Ellie's Story

What do you do now, and what does your current work involve?

 

I currently work as a Specialist Mentor at University of the Arts London. I provide one-to-one support to improve academic studies and general wellbeing for disabled students, tailored to their specific needs. My first session with each student revolves around us getting to know each other, it’s a chance for me to observe and understand who they are, what their strengths, goals and challenges are, alongside introducing myself and my experience, to ensure they feel comfortable in our sessions.

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I tend to work with students on challenges such as motivation, time management, organisation and managing their studies alongside their health condition, but there is a wide variety of challenges we work through together. Usually, support involves strategies, approaches or resources that are tailored to their needs. I think being person-centric is incredibly important in my role, and I am always researching and trying to tailor my approach to the specific student’s needs.

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What do you regard as your first career or the path you originally started out in?

 

I was training to be a prosthetics and make-up artist. I graduated with a distinction in my foundation degree at York College in Special Effects Make-Up, Media Make-up and Hair Design, then went on to do a BA at University of the Arts London in Hair, Make-up and Prosthetics for Performance. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to finish this due to my disabilities. During my time on this path, I had many exciting jobs, including make-up artist for a boudoir photographer, and make-up artist and teacher for a theatre school in Cheltenham.

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Have there been any other careers, roles or industries you’ve worked in along the way, including any detours, pivots or unexpected chapters in your career journey?

 

When I was in my final year at University of the Arts London, I received an email from the Students’ Union advertising the role of sabbatical officers for the following year, this is where my path changed. It links into what I do now, but was also very different. I ended up being the Union Affairs Officer, a position that also meant I was a director of the charity, and Chair of the Trustee Board for Arts:SU.

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This career move changed my whole direction. I was in a position to help improve student experience within the university and decided to focus on the lives of disabled students due to the struggles I had faced at the university. This year ignited a passion inside of me, and I realised that I needed a career that felt meaningful and impactful. I wanted to help others, and doing so gave me a great sense of fulfilment in my own life.

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Looking back across your career so far, what prompted some of those changes in direction?

 

I had to adjust my path due to my disabilities. I suffer with Crohn’s Disease, mental health conditions and, until recently undiagnosed, narcolepsy. I couldn’t finish my second degree because I wasn’t physically able, which made me realise I had to adjust my goals and path.

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I realised that I needed certain conditions in my work and, unfortunately, being stood up for however many hours a day wasn’t going to work for me. I thought this would be temporary, but the passion I found within that adjustment made me feel like everything had happened for a reason.

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After my year at the SU, I decided I wanted to keep helping others and thought about who had helped me through my degree. I had a wonderful Disability Advisor whilst I was at the university, and with her help I so nearly finished it. She inspired me to step into disability services within the university, so I went on to be a Disability Advisor after that, and then a Specialist Mentor, which is where I am now.

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Were there particular moments, opportunities or realisations that encouraged you to try something different?

 

Circumstance really forced me into something different, but realising that I could turn my pain and misfortune into meaning and purpose encouraged me majorly. I have always been passionate about creative stuff, and about helping others. I am so glad I found a career that combined both.

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What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when changing path?

 

Feeling unconfident in my knowledge and experience was a big challenge. I was lucky to have great people around me, both in my professional and personal life, who showed me that I knew way more than I realised and had more experience than I had considered.

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Without people around me believing in me and my ability, and reminding me what I had done and who I was, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today. I think it was also hard feeling like others thought my time training in prosthetics and make-up was pointless, and I worried about that a lot. I know it wasn’t pointless now though, it was all part of my journey.

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What helped you most in navigating those career transitions?

 

People around me believing in me and reminding me of what I know and who I am as a person. I think we find it way too easy to criticise ourselves and not enough time identifying what we have done well. I’ve always struggled with understanding who I am as a person, but it’s been really helpful when people have told me how they see me, it’s truly raised my confidence and self-understanding.

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I used to worry a lot about my age in my line of work, that people wouldn’t take me seriously. I don’t worry about that anymore. I believe I am good at what I do, and think I have a lifetime of experience that has prepared me to help others through my work.

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I think good managers are super important. I was really lucky to have great senior staff throughout my career, from the CEO of the SU who pushed me to apply for the Disability Advisor position, to my manager when I got into the role, who made me feel like I belonged there, and my current manager, who has always helped me identify my strengths and given me freedom through my work. It’s important to feel trusted in your role.

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What has surprised you most about where your career has taken you?

 

I’m surprised I found something so perfect for me, an area of work that makes all my life experiences feel meaningful. When I was in school, I wanted to be a psychologist, which I realised I couldn’t do when my Crohn’s got bad and I had to drop out of sixth form. I ended up in a role I would’ve preferred over being a psychologist, to be honest. I can’t believe it all worked out so well.

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What practical advice would you give to someone who is considering a career change but isn’t sure where to begin?

 

Take every opportunity you can, even ones that don’t seem that relevant to where you want to go, you never know what doors they might open up. And don’t be afraid to embarrass yourself, it actually won’t cause you any harm. I had to campaign for the role at the SU, I had to make videos and stop students to talk to them, it all felt very embarrassing, but it got me to where I am today.

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Looking back now, what key lessons or reflections would you share with others thinking about changing careers?

 

Don’t be afraid, and take every opportunity you can. Think about what you’re passionate about, and who you are as a person, and let that help guide you. It’s all part of the journey, you might just not know it yet.​