Your Career And Future website where you can also leave me a message suggesting a careers-related topic for a future episode Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok Via "Gina Visram" on LinkedIn (where they may be a post with a link to this episode where you can contribute some wisdom / reflections) Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow) E-mail me on gina@yourcareerandfuture.com with any queries

"Whether you think you can or think you can't... you're right." This quote from Henry Ford is one of my favourites and is a brilliant embodiment of "mindset" - the focus of today's podcast episode. In my experience of working with 3000+ students and graduates and indeed in my experience as a human being(!) - I have recognised the importance of mindset on the process towards achieving any goals we set for ourselves.  Paying attention to your attitude, your thinking - whether it is positive or negative - all of this has a massive impact on our experiences going through life and stretching ourselves in the direction of what we want to achieve... what we want to be / do / have. Mindset. In this episode you'll hear some insights from psychologist Carol Dweck and fixed and growth mindsets - which are always a good reminder. There's a solid chance that listening to this 12 minute episode of the Dive Into your Career podcast may be exactly what you need to hear today... so check it out and be sure to share it with friends if it resonates. You've got this! (See that... mindset!)Do feel free to engage with this topic (or indeed with me) at any of the below: The Dive Into Your Career podcast page of the Your Career And Future website where you can also leave me a message suggesting a careers-related topic for a future episode Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok Via "Gina Visram" on LinkedIn (where they may be a post with a link to this episode where you can contribute some wisdom / reflections) Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow) E-mail me on gina@yourcareerandfuture.com with any queries