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 un...
Aug 14, 2023•34 min•Season 7Ep. 1
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 top...
Jun 14, 2023•23 min•Season 6Ep. 9
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 fee...
May 02, 2023•21 min•Season 6Ep. 8
"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 nega...
Apr 25, 2023•13 min•Season 6Ep. 7
Ever found it tricky to secure work experience? Difficult? Ooooh.... "impossible" you say? If it is feeling like you are not having any success finding work experience, this episode - "How to secure work experience when you have given up hope" is for you. I'm Gina Visram - a career coach and consultant who wears multiple careers support 'hats' in varying settings. Head of Careers in a secondary school. Freelance Careers Consultant at a University. Careers content creator, workshop facilitator, c...
Apr 18, 2023•20 min•Season 6Ep. 6
Got an interview coming up? Chances are there will be some "competency questions" as part of the interview process. What is a competency question? You have come to the right place to find out all about this popular method of asking interview questions... and indeed about the STAR technique / method - the recommended way to answer questions of this nature. In this episode of the Dive Into Your Career - you will continue to build on your interview skills through learning some of the fundamentals i...
Apr 10, 2023•19 min•Season 6Ep. 5
Got an interview coming up? Congratulations! What sort of questions might they ask you? While it isn't beneficial to prepare excessively - to the stage of being inauthentic and overly rehearsed, it is also essential to do your homework ahead of any interviews so that you can truly shine. In this episode of the Dive Into Your Career podcast, I talk to you about 7 common interview questions and explore some of the ways you may answer them. There's much more coming on interviews shortly so stay tun...
Mar 20, 2023•30 min•Season 6Ep. 4
Do you get in your own head about interviews? Tell yourself that you don't enjoy them? Or complain that it's a stupid process? You may even have told yourself "I'll never be good at interviews". That thinking is unlikely to get you the job or opportunity you are seeking because as per one of those famous Henry Ford quotes " Whether you think you can , or you think you can't - you're right." Why ruin before your chances before you even start due to that sort of thinking? In this episode of the Di...
Mar 13, 2023•14 min•Season 6Ep. 3
What GCSEs should I choose? What if I make the wrong choices? The stage at which you choose your GCSEs is often the first (of many) choices you will be making and it can feel daunting! Check out this episode to hear more about some of the elements which can help you with these choices! (And good luck - 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 le...
Feb 27, 2023•19 min•Season 6Ep. 2
Students and graduates... Do you want your career to be a happy one? (If your situation is one in which you are working to be able to earn... That question ultimately equates to saying, "Do you want to be happy in your day to day life?!") Not sure I know anyone who would answer "no" to that question - yet jobs and careers can often slip into unsatisfying and mundane territory. In this episode of the Dive Into Your Career podcast, we explore how you can make your career an enjoyable one. A joyful...
Feb 20, 2023•25 min•Season 6Ep. 1
Should you keep your dreams and goals a secret? Inspired by a TikTok I saw this week in which the creator was talking about "6 things you should always keep private" - a list upon which "your dreams and goals" was at the top - this week's episode of the Dive Into Your Career considers that perspective. Should we be secretive about our dreams and goals? Does the risk of being unsupported or mocked or dismissed mean it's better not to discuss these topics? Will our dreams not come true or be jinxe...
Jan 30, 2023•22 min•Season 5Ep. 18
Chances are, in the coming years there will be many... I mean MANY things for which you will be applying. Think about it... sixth form / college work experience volunteering roles leadership positions / positions of responsibility university apprenticeships internships placement year / year in industry jobs (part time / full time / graduate) ... and this is not an exhaustive list! As such, it's no wonder that students ask me how they can stand out in their applications. This is the question that...
Jan 16, 2023•35 min•Season 5Ep. 17
Are you at a stage where you are looking to achieve something important? This episode of the Dive Into Your Career podcast may be the boost you need. "8 inspiring quotes about goals and goal setting" delivers what it promises and features goal setting quotes from Oprah Winfrey, C.S Lewis, Jim Rohn, Michelle Obama and more. Which ones feel particularly relevant for and / or encouraging to you right now.? Let's discuss via socials. Also, don't forget these other episodes about goal setting: 087: A...
Jan 09, 2023•21 min•Season 5Ep. 16
Happy New Year! Well, Happy New Year if you are listening in real time... and all the best if you are listening at another time of year - because, well, setting goals at any time of year can be a good thing. Do you like the energy of New Years resolutions? Or does it feel icky / counterproductive or like you are setting yourself up to fail? Do the statistics about the failure rate of New Years resolutions mean you are idealistically opposed to setting any? Have you noticed how on social media th...
Jan 04, 2023•17 min•Season 5Ep. 15
What is a digital footprint? Do we all have one? Can it impact my career (positively or negatively)? Is it true that I can lose a job or opportunity due to my digital footprint The answer to the last two questions is yes yes yes - anyone who uses the internet has a digital footprint. Wikipedia kindly highlights that: " Digital footprint or digital shadow refers to one's unique set of traceable digital activities, actions, contributions and communications manifested on the Internet or digital dev...
Dec 19, 2022•27 min•Season 5Ep. 14
What is career success, really? The answer to this is a very personal one and it is with that spirit that I invite you explore 12 secrets of career success for students and graduates . Your career goals are specific to you. Not your mum, your dad, your sibling, your cousin... you. No matter how well intended your supporters are, it's important to be building towards aspirations that resonate with you. What is exciting you about your future career prospects? Remember that at times when it seems e...
Dec 05, 2022•27 min•Season 5Ep. 13
What A-Levels should I choose? Judging from the recent interactions I have has with many Year 11s (and indeed their parents and supporters), this is a topical question as late in the Autumn (and sometimes at the beginning of the Spring) term, these pupils are contemplating their post-16 plans. There are so many things to consider and importantly, one of them is that A-Levels are not the only option so in this episode of the podcast, some of the following topics are addressed: What options exist ...
