Tuesday 23-05-2023 - 10:16

Choosing the direction of higher education does not mean finding the true calling. Even if students have a career goals or aspirations, it can be difficult to know where to start.

INSPIRE team interns focused on researching this problem. We spoke with former UWTSD students who successfully started their businesses to learn from their experiences and gain helpful advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Additionally, we consulted with a Wellbeing Coach who specializes in goal-setting techniques and future visioning to help students identify their career paths. Lastly, we discovered a project available at UWTSD to assist students in starting their careers.

1. Opportunities can often be found close to us, it's just a matter of recognizing them.

One such opportunity is the UWTSD project "Barod am Waith," which aims to connect students with employers and encourage greater employer involvement with the University. Charlene Jones, the Placement Officer at UWTSD (Lampeter), provided us with further details about this project.

"The aim of the project is to bring employers to our Campus and do talks about a career in different fields. Work experience is a big part of our project. We help students develop their skills. We also help students think about their careers and employability" – Charlene said.

Although the project is relatively new, it has already assisted numerous students in beginning their career journeys.

"For example, we worked with St Vincent students, who have been doing work at Hub Cymru Africa. It`s a charity organization. We have a variety of things really. But we also try to link job opportunities with students' courses. We are trying to learn more about employers locally and with the benefit of doing jobs remotely" – Charlene noted.

If you're a student seeking guidance and suggestions for your professional growth, "Barod am Waith" is a great opportunity for you. You can find the contact information for the Careers Service and get more information about this initiative on the UWTSD website.

2. Discovering your true self can be just as challenging as finding your ideal career path

Young professionals should not only explore job opportunities but also identify their life goals and values. Fortunately, Wellbeing Coaches are available to provide support and guidance. These coaches assist individuals in analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, determining their personal development direction, and recognizing where to begin their professional growth. One such expert is Ruth Adams, a Clarity & Wellbeing Coach who specializes in crafting Vision Boards. This tool can also aid in envisioning one's personal and professional development.

Ruth invites UWTSD students to join her free webinars. For those who are interested in free well-being workshops, she invites you to subscribe to her mailing list, to get the details as they are released

3. Learning from others' successes and failures can be valuable

Many young people struggle with self-doubt and obstacles when striving towards their goals. That's why students need to have role models to look up to and seek advice from experienced individuals. If you have a dream or professional goal, a successful example can motivate you to grow faster. We interviewed a UWTSD alumnus to inspire current students with a real-life story.

Oliver Gray graduated from UWTSD (or, as it was then, SDUC Lampeter) in 1987. In 1991, he came up with the concept of creating a travelling theatre group, which then became a reality in 1992. It's been touring and growing ever since. 

Oliver shared valuable insights about his experience. One of the most compelling points he made was that boredom was a key factor that led him to start his own business.

"I was an actor in a TV show called "The Bill". Working in any kind of filming is excessively dull, because there is so much waiting around. I felt was going to go mad if this was to be my life. I needed something to fill in those interminable gaps. Then following a visit to the Regents Park Open Air Theatre in August 1991, I had the idea to start my company" – he said.

Also, Oliver faced three major obstacles: Ignorance/Naivety, underestimating the necessary funds to start and effectively run a business, and a complete lack of appreciation for the value of collaboration.

"While ignorance and naivety got me into the hole, the hole itself taught me so much that I needed to know. Yes, I learned from my mistakes, but more importantly, I learned the value of both money and work. I learned to be cautious. I learned that clients might be friendly, to deal with, but ultimately they're looking out for their own organisations' interests, and that I needed to look out for mine" – Oliver commented

He also emphasized the crucial role of people in managing a business. Therefore, if you have a startup idea, remember that it is important to consider the needs of people

"There is a sense in which business is all about money. Of course, it is. But in reality, it isn't: it's about people. It's about you creating a living for yourself and your staff, by offering a service or product that helps other people. The moment it stops being about people and just about the accumulation of wealth it isn't a business, it's a cash cow. It's been said many times, but that's because it's so true: the greatest asset any business has is its people. Remember that. Have it tattooed on your eyeballs". 

We hope the information provided in this article has been helpful for students who are beginning their career journey. But the most important thing, which we shouldn`t forget, is that all who seek will find.

- Valeria Piven
Civic Mission Social Enterprise Intern