Dive into your Career

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 jinxed even... if we talk about them? 

In this episode, I explore one of the childhood beliefs and traditions that could be a foundation for these sorts of beliefs...

... and I share my opinion on this - which is that where possible (and I appreciate it isn't always possible), we should be shouting our dreams and goals from the rooftops! Well, sharing them anyway. 

Listen to this episode to find out more.

What are your thoughts on this topic? Comment on any of the socials where you see this episode. I'd love to know whether you are also of the belief that sharing our dreams and goals (even if selectively at times) is a better approach to take. 

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 [email protected] with any queries

Also - are you a job seeker early in your career?
Download the checklist: 25 UNMISSABLE TIPS TO SKYROCKET YOUR JOB APPLICATION SUCCESS RATE

You've got this!

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 prompted today's episode. 

Please embrace a positive mindset when it comes to this topic - as opposed to a pressured one. Any activities you do are brilliant for your own personal development and confidence... and it's a bonus that they also happen to be factors in how you present yourself in your applications. 

Listen to this episode to find out more about 19 ways you can make yourself interesting on paper. 

Other episodes of the Dive Into Your Career podcast which may be of interest include:

• 077: What is personal branding and can it improve my career prospects
• 066: 3 steps to finding work experience
• 064: Curiosity is a catalyst to career success
• 057: How do I find work experience: 10 top tips
• 056: How to make your job application stand out

Get in touch via socials or email and let me know which of these 19 ways to become interesting on paper you are leaning into this week. 

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 [email protected] with any queries

Also - are you a job seeker early in your career?
Download the checklist: 25 UNMISSABLE TIPS TO SKYROCKET YOUR JOB APPLICATION SUCCESS RATE

You've got this!

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: Are you for or against making New Year's resolutions? 
• 062: 3 powerful ideas from James Clear to take your goal setting to the next level 

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 [email protected] with any queries

Also - are you a job seeker early in your career?
Download the checklist: 25 UNMISSABLE TIPS TO SKYROCKET YOUR JOB APPLICATION SUCCESS RATE

You've got this!

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 this year, there seems to be a move away from them?

Here's what I recommend (lol - not that you asked, but I will share anyway)... don't shy away from deliberately setting goals - just call it what you want in the way that feels good for you. A "resolution", "goal", "intention" "promise" -  can be such a great thing. In my experience, deliberately moving towards something you want to be / do / have is better than not setting any goals. Being intentional not only means that you are more likely to take the required action to achieve said goal but it also means that you are more in tune with conversations and some of the more surprising ways that what you want can come into view. 

• Want to achieve a certain A-Level grades or a 2:1 or above? 
• Focused on getting into a certain educational institution?
• Ready to build your personal brand and start attracting opportunities? 
• Interested in starting a side business - whether you are currently a student and / or an employee? 
• Want to ensure you are having vegetables with every meal?

Why not speak it / write it down / set the intention... and then importantly take action towards it. 

Real life conversations I have had and what I have seem online tells me that much of the resistance to resolutions or goals comes from the notion that we can be hard on ourselves if we don't achieve what we set out to do, however I'd suggest it's then a case of being kinder to ourselves and being less judgemental - as opposed to not setting them in the first place. 

This is a loaded topic and I hope you'll agree that this episode is a great place to start. 

There are many more episodes about goal setting on the Dive Into Your Career podcast already (just scroll!) and this January we will continue to explore this topic in varying ways. Have you subscribed? Make sure you do so you don't miss any episodes. 

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 [email protected] with any queries

Also - are you a job seeker early in your career?
Download the checklist: 25 UNMISSABLE TIPS TO SKYROCKET YOUR JOB APPLICATION SUCCESS RATE

You've got this!

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 devices. Digital footprints can be classified as either passive or active." (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_footprint#Types_of_digital_footprints)

Recording this episode at this time is inspired by a viral TikTok video where a young woman shared that her job offer was revoked due to (from what I understand), what her prospective employers saw of her internet activity.

She is not the only one. There are so many tales like this. In fact, click here to read an article from 2017 about the "Harvard Facebook Scandal" in which10 students had their offers to attend Harvard University rescinded (they would have graduated as Class of 2021) due to their posting of inappropriate discriminatory and hateful memes.

Listen to this episode to find out more about what a digital footprint is - what are the different types of digital footprint - and what control do we have over these.

How can our digital footprint positively contribute to our career and life prospects (ahem... personal branding) or how can it negatively do so?

Also, how is what is currently unfolding with Harry and Meghan entirely relevant to this conversation.

Listen to this episode to find out more. I hope it blesses your career and helps with some of the decisions you make.

Related Dive Into Your Career podcast episodes:

• 077: What is PERSONAL BRANDING and can it improve my career prospects
• 045: Why you should start a passion project

Additional resources:

Click here to access a BBC take on what a digital footprint is, courtesy of some content created for 7-11 year olds! 

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 [email protected] with any queries

Also - are you a job seeker early in your career?
Download the checklist: 25 UNMISSABLE TIPS TO SKYROCKET YOUR JOB APPLICATION SUCCESS RATE

You've got this!

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 everyone is running around, frantically applying for opportunities which you may not even want, you may start to feel inadequate, as if you should be in an intense period of applications as well.
 
This is a scenario that plays out every autumn term for example, when candidates applying for banking, finance and consulting spring weeks, internships and graduate schemes are deeply entrenched in their application season - yet students who aren't interested in those industries can feel pressured to be doing the same. Even though their career development at this time would look different. 

