The Power of Learning, Networking & Putting Yourself out there
When it comes to professional development, choosing your next career move, or enhancing your own personal branding on platforms such as LinkedIn, a lot can be said for authenticity and a willingness to learn.
My Journey in Recruitment & Career Conversations
Taking on a marketing role at Contract Personnel (a recruitment agency) over the past three years has enabled me to speak with people daily about their career options, development, and dreams.
I often speak to students and young professionals who are looking for their first break in their professional careers. Or I am asked for advice on:
- How to gain experience
- Where to make friendships
- The best places to network
- How to reach the right people
The Key to Success? A Willingness to Learn
My first piece of advice always tends to be around ‘a willingness to learn’. If you have this mindset, you will achieve success as you will show determination and hunger.
As a former journalist, telling stories and finding the best in people is something I did on a daily basis. To achieve your ambitions and fulfill your potential, a lot depends on how willing you are to learn new things, be a bit quirky, and showcase your talents.
A Career Built on Storytelling & People
Prior to working in recruitment, I have had marketing roles at:
✔ Marina Theatre
✔ Desira
✔ Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure
I have also covered large sporting events during my time at BBC Sport and completed complex investigative journalistic stories working at the EDP.
But something that underpins all of these roles is the person that I choose to be on a daily basis.
I love listening to people, hearing their stories, celebrating their successes, and showcasing them.
Shifting Into Events, Partnerships & Networking
Over the past 12 months, I have grown more into an events, partnerships, and business development role, which has allowed me to:
✔ Regularly attend networking events
✔ Host some of my own
In my opinion, there is nothing more powerful than meeting people and finding out more about them.
At the end of the day:
- People buy from people
- We learn from each other
- We can recommend and support one another
Standing Out in a Scrolling Culture
My key tip over the past six months has been around video content, especially on LinkedIn.
At a recent careers fair at UEA, my key advice was:
1️⃣ Research companies in the sector you are interested in
2️⃣ Start connecting with people who work there on LinkedIn
3️⃣ Show a willingness to learn – record a little video about yourself and your experiences
If you have no professional work experience, say that. It is not a negative. Instead, explain all of your other interests and skills that make you a suitable candidate.
Someone who puts themselves out there and wants to learn will shine brighter than everyone else.
Creative Ways to Gain Experience & Get Noticed
✔ Offer to come in and shadow or learn from someone in a company – this can be a great way to gain hands-on experience
✔ Meet fellow professionals and learn from one another – career growth happens in communities
✔ Research available opportunities and connect with relevant people – relationships matter
Sometimes, stepping outside your comfort zone can be one of the hardest things to do.
Whenever I do a talk at a networking event, I now try to make it:
- Entertaining
- Filled with a few jokes and one-liners
People now come up to me and ask when my next comedy routine will be taking place—not that the jokes are any good, mind!
But this is because I have tried to be memorable, and hopefully, people see the real me—a genuine, fun person who brings something a little different to professional events.
At the end of the day, it is important to smile and have a laugh sometimes.
Your CV is Your Story—Tell it Well
One of the hardest things on a CV, in my opinion, is the personal statement. It is never easy to talk about yourself. But you should see this as an opportunity to showcase yourself and the type of person you are.
Recruitment = Matchmaking & Finding Inspiration
Recruitment can be a bit like match-making:
✔ Finding the best in a person
✔ Matching their skills to the most appropriate job role
But for me, it is about being inspired and enjoying the work that you are taking on.
It is crucial to have aspirations and dreams to try and achieve.
Pushing Myself in 2025
I have taken on a number of running challenges in 2025 – including a 5K run every day in January for charity.
Why? Because I am ambitious and want to challenge myself to achieve something I didn’t think I could do.
This Applies to Your Career Too
This motto can be related to all types of professional situations:
✔ Attend a new networking event
✔ Record a video for LinkedIn
✔ Write something new for your personal statement
✔ Offer to volunteer your services
By having an ambition and putting yourself out there, you will hopefully reap the rewards.
Let’s Connect Over Coffee ☕
I am really keen to meet people for a coffee (my treat!).
Recently, catching up with like-minded professionals and offering advice has been really rewarding for me.
Or, even if I can:
✔ Link someone up with a key contact
✔ Help with CV writing
✔ Assist with what to say or how to record a video
I will try my best to help.
Ultimately, we should all be smiling and helping one another.
Let’s Make Norfolk a Thriving Place for Collaboration
We are the future. Let’s embrace it.
