From Teaching to Prison Reform

From Teaching to Prison Reform Success Story > From: Job To: Freelance From Teaching to Prison Reform “I couldn't make the difference I wanted in a job that was so all-consuming.” * From Teaching to Prison Reform When she found a social cause that inspired her, Sarah Beresford couldn't resist pivoting her career. Here's how she took a calculated risk to turn that passion into a paying, fulfilling role. What work were you doing previously? I was previously a secondary school teacher, responsible for pastoral care of pupils aged 11â€"18. Between teaching and my current role, I was Child Family Support Manager for a charity that supports families affected by imprisonment. What are you doing now? I'm now a freelance consultant in criminal justice, largely working for the Prison Reform Trust. How did you feel about your work before you decided to make a change? I absolutely loved teaching and really enjoyed making a difference to young people's lives. Why did you change? My reasons for change were two-fold. Although very happy in my teaching career, I was keen to meet a life partner and felt that staying in the same school didn't offer me any new opportunities to meet people. In addition to the growing feeling that I needed to 'shake life up a bit', I'd become aware of three children in my school whose mother had been sentenced to prison. I visited their mother in prison and was very moved by her story and the impact of the imprisonment on the children. I knew that I wanted to make a difference to children affected by parental imprisonment but couldn't do that in a job that was all-consuming (as much as I loved it, it was emotionally demanding supporting children and young people who were facing all sorts of complex issues). So, the desire to focus specifically on children affected by imprisonment and my need to change something in my life came together. When was the moment you decided to make the change? We held an open evening at our school a few years ago for children starting high school in August that year. A mother came along whose two daughters had required a lot of additional support eleven years previously, and, in the midst of very difficult family dynamics, this mother had got pregnant. Here she was at the open evening with that child who was about to start high school! As soon as she said, “I'm so glad you're still here to support my daughter”, I knew that I couldn't be the one to do that;that I had another 'calling' (to focus on children of prisoners); and that someone else would have to look after this particular girl. The next day, I told my head teacher that I was leaving. Are you happy with the change? Delighted. I loved teaching, but leaving has given me the freedom to explore another passion. What do you miss and what don't you miss? I sometimes miss working directly with young people, but my current role gives me opportunities to engage with children which I really enjoy. I don't miss some of the daily grind of teaching. And I definitely don't miss being tied into holiday times! How did you go about making the shift? And how specifically did you choose your new career? When I left teaching, I applied for a Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellowship to do some research into the role of schools in supporting families affected by imprisonment. After completing my fellowship, I linked with a charity that supports families affected by imprisonment and began to do small pieces of work for them (following on from some of the recommendations in my report). It then became clear that they needed to develop a role of Child Family Support Manager and that I would be well-suited to that role. What didn't go well? What 'wrong turns' did you take? The biggest mistake made was that the new role we created at the charity wasn't advertised â€" I was offered it. In hindsight, the role should have been openly advertised. The way I came into the post created some tensions in the team that I ended up managing. We overcame these, though one person remained very angry which was hard. I feel awful about that to this day. How did you handle your finances to make your change possible? I was extremely fortunate that at the time I decided to leave teaching, the local council had announced a voluntary redundancy arrangement for middle management posts (which I was in). I wasn't in the anticipated age bracket for this arrangement but called HR and was told that I would be offered a redundancy package that meant I could live for one year without having to worry about finances. In addition, the Winston Churchill Fellowship grant was enough to not only support my research project but also included the time to write up my report. Once I'd published the report and linked with the charity, the charity was able to offer me some freelance work on a daily rate. There were moments of nervousness about money, but I never actually came close to struggling. I also had an honest conversation with my parents; they agreed that if I needed to, I could sell my house and move in with them. Having this as a backup was helpful. What was the most difficult thing about changing? I think not knowing what the next step would entail. I learned to live in the moment and not to try to second guess what was going to happen. For example, the charity that I ended up being Child Family Support Manager for had advertised a job in the very early days of me publishing my report. I applied for that and didn't get an interview which was devastating at the time, but it all worked out better in the end! What do you wish you'd done differently? I wish I'd spent much less time worrying about the next step and just trusted the journey. What help did you get? I had a lot of support from family and friends. They encouraged me to take the plunge and to trust in a bigger picture. I also had great support from the CEO of the charity I ended up working for. She really believed in me, and that was so helpful for my confidence. What resources would you recommend to others? Tests like the Enneagram (personality types) are really helping in knowing and understanding yourself and others. What have you learnt in the process? I've learned that taking risks is one of the best things you can do. We all need to shake life up a bit. I did go on to meet my (now) husband; I'm not sure that would've happened if I'd stayed in teaching! Changing career has been a great adventure. It takes times to build up contacts, and you have to be prepared to do some pro-bono work to show what you can do, but it's all worth it. What would you advise others to do in the same situation? Go for it! I think it's also helpful to look your worst-case scenario in the face and know what you would do if that happened (e.g. I knew I could move home with my parents if I didn't find a job and couldn't afford my mortgage). What lessons could you take from Sarah's story to use in your own career change? Let us know in the comments below.

