Diverse Pathways

How Diverse Pathways helped me

I’m Kieran, and I began using the Diverse Pathways service in June 2023. Through this service, I have been able to take a significant step forward in my career and cross barriers that I couldn’t cross before.

In 2021, I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in media production. From that, I hoped to begin my next chapter by finding a permanent role that suited my skills and background. Unfortunately, I found it difficult to move forward due to confidence issues and the effects of the pandemic on my mental health at the time.

Therefore, I went back to university a year later to study for a masters degree in journalism, in the hopes of opening new pathways and improving both my self-confidence and communication skills. I was again successful and graduated in 2023, but once again, I was struggling with the resulting job search and felt I needed to take action.

Through a family member, I was made aware of a post on the North East Autism Society’s Facebook page about Diverse Pathways and how it could support me with my goals. As of writing, I am currently on a waiting list for an autism diagnosis, so receiving specialist help was something I felt would benefit me.

"It was really simple to get in touch. I filled out the online form on the Diverse Pathways website, and within a week, I had arranged my first appointment and met with my employment coach Rachel."

I told Rachel about what I hoped to achieve from the service, that I wanted to find any form of employment or experience which, as a result, would help with my anxiety and confidence issues.

Since then, I have had meetings with Rachel most weeks, looking at job openings and potential opportunities, useful tools and websites that can produce more focused job searches and help with networking, and improving and tailoring my CV for different industries and employers.

It’s not just during meetings where help can be provided however. Throughout the week Rachel keeps an eye out for any opportunities and helps me to keep tabs on anything that could be of use.

"Through Rachel's guidance and advice, I was swiftly able to get my foot in the door and secure a part-time job as a sales assistant at a large retailer. The recruitment process was very smooth, and I felt more prepared for the interview stage than I did previously thanks to improvements in my preparation and confidence."

Within my new role at work, I am part of a large team where we all look out for each other and value each other as human beings. I have been given a wide range of training and I always have someone working alongside me, so I never feel isolated. If I did feel uncomfortable with anything and needed someone to talk to, however, they can offer support to employees who are struggling mentally. It feels like a great privilege to be a part of the company.

Despite now being in employment, I have also still been able to meet with Rachel to continue thinking about other potential routes to take my career, and look at how my qualifications and experience can continue to be used effectively.

I would highly recommend Diverse Pathways to anyone who feels they have hit a dead end in their career or are struggling with motivation or low self esteem. They don’t just see you as a client, they see you as a human being. The meetings I’ve had and the topics discussed have motivated me to take more risks in many aspects of life, and improve not only my career ambitions but also my mental and physical wellbeing.