Katie Clegg ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’

A TEACHER

Did I have high aspirations? Of course, a teacher is considered as an aspirational role within the public services sector and provides opportunities for career progression.

So what was the issue?????? The issue is in the question… ‘what do you want to be when you grow up….?’

I was 5 when my teacher asked me this…. and from this point forward my destination was all mapped out!!!

HOWEVER… Day 1 of my teaching degree. I arrived at University College Worcester and my first thoughts were…..

But… ‘it’s first day nerves…you’ll be fine when you settle in’ ‘I need to get to know people and make friends’ I need to know who to ‘go to’ to get support I NEED TO GIVE THIS A GO…

and I did… …for 2 years anyway! In year 2 I ‘dropped out’ of my teaching degree despite only having one year left I knew this wasn’t for me…

So what next…. I discussed my options with my lecturers/student support and careers They were GREAT and fully understood MY situation They helped me transfer my degree without having to start back at the beginning I finished with a 2:1 in BA (Hons) Education Studies Combined- YAY!

But what sort of degree is that? It is a degree which has led me to where I am today…. In a roles which I have thoroughly enjoyed! Healthy Schools Adviser Home Education Liaison Officer Senior Exclusions and Hard to Place Officer and now Senior Education Adviser for Vulnerable Children

Have you ever heard of anyone ‘aspiring’ to be in one of those roles? Probably not……. Why?

Because we do not always know what is out there… We are asked questions about our futures too early and with too little experience of ‘ourselves’ We do not revisit our career choices frequently enough But… you can always change your mind… education and opportunities are always there!

So I ask the question of myself again? What do I want to be when I grow up? ‘I want to continue work in the education sector where I can have a positive impact on children and their families by ensuring appropriate systems are in place; to contribute to and implement local and national policy; hold myself and others to account and drive forward change.’

Focus on your strengths and the things that make you ‘tick’ Regularly explore your options Seek opportunities to develop yourself- remember it’s lifelong learning! Don’t be afraid to change your mind