How To Design an Alternative CV on Prezi [INTERESTING EXAMPLE]

How To Design an Alternative CV on Prezi [INTERESTING EXAMPLE] “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results” Albert Einstein   I have always thought about doing something different, but that meant that I had to leave my comfort zone and that’s not always easy. So I decided to leave my comfort zone and move to another country, learn a new language and experience a different culture. I soon realized that I would need a new approach for standing out in the crowd.  And that became my goal to achieve. I consider myself an out-of-the-box thinker, even though I spent a lot of time tailoring a standard CV, I felt that it was so impersonal, dull and simply not engaging. With the technological evolution of the Internet and the failing economy, I needed something more visual that would keep the employers reading and wanting to know more. The CV is the best personal marketing tool, my goal was clear: make an `alternative ´ CV, one that captures the reader’s attention and curiosity, then tell my story, who I am and where I come from. Why did I choose Prezi? It turned out that one of my friends who is in the presentation used the programme and told me about it. I manage quite well with PowerPoint but it does not convey exactly what I wanted, I was looking for originality, movement and innovation. Prezi is super intuitive, and you don ´t need to be an IT expert to figure out how you should use it. It has a friendly use. Also it has an excellent community support and forums where people share their tricks for using it effectively. Creative CV for a non-creatives? I have seen some creative CVs before, but it’s always by graphic designers. What about people looking for jobs outside that field? Im a marketer and I believe this tool could be useful for me as well. I’ve managed to create my CV as I used to do with a proper product or service. I made up my own marketing plan, answering questions such as; who I am, what I do, who is my target, and how do I plan to get their attention. Its a combination of a good planning and execution. Let me add, selling oneself is not easy at all. I relied on the questions of a typical job interview but adding more value. I didnt desire to speak in the first person about how awesome I am, so I realized that maybe the best option was that anyone who knows me well, friends and former coworkers do that for me. They had to explain my selling points. I sent them an email telling what my idea was and added some questions, which they had to answer freely. I was very surprised with the comments even though some of them thought it was a little bit risky and crazy. Will a Prezi CV help me stand out? Im not sure if this will work but, I am happy because Im doing my best to get my dream job.  I would be more disappointed if I didnt. Let me finish with a different quote: “A crazy idea doesn’t seem quite so crazy once it works!” -Disney Pixar So, lets see how this works: About the author: María Ortiz Sánchez  is an enthusiastic marketing professional looking for new challenges. Follow her on Twitter @mortizs. Related: Why Your CV is Boring and Ineffective.