Nov 28, 2022•25 min•Season 5Ep. 12
What is an influencer? How do influencers make money? How can I become an influencer? Is this a 'legitimate' job? Do influencers only exist in the fashion and beauty world or might they exist in other industries? Can I create an additional income as a content creator without being an influencer myself? If you have ever asked yourself any or all of these questions (whether out loud or in your head) - then you won't want to miss this episode of the Dive Into Your Career podcast. In this episode Lo...
Nov 21, 2022•59 min•Season 5Ep. 11
If you are aged 14-16 or are the supporter (parent, sibling, aunt or uncle, teacher, careers adviser) of someone who is - this episode is for you. Within the British education system (whether you live in the U.K. or elsewhere), at the age of 16, students sit GCSE (or IGCSE) exams. This is the culmination of five years of secondary education and is the first experience of national exams for most pupils. So what comes next?! Between the ages of 16 and 18 - students have a crucial runway between GC...
Nov 14, 2022•20 min•Season 5Ep. 10
Volunteering can be one of the most powerful things you do in your early career development. Truly. Earlier this year I was delighted to speak to David Coles, Volunteer Centre Manager at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) about all things volunteering - and I hope you'll immediately recognise what a 'win win' situation it can be. First things first - a quick definition. According to the NCVO, "Volunteering is when someone spends unpaid time doing something to benefit othe...
Nov 07, 2022•53 min•Season 5Ep. 9
Trick or treat?! That's easy... this episode is a definite treat for you... as it can powerfully support you on your early careers journey (even if said career journey scares you). In this season of all things scary - this episode, "What scares you about the future" encourages you to name and acknowledge what you fear and / or are worried about when it comes to your future. Within this episode I also refer to an article on CNBC, by futurist Scott Steinberg, which you can access here Both REJECTI...
Oct 31, 2022•26 min•Season 5Ep. 8
Recent conversations with some incredible young people early on their career journey reminded me how important CONFIDENCE is when it comes to career progression. In fact, I recently did a workshop on "Career Clarity and Confidence" for a recruitment company and experiencing the engagement in the topic further reminded me how valuable it is to talk about this. ... Which leads as here - an episode of the Dive Into Your Career podcast called "How can I become confident in my career". In this episod...
Oct 24, 2022•21 min•Season 5Ep. 7
Ready for some useful careers resources for black students (in or connected to the UK)? You're in the right place! This is an episode of the Dive Into Your Career podcast - inspired by UK Black History Month. I know I know - when you are black every day of the year, it sometimes makes you wonder why there is such a focus on Black History Month. I get it... and am here for constructive conversations like this but the fact remains that awareness days can be so powerful because even though there sh...
Oct 17, 2022•26 min•Season 5Ep. 6
Personal branding... Is this a concept that you have come across or is it completely new to you? Whether familiar or not - if you are someone who is on your career journey and will likely need to positively stand out in a competitive marketplace... this is a great time to lean (further) into the world of personal branding. This episode of the Dive Into Your Career is an introduction to personal branding and highlights how understanding and implementing this concept can be beneficial for your car...
Oct 01, 2022•23 min•Season 5Ep. 5
Are you starting university this year? (Or know someone who is?) You won't want to miss this episode! In this episode of the Dive Into Your Career podcast - I share "10 Tips for Starting University". The joke of it is, none of them actually relate to your academia / your degree because while you'll be taught in different ways and this can be worth addressing in future episodes - it is more the social element and the sense of belonging that will enhance your university experience in those early d...
Sep 22, 2022•22 min•Season 5Ep. 4
Have you ever wondered... what is the difference between a career and a job? I've heard this question come up a few times so am tackling it for you today on the Dive Into Your Career podcast. I also cite some information from an article - Click here for the article from Indeed, mentioned in the episode . As ever, we can chat further about this on any of these platforms: Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok Via LinkedIn post about this podcast Sign up for the mailing list E-mail ...
Sep 01, 2022•22 min•Season 5Ep. 3
2022 saw the return of national exams (externally marked), for the first time in the UK in 3 years, i.e. since the pandemic. Young people around the world have truly been resilient and getting back into their stride. There is so much to celebrate, including a slew of excellent results which are a powerful springboard towards what's next. That said, this year, as was the case in every year prior to the pandemic too - there are some students who did not achieve the grades they needed to access wha...
Aug 25, 2022•17 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Sometimes it is important to get back to basics... to ensure that the foundation is in place to be able to progressive effectively. That is why - even as far into this podcast as it is (hello season 5!) - we are starting season 5 with a look at What is a career and can a career coach help me? The definition of a career from the Career Development Institute is the one I like to share - your career is "the journey through life, learning and work". With this accurately, all encompassing definition ...
Aug 18, 2022•23 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Grasping this topic is an absolute game changer for your career, so let's get into it! This episode is a reminder that visibility can be incredibly beneficial as you continue to move towards your varying career goals. It is your visibility and presence which can result in attracting opportunities, beyond strictly chasing them. If you would like to stand out, in the best possible way as an applicant - I strongly recommend becoming a "career creator" - i.e. stepping into the power you have to crea...
Jun 09, 2022•14 min•Season 4Ep. 14
You're currently on your career journey (we all are... as career is all about your journey through work, learning and life). Has this journey ever felt lonely or stressful? Ah - for you too? You're not alone. Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK took place from 9-15 May 2022 in the UK and as is the case with most awareness weeks - it's brilliant that the issue at hand achieves huge focus on the week itself but it remains important that it is on the agenda all year around. This episode "Does yo...
May 19, 2022•25 min•Season 4Ep. 13
