Ilyaas Hassan is a Tower Hamlets resident who came to ELBA for guidance and support on getting ahead in the jobs market.

Please tell us about yourself to give readers an understanding of your journey

I completed my Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and then my Real Estate Investment MSc at Bayes Business School. Growing up in social housing in a deprived area, I often felt I had to work harder just to access the same opportunities as others. One of the biggest challenges I faced was a lack of information and guidance. I didn’t know about spring weeks or where to properly look for internships, so I often applied blindly online without hearing back.

I wanted to develop stronger communication and people skills and learn how to better find and approach opportunities. I came to ELBA to gain that guidance, to understand how to build a strong CV and cover letter, who to speak to, and how to cut through the noise to find the right opportunities and pursue them effectively.

How did you hear about ELBA?
Through a friend who recommended I have a look.

Please tell us about how ELBA has supported you?
ELBA has supported me in developing many of the skills I was hoping to improve when I joined the programme. I’ve had several helpful discussions with the ELBA team, particularly Abdale and AJ, who provided guidance and helped me better understand how to position myself professionally.

I also took part in CV and cover letter workshops, which helped me improve my applications and approach opportunities more strategically. Through the SPARK programme, I was introduced to Ian Turner at SEGRO, who has since become a mentor and has played a key role in guiding my career decisions.

In addition, ELBA gave me access to events and networking opportunities, such as the Black History Month event and mentoring sessions with State Street, which allowed me to meet professionals and better understand different career paths. Overall, ELBA helped me cut through the noise, understand where opportunities exist, and learn how to approach them with more confidence and direction.

I also gained experience with Alvarez & Marsal’s PEPI team through ELBA. I secured a month-long work experience placement, where I got stuck into real work and built a great relationship with my manager. This led to me applying for a six month internship, which was a fantastic progression!

What difference has this support made to to you/your challenges?
The support has made a huge difference to me, especially in overcoming the challenges I previously faced when trying to access opportunities. Before ELBA, I struggled to understand where to look for opportunities and how to approach them effectively.

Through the programme, I learned how to better communicate, network and present myself professionally. It also helped me come out of my shell and build the confidence to put myself forward and show the best version of myself when speaking to employers and mentors.

Overall, the biggest difference has been learning how to navigate opportunities more strategically rather than applying blindly, which has made my career path feel much clearer and more achievable.

Would you recommend ELBA to others and, if so, why?
Yes, definitely! ELBA doesn’t just give general advice; ELBA actively creates opportunities and provides a platform for you to grow! ELBA connects you with professionals and mentors who can genuinely help open doors and guide your career. At the same time, they encourage you to take responsibility for your own development, giving you both the support and the opportunity to move forward on your own path.

For anyone who needs guidance, connections and practical support in starting their career, ELBA makes a real difference!