Five ways to make yourself a workplace superstar

Five ways to make yourself a workplace superstar Its fun to be a superstar. You get a lot of accolades. But the real benefit to being a workplace superstar is that you have more control over your life. A superstar gets flextime. A superstar gets to take a five-month sabbatical and have their job held for them. Superstars are so top-flight that theyd be very hard to replace. Average performers dont get those benefits. Aim to be a superstar so that you can have more options in your career for creating a life you want. 1. Have gaps in your resume You want to be known as a good thinker, right? But good thinkers need time to think, and thats what gaps in resumes are for. Sure, for the unemployable, the gaps are times of financial terror and emotional doom. But if you feel confident that you can get another job, then taking time off to think, get perspective, try something totally new all these things actually make you more employable. If youre in the middle of a gap in your resume right now, and you think it might be the not-so-good kind of gap, and might make you unemployable, then start doing something exciting and rejuvenating with your time while you are job hunting. Then the gap will look intentional and exciting. Its all about spin, really, so take time to think and then hire a resume writer to help you turn your resume into the kind that tells the story of a great thinker. 2. Cut corners at work to make time for the gym Most people who dont get regular exercise say that job interferes with their exercise time. This is absurd reasoning, because people who dont exercise do worse at work than people who do. People who exercise perform better at work than people who dont exercise. People who exercise think more clearly and are more even-tempered. And the self-discipline that it takes to exercise regularly spills over into other areas of life, making people who exercise more able to reach work goals than people who dont exercise. So cut corners at work to make time to exercise. Your work performance will go down a bit at first. But on balance, your performance will go up once you start reaping the benefits of exercise throughout your life. 3. Start a side business One of the best ways to stand out in your career is to make sure you always have a lot of options. A great way to create options is to build your skill set so that youre adaptable within your field and on the cutting edge of your specialty. But there always comes a time when the opportunities all look bad. When that happens, you should know you can start something of your own. Entrepreneurship used to be starting a company in your garage and growing it to be big and take over the world. And most people failed, because not many people can take over the world. But today, entrepreneurship is often about microbusinesses you can do at home, while you have a day job. And success is about creating a work life that accommodates your personal needs. Success is also about keeping your learning curve high, no matter how much money you make. For all these reasons, starting a business while you work in a cube at someone elses business is a smart way to go. It ensures that youre never stuck. And its not actually that hard to do. 4. Turn down promotions The raise you get when you get a promotion is absurd. Its usually less than 10% of your salary, and its not going to change your life. Surely you can find something to ask for that is more meaningful than that. Also, when a company offers a promotion, the company says, Here is the next step in our ladder, and wed like you to climb it. But why would you follow a path laid out for you by someone else? You should customize you career according to your workplace strengths and your personal needs, Laying out a path for yourself is difficult, but necessary. You need to understand yourself, and then you can tell your boss what you really need. Think about mentoring, training, getting on a really interesting project, or asking for flexible hours. These are things that will make a long-term difference in your career. Not convinced? The process of giving someone a promotion is usually watching them succeed in one type of work and then giving that person new responsibilities that they do not necessarily have talent for. And that is why a promotion is more stressful than a divorce. So ask for other rewards instead. Really. 5. Start a blog Superstars distinguish themselves from everyone else by being known for their ideas. This doesnt mean they sit in a room and think all day. Execution matters. But you need both. Thats why a blog is so great for putting you at the top of your field. A good blog presents your opinions on a wide range of issues within your chosen specialty. If you can post regularly you show not only that you have the self-discipline to produce, but you can make a plan and execute it over time, and, most of all, you show everyone the way that you think about issues in your field. One of the most exciting things about specializing is taking part in a high-level discussion about cutting edge topics. Someone needs to lead that discussion, and increasingly, it is the bloggers who are doing that. So, here are some easy instructions for starting a blog. As with many things in life, its harder to make the mental commitment to seeing yourself as a superstar than it is to take the steps to get there. The core of being a superstar is not about what you do in your work, its what you do in your head: Believe in yourself and your ability to stand out for your ideas and then focus on being that person in whatever you do.

