Jada shares her thoughts on her work experience time with ELBA and how this has influenced her career aspirations.

Please tell us about yourself to give readers an understanding of your journey
I am currently a third year English Language student at Queen Mary University. I have always thrived the most doing essay-based subjects as I work best in analytical and expressive environments. I am in search of a job role surrounding research, analytical thinking and organising ideas. I am most drawn to business-related topics and dealing with real world challenging with the help of critical thinking skills. I reached out to ELBA in search of hands-on work experience where I could gain valuable advice on starting my career while learning more about the inner workings of a business charity.

How did you hear about ELBA?
I discovered ELBA through word of mouth, hearing about the work ELBA does in the east London community. I have been interested in the career awareness insight days that benefit students – just like myself – and the Eagles graduate programme, which is of particular interest.

Please tell us about how ELBA has supported you?
The idea of finding a career that is best suited to me after university has always been a daunting subject for me. As an English Language student, studying such a broad subject means there is a lot of flexibility when choosing a job role. My ELBA work experience enabled me to gain a valuable insight into various positions. I have learnt about the inner workings of a corporate-focused charity and the different ELBA teams – Community, Education and Employment, plus communications too! I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the behind the scenes communications work at ELBA, including web creation and how it’s made to be more inclusive; for instance, the addition of text to illustrate images for those who are visually impaired. Following on from this, I also worked closely with an Employment Project Manager and participating in a ‘Finding Your You’ workshop, which helped me to think into the future and look within, thinking about my ambitions and the path I can lay out for myself to reach my potential, and thrive in a career that would make me happy. I thoroughly enjoyed sitting in on strategic partner meetings with a Partnership Director and learning more about how ELBA helps businesses to collaborate with charities and organisations to give back to their local community.

What difference has this support made to you/your challenges?
Working with ELBA has introduced me to a professional corporate setting, which I am leaning towards. I have been able to work on exciting projects and get a closer look on what a typical working week is like for employees at ELBA. It has always been a daunting idea to fall into a role that I don’t enjoy or that doesn’t serve me as an individual, but with the chance to understand various positions such as project management and communications, I have a better idea of the type of work that is best suited to me.

Would you recommend ELBA to others and, if so, why?
I would like to give a huge thank you to ELBA for this opportunity to gain valuable work experience and insight into the business world. With their support I have gained a new sense of confidence, and developed important skills and guidance from professionals. I would recommend ELBA to any student that is starting their career, in need of guidance for the future and is wishing to experience a professional setting.