I'm excited to share these 12 ingredients to your own career success - the secret sauce! I'd love to know what you think about these. What are you already doing and which one or two will you be working towards next?

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 [email protected] with any queries

Also - are you a job seeker early in your career?
Download the checklist: 25 UNMISSABLE TIPS TO SKYROCKET YOUR JOB APPLICATION SUCCESS RATE

You've got this!

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 after GCSEs (this includes A-Levels, BTECs, T-Levels, IB, Apprenticeships etc.)?
• How many A-Levels should I choose? 
• What is an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification)? 
• What specific subjects are required for certain careers / certain degrees? (including medicine, architecture etc.)
• When is a good time to start research entry requirements of university subjects?
• What sorts of questions 

This and more is covered in this episode. For wider advice on choosing a sixth form or college, check out the "How to choose the best sixth form for you" episode here. 

This episode does not go into the factors  around grade requirements for subjects and what is included with each syllabus, but as is the case for this whole process - do communicate clearly with your subject teachers about whether they think you'd be a good candidate for their subject at A-Level AND engage with the institution you are applying to, so you are clear about their entry requirements. 

(While requirements vary - in some institutions, you will need a 9, 8 or 7 at GCSE to move onto the subject at A-Level. Some may accept a 6. The educational establishment where you hope to do your A-Levels will have some clear information about this to share with you)

Any questions about this choosing A-Levels or any other post-16 option? Cheering you on!

Do feel free to engage with me:

• Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok
• Via "Gina Visram" on LinkedIn
• Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow)
• E-mail me on [email protected] with any questions you have or suggestions for future podcast topics 

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 [email protected] with any queries

Also - are you a job seeker early in your career?
Download the checklist: 25 UNMISSABLE TIPS TO SKYROCKET YOUR JOB APPLICATION SUCCESS RATE

You've got this!

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  Lorella Palmer... CEO of Lorella Palmer Ltd, a social media coaching and management company talks us through these topics and more. When I spotted the 2-year anniversary video celebrating her social media agency on TikTok - I knew I wanted to (1) connect with her and (2) interview her for this podcast, so reached out excitedly. What particularly caught my eye was that within the celebration video about her business, there was also footage of her university graduation and I just knew that she'd have an interesting story to tell.

I wasn't wrong.

This entrepreneurial Law graduate in her early twenties has already had an interesting career trajectory and it is continuing to evolve as you would anticipate. Since recording this episode, she has delved even further into the influencer world with an offering around influencer management.

As a "Head of Careers", careers coach and careers consultant, I am tuned into a wide range of careers open to young people and recognise that any careers professionals who don't recognise the validity of influencing as a career are not supporting our clients as well as we could be. Thanks to Lorella for shining a light on this evolving industry. 

How can I become an influencer? (or respectfully support someone who is exploring this as all or part of their career?)

Listen to this episode and find out more!

To follow / connect with Lorella:

• Instagram 
• TikTok 

To connect with Gina: 

• Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok
• Via LinkedIn 
• Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow)
• E-mail me on [email protected] with any questions you have or suggestions for future podcast topics 

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 [email protected] with any queries

Also - are you a job seeker early in your career?
Download the checklist: 25 UNMISSABLE TIPS TO SKYROCKET YOUR JOB APPLICATION SUCCESS RATE

You've got this!

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 GCSEs and university, apprenticeships or other post-18 options and it can often feel like this choice could be 'make or break' when it comes to moving towards future prospects.

It's no wonder then that students and parents alike are often thoughtful and pro-active (and sometimes confused) when it comes to figuring out the best education choices at the post-16 stage.

In recent conversations - I have spoken to a few parents who feel like there isn't enough emphasis or guidance on choosing a sixth form (or indeed a college) - which has inspired today's episode "How to choose the best sixth form for you"

As ever, this isn't an exhaustive list but it includes 13 important considerations for you. 

If this is useful for you and those in your community, do please be sure to share it. Let's build confidence for students and their supporters when it comes to making these crucial education decisions!
 
Let's stay connected:

• Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok
• Via LinkedIn post about this podcast (go to "Gina Visram" to connect with me on LinkedIn)
• Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow)
• E-mail me on [email protected] with any questions you have or suggestions for future podcast topics 

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 [email protected] with any queries

Also - are you a job seeker early in your career?
Download the checklist: 25 UNMISSABLE TIPS TO SKYROCKET YOUR JOB APPLICATION SUCCESS RATE

You've got this!

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 others.

Helping your close friends or relatives isn't volunteering. But doing something to benefit the environment (and through that, other people) is.

Volunteering can be formal and organised by organisations, or informal within communities. It should always be a free choice made by the person giving up their time."

In this episode, you will find out more about:

• Why volunteering is so important for students 
• How it supports your career development
• Insights into the LSE Volunteer Awards 2022 (read more about this year's winners here)
• Listen to a 'lightening round' where David gives examples of great volunteering opportunities based on what industry you are interested in career-wise.

Want to talk about this further? Or are you so pleased with this episode that you want to amplify it and tell your friends? 

As ever, let's stay connected:

• Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok
• Via LinkedIn post about this podcast (go to "Gina Visram" to connect with me on LinkedIn)
• Sign up for the mailing list 
• E-mail me on [email protected] with any questions you have or suggestions for future podcast topics 

... and don't forget to leave quick review for the podcast too (wherever you are listening). It's much appreciated! Catch you on another episode soon. 

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 [email protected] with any queries

Also - are you a job seeker early in your career?
Download the checklist: 25 UNMISSABLE TIPS TO SKYROCKET YOUR JOB APPLICATION SUCCESS RATE

You've got this!