Considering postgraduate study Dates for your diary University of Manchester Careers Blog

Considering postgraduate study Dates for your diary University of Manchester Careers Blog Are you thinking about furthering your studies with a postgraduate degree? You may be considering further study to develop your subject expertise, demonstrate  intellectual independence or to acquire a qualification to help you on your way to your dream job but it can be difficult to know where to start. Whether you’re an undergraduate student thinking about what you want to do next, a  master’s student considering carrying on to complete a Doctorate or you’re even thinking of returning to education after working for a few years, now is the time to start planning ahead for next September. You may be just starting to consider options, or you may know exactly what you want to study at â€" we have a few dates for your diary that may help you to make up your mind. At The Careers Service, we organise the Postgraduate Study Fair in mid-November each year, which is attended by many different universities and institutions all with postgraduate opportunities. But you may also have heard about The University of Manchester’s postgraduate taught and research open days, which are also held in November, featuring opportunities at our university. While there is no harm in going along to all three, it can be quite time consuming. So I’ve written this blog post to give an overview of each and help you decide which one is right for you. The Postgraduate Study Fair, Wednesday 16 November 2016   Our very own Postgraduate Study Fair is your chance to plan your next steps by meeting with representatives from over 90 institutions, all offering courses and further training for September 2017. This is ideal if you’re not sure where you want to study! Open to students and graduates from any university, institutions from throughout the UK and overseas will be represented, offering hundreds of postgraduate course places. You will also have the opportunity to speak to advisory bodies such as FindAMasters.com, FindAPhD.com, US-UK Fulbright Commission and many more. The fair provides the perfect opportunity for you to make personal contact with a range of institutions and get a feel for the courses or universities that would suit you â€" without needing to visit each one individually. You can register your interest in a particular university, or attend a talk to receive expert advice on topics such as funding, teacher training, and what postgraduate study is really like. More information, including a full list of exhibitors is available on the website. To book your place: register online We also have a Facebook event which you can join to stay up-to-date with what’s planned for the day. If you are considering postgraduate study at The University of Manchester and you have already identified some courses or areas of study that interest you, then our two upcoming postgraduate open days, both on University campus, may be for you. Postgraduate Research Programmes Open Day, Wednesday 2 November 2016 A postgraduate research degree allows you to demonstrate intellectual independence in a particular area at doctoral level, and to contribute to the University’s thriving research culture. Some programmes may involve a taught element, or specific training in research skills; others may focus on interdisciplinary research, or involve a research partnership with another institution or external organisation. Whatever your subject of interest, this Open Day will give you an insight into the broad range of postgraduate research opportunities we have. You will also have the opportunity to speak to a variety of staff about the many aspects of postgraduate research study and meet some of our current research students. While a master’s degree is often required for entry onto a PhD programme, it may be possible for you to progress directly with an undergraduate degree come along to learn more about the vast range of courses we have to offer and to find out what your options are. To book your place: register online. A  full open day programme  is available on the website. Postgraduate Taught Programmes Open Day, Wednesday 23 November 2016 The Postgraduate Taught Programmes Open Day is your opportunity to learn more about the vast range of master’s-level courses that the University has to offer, and how you can continue to make use of the skills you’ve developed during your undergraduate degree. You will get a flavour of what life as a postgraduate taught student at The University of Manchester is really like. As well as the chance to speak to a variety of staff about the many aspects of postgraduate study, you’ll also be able to meet representatives from some of our key student services, tour our campus, learning facilities and accommodation and meet some of our current master’s students. In the afternoon, our academic Schools will lead sessions relating to your subject area, where both admissions and teaching staff will be available to answer your queries about the course(s) that you’re interested in. Further information about our postgraduate research programmes can be found on the University website. To book your place: register online. A  full open day programme  is available on the website. If you have any questions about either of our Open Days, contact the Postgraduate Team at pg-admissions@manchester.ac.uk Of course, The Careers Service will be represented at all three of these events. We’ll be on hand to discuss how we can support you in securing the top jobs in industry and academia. Hope this has helped clear up what’s what with postgraduate study events, and don’t forget you can always drop in to the Atrium or get in touch with us if you have any questions. All Graduate International Postgrad-highlighted Postgraduate Undergraduate Undergraduate-highlighted Careers fair postgraduate study

