Sharon, a student at Pendleton Sixth Form College in Salford, had a mentor and paid internship with our partners AXA UK. This is her Career Ready story.
“My internship exposed me to new situations that meant I had to adapt,” says Sharon. “It pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me develop the skills I wanted to improve on.”
Over four weeks with the team at AXA’s office in Bolton, Sharon learnt about the world of insurance.
“I took part in several meet-and-greets and one-to-one sessions with team members and professionals across different areas of insurance, which strengthened my communication and confidence,” she says.
“My favourite moments included bonding with colleagues and learning about their professional journeys, goals and what drives their motivation.”
Developing skills for the future
Her internship also gave Sharon an opportunity to build new skills.
“Being given responsibility for tasks allowed me to improve my organisation and time-management skills, while the guidance I received from supportive colleagues helped me reflect on my strengths and areas for growth,” she says. “I developed a range of professional skills – including communication, adaptability, and teamwork.
“Overall, the experience has prepared me well for future work opportunities and given me a clearer sense of my professional capabilities.”
Advice and support from my mentor
Sharon’s mentor, Rachel, also works at AXA.
“Rachel has been incredibly supportive throughout the whole experience,” Sharon says.
“She has prepared me for the future by helping me develop greater confidence in my abilities and sharing practical advice that I can apply in interviews or the workplace.
“Rachel also talked to me about her own professional journey. This gave me a better understanding of what to expect in the workplace and inspired me to think about my own career path.”
Inspiring networking
Sharon’s favourite Career Ready masterclass was on networking, hosted by our partners CMS.
“The masterclass allowed me to listen to the stories of others first-hand, which was incredibly valuable because it made it all the more inspiring,” she says.
“One of the most important ideas I learnt is to not be deterred by obstacles or hardships on my professional journey.
“Hearing from people who faced significant challenges, yet rose to positions they could be proud of, showed me the value of perseverance and resilience.”
Prepared for the future
Now, Sharon is exploring university courses which interest her, including Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE).
“I’m also looking for opportunities to gain further experience through internships,” she says.
“Career Ready has helped me gain confidence, develop practical skills through my internship, and be inspired by the guidance of my mentor and the masterclasses.
“These experiences will continue to support me as I take the next steps in my education and career.”
