Newham resident and UEL award-winner Ridhi Singla talks to us about the bumps and self-doubt, and how ELBA has helped her on her way to confidence.

Please tell us about yourself to give readers an understanding of your journey
My name is Ridhi Singla and my path to success has been anything but smooth. After completing my A-levels in India, I set my sights on studying Business Management at the University of East London (UEL), dreaming of a career at a multinational corporation. But the journey was tougher than I expected.

I faced countless rejections – from internship applications that went unanswered to opportunities that slipped through my fingers- and each “no” stung, but I refused to give up. I spent months refining my CV, practicing interviews and pushing myself out of my comfort zone. The hardest part wasn’t the rejection itself, but the self-doubt that crept in. Was I good enough? Would I ever get my foot in the door?

That’s when I discovered ELBA. Their support was transformative – from career workshops that sharpened my skills to networking events that connected me with professionals who believed in my potential. ELBA didn’t just help me navigate the job market, they gave me the confidence to keep going, even when setbacks made me question my path.

Today, I’m closer than ever to my goal of working in financial services, and I owe much of that progress to ELBA’s guidance. My journey taught me that rejection isn’t failure – it’s preparation. To anyone facing similar struggles, my advice is this, keep applying, keep learning and lean on organisations like ELBA. Every “no” brings you closer to the right “yes.”

How did you hear about ELBA?
I first came to know about ELBA during a university career fair.

Please tell us about how ELBA has supported you?
ELBA has been instrumental in my professional growth. Their CV and LinkedIn profile workshops helped me refine my personal brand, and the one-on-one review sessions gave me tailored advice to stand out to employers. The networking workshops were particularly valuable – they taught me how to make meaningful connections and present myself confidently.

What difference has this support made to you/your challenges?
ELBA’s guidance has been transformative in overcoming my early career hurdles. After facing multiple rejections, their CV and LinkedIn workshops helped me refine my applications, while their networking training gave me the confidence to connect with professionals. This support directly contributed to securing my investment internship at XPS Group, where I have gained hands-on experience in financial analysis and portfolio strategies—a critical step toward my goal in the financial services sector.

Additionally, ELBA’s emphasis on proactive engagement inspired me to fully utilise UEL’s Career Zone programmes, leading to my Award for Outstanding Engagement. This recognition reinforced the value of persistence and seizing every opportunity – lessons ELBA instilled in me. Thanks to their mentorship and practical training, I’ve shifted from self-doubt to a growth mindset. ELBA didn’t just help me land an internship; they equipped me with skills and resilience for long-term success.

Would you recommend ELBA to others and, if so, why?
ELBA provides invaluable support for anyone looking to break into competitive industries or navigate career challenges. Their practical workshops – like CV optimisation and LinkedIn profiling – equip you with the tools to stand out, while their networking events open doors to real opportunities. What sets ELBA apart is their personalised approach; the team takes the time to understand your goals and offers tailored guidance, whether through mentoring or one-on-one feedback.

For students and professionals facing rejections or uncertainty, ELBA doesn’t just offer resources – they build confidence. Their workshops and connections helped me turn setbacks into progress, and I’m certain they can do the same for others. If you’re serious about advancing your career, ELBA is the perfect partner to help you get there.