How to Make a Cover Letter For a Resume

How to Make a Cover Letter For a ResumeHow to make a cover letter for a resume is an important consideration in filling the empty positions in your job search. Your resume and cover letter are two very important things in the resume consideration and the decision making process of finding a new job. As a recent college graduate, you can easily apply for jobs. The problem is that a lot of the people you interview don't know anything about you, so you'll have to tell them your story.Although your resume and cover letter should not be lengthy, it will be difficult to do it without any. Although a prospective employer will look at your resume and cover letter, he won't read the whole thing. He or she will only see the end of your resume, the introductory paragraph, and your cover letter.It is imperative that you prepare both the letter and resume together. As a result, you must understand what makes a good letter and resume. You can use the following tips on how to make a cover letter fo r a resume.Know your purpose. Why would you apply for a job? The letter must be specific and concise. The letter must also explain the requirements and expectations of the company.The first paragraph of your letter should outline what makes a good letter. The letter must also give details of the previous work experience and education. It should also give details of any professional awards and/or honors that you have received. Additionally, make sure to put the correct information for your specific job openings.Use your past experience to sell your current position. This will help you get noticed in the beginning. By using your past experiences, you will also emphasize your qualifications for the position. Furthermore, it will help your future employer to determine your skills and abilities for the open job.Add a summary statement to the end of your letter. In this section, you should write the reasons why you are qualified for the position. If you're applying for a sales or marketin g position, you may want to mention your experience in marketing, sales, or promotions. Other jobs that have sales as their major selling point may need a similar summary statement.To recap, remember that your resume and cover letter are two important parts of your job search. You must consider both of them together in order to make a successful resume and cover letter.

