In November 2022 we invited five Bristol alumni from what we considered to be ‘radical career paths that make a difference’ to share their career journeys and advice with us.
Our speakers:
- Aura Freeman – Co-Founder and Director at ATOM FUTURES, Law with French
- Kameliya Tomova – Non-Profit Management and Accountability Consultant at Greenpeace, Social Sciences ‘Contemporary Identities’ MSc
- Lucy Duggan – Director at Light Box Leadership, Politics and Sociology BSc
- Michael Milad Abdalah – Global Advisor on Health and Nutrition at Save the Children US, Public Policy MSc
- Nki Nafisa Jones – Freelance Campaigner and Writer, French and Portuguese BA
Top tips for finding a radical career that makes a difference
1. There’s no specific degree required…
… which is good news! Our speakers came from a range of disciplines, from Sociology and Politics to Medicine and Public Policy. So, whatever your degree, don’t feel limited in terms of the impact you can have in your future career.
Take it further: use Careers Service resources to explore your interests and values and the 80,000 hours website to reflect on what making a difference might look like for you.
2. Your career path will probably keep changing – and that’s okay
A common experience was not knowing what to do after graduating or being unclear on next steps. One speaker talked about how pursuing creative projects led to her founding her own organisation – something she had never anticipated but finds hugely rewarding.
If you can, be open-minded and flexible in your career path – following interests may lead you to unexpectedly rewarding places.
3. Take every opportunity that presents itself!
One speaker described the impact that volunteering with a Bristol-based charity supporting asylum seekers had on deciding their own career plans. Opportunities to get involved whilst at university can have a big impact on where you end up – opening your eyes to different interests as well as building experience.
Take it further: use opportunities to develop experience in your areas of interest – see Careers Service work experience resources.
4. Skills are important, and requirements vary
Whilst passion is important for securing meaningful jobs, be aware of the skills needed too. While many skills are transferable, different jobs require different skills. If there are particular jobs or organisations you’re interested in, find out what skills you will need and how to develop these.
Take it further: use Prospects job profiles to find out about skills required in different roles. LinkedIn is also great for researching skills – see the Careers Service LinkedIn guide.
5. Life experience can help guide your journey
Our speakers came from varied backgrounds and had all been inspired by various life experiences. They advised being open-minded to possibilities and reaching out to people in areas of interest to you, as you never know where this might lead!
Take it further: join Careers Service events to meet employers and professionals and get support with networking.
6. Above all, stay passionate and curious!
A passion to make a positive impact in their particular field was shared by all our speakers. They recommended staying curious to the world and what interests you – this way you can find your own way to make a difference where it matters to you.
Next steps:
- Want to hear more? Watch the event recording.
- Use Careers Service support to help you find your own radical career that makes a difference: CVs and applications, jobs and internships, exploring career options… We’ve got your back.
Good luck – stay driven!
Written by Natalie Fittus, third year English student and Employer Events Ambassador for the Careers Service.