Civil Service Career Guide - Part 3 Find Your Perfect Role

Civil Service Career Guide - Part 3 Find Your Perfect Role In our previous Civil Service career guide, we covered a wide range of different Civil Service departments and job roles in the UK. Now, in the third part of our extensive Civil Service career guide, we’ll look at some other essential UK Civil Service departments, and what exactly it is that they do!#section_225232048{padding-top:30px;padding-bottom:30px}HM Revenue and Customs#row-796408975.col.col-inner{background-color:rgb(0,21,255)}HMRC is one of the UK’s largest employers, with 60,000 people employed in various capacities around the country. HMRC monitors all things tax-related, ensuring that crucial elements such as hospitals, schools, roads and other essential public services maintain funding from public tax money. There are an enormous variety of roles available at HMRC â€" from customer service to debt collection.#section_161753337{padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px}HM Treasury#row-1089919899.col.col-inner{background-color:rgb(0,21,255)}HM Treasury is the government dep artment who are responsible for aspects such as spending on public interests and maintaining a strong and stable economy. The Treasury is responsible for ensuring that UK taxpayers’ money is spent in a responsible and ethical manner, and also provide citizens of the UK (including the government) with financial advice.Working as a member of HM Treasury will provide employees with the chance to make a significant different in the lives of the British public. If you are interested in the economic welfare of Britain, this could be the perfect job for you!#section_339936727{padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px}Home Office#row-1577568712.col.col-inner{background-color:rgb(0,21,255)}The Home Office is one of the most widely respected government departments in the UK, and the work that they do ensures that the UK is one of the most secure countries in the world. From ensuring passport control is fit for purpose, to reducing crime, establishing new laws and working with the most vulnerable members of society, the Home Office excels in its aim of keeping UK citizens safe and shielded from harm.By working at the Home Office, you will have the opportunity to make a significant change to the nation’s security and wellbeing, and to work with people from all types of backgrounds and vulnerabilities.#section_1362678529{padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px} #image_2035583550{width:100%}#section_800355315{padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px}Homes England#row-1774580827.col.col-inner{background-color:rgb(0,21,255)}Homes England are the department responsible for ensuring that England’s housing market continues to develop, grow, and prosper, for the benefit of UK citizens. By building more homes, faster, and releasing more land, the department aims to help grow communities and build new and prospering neighbourhoods. As an employee of Homes England, you’ll play an influential role in improving the housing market, and ensuring that everyone has a safe and comfortable pl ace to live.#section_758819664{padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px}Maritime and Coastguard Agency#row-570653553.col.col-inner{background-color:rgb(0,21,255)}The Maritime and Coastguard Agency works to ensure that UK coasts and seas are kept safe, and that citizens of the UK have clear guidance and rules on how to behave in maritime conditions. The agency sets out and creates maritime legislation, designed to prevent people from coming to harm whilst at sea. The emergency services provided by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency impact people every single day, and make a huge difference to maritime initiatives around the world. #image_676986767{width:100%}#section_562064644{padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px}Ministry of Defence#row-1874044429.col.col-inner{background-color:rgb(0,21,255)}The MOD supports British initiatives around the world, protecting British interests and working with international allies in an attempt to secure global peace. There are an enormous number of roles w ithin the MOD, from working in the actual military to working as a civil servant or defence contractor. Whichever role you apply for, you will be part of an elite and respected team, commissioned to deliver security and protection to the people of the UK.#section_1757796889{padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px}Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government#row-550664066.col.col-inner{background-color:rgb(0,21,255)}The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government plays a key role in establishing, influencing and building local communities. They work with Homes England to ensure a brighter economical future for local communities, ensuring local growth and funding for vital public services. The aim of The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is ultimately to give more power back to the people of the UK. If you want to be a part of this, then there’s no better time to apply!#section_1820801438{padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px}Ministry of Justice#ro w-353606832.col.col-inner{background-color:rgb(0,21,255)}The Ministry of Justice contains over 70,000 staff members across the UK, all of whom are active in essential justice-system roles, including policy development, legal matters, international affairs, probation work, and prison work. The Ministry of Justice aims to deliver the key principles of the United Kingdom â€" fairness and equality â€" through its work. If you are someone with a keen sense of justice, who wants to make a real impact on the legal system of the UK, then this could be the perfect role for you!#section_71069192{padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px} #image_1699826055{width:100%}Sample Civil Service Career Guide Interview Questions Answers;Top Tips to Pass Your Interview;Suitable For ANY Civil Service Role;PLUS LOTS MORE! GET INSTANT ACCESS #section_1115575478{padding-top:30px;padding-bottom:30px;background-color:#F49600} This entry was posted in Civil Service, Resources. Bookmark the permalink. Jordan Co oke Joining The Police With Dyslexia: How To Apply And Pass!UK Civil Service Jobs Guide â€" Part 4: Find Your Perfect Career

Summary Sunday Networking Hacks for Introverts

Summary Sunday Networking Hacks for Introverts This is my weekly round-up of posts shared this week. I highlight my favorites to make sure you dont miss them! Networking doesnt have to be painful, in fact, it might even be fun if you take some of these approaches! Youve heard networking can account for approximately 80% of jobs landed, but the truth is, you dont like it or know how to do it. If you havent read Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi, this link to his free download provides you with: 15 Tips from Keith Ferrazzi Audio Lesson on Building Relationships Top Ten Tips from Never Eat Alone Relationship Action Plan Template How about this free eBook from Job-Hunt.org Job Search Networking  for Introverts By Wendy Gelberg, Founder, Gentle Job Search/Advantage Resumes Perhaps some of these tips will help you jump on the networking bandwagon, or at least dip your toe in the water. 5 Tips to Exponentially Expand Your Professional Network from YouTern Do You Have a Networking Bucket List from YouTern Whats your favorite trick to get out there and network?