What's my background?

I come from a disadvantaged background and left school without any qualifications, as I hardly attended the final years. I initially wanted to be a jockey, and at just sixteen, I was passionate enough to gain a training place at the British Racing School in Newmarket. However, after just a week, I had a major confidence crisis and I left the program. I was suddenly without any goals or passions and had no idea what I wanted to do next. However, my desire to earn my own money and strive for a better future, led me to find work through the apprenticeships of the time. Whilst I only stayed for a short time in my first role within a designer radiator store, the experience I gained there provided me with something for my CV, and this led to my next job in Royal Mail. Despite working in a male dominated environment that was not so politically correct at the time, I learnt to stand up for myself, and quickly progressed to roles of increasing responsibility.

 

Eventually I moved out of London, left Royal Mail, and started a new entry level role within the pharmaceutical industry. There I found myself working with highly qualified individuals, some of whom were medical doctors, which left me feeling inferior and very under qualified. Rather than be defeated, I was inspired in my mid-twenties to go back to college to gain my GCSE Maths and English. Realising I could learn (on my terms!) I went on to complete a Molecular Science degree with the Open University, which took 6 years but I was immensely proud to achieve a First class honours. Later I completed a MSc in Quality Management and by then I had moved into senior roles within the pharmaceutical industry.

 

I had an amazing career in pharma but my favourite part was always helping others to meet their potential. This led to my coach training and eventually I embarked on a whole new career where I only focus on what I enjoy most - helping others to find work and succeed at work. This also inspired me to once again go back to University and study part time for a MSc Psychology. ​

 

Why focus career support on the autistic community?

With personal experience supporting autistic family members, autism has been a topic close to my heart for many years. However, I was surprised when I discovered that only 22% of autistic adults are in some kind of paid employment. Furthermore, 53% of adults with autism said they want help to find work, but only 10% are getting the support. This made me passionate about utilising my skills to provide the support that is currently lacking.

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What are my credentials?

• MSc Psychology

• Certificate and Diploma in coaching - University of Cambridge - 2 years of assessed coach training.

• Several years of experience with providing career support to neurodiverse clients 

• Level 2 certification in Understanding Autism

• Certificate in Counselling - Counselling Foundation

• Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society (GMBPsS)

• Member of the Association of Coaching

• 20 years of work experience (including senior leadership) within a Global blue chip company with extensive experience of selecting, interviewing and hiring staff.

 

Why choose me to support you to find employment?

I am a dedicated and supportive person who wants to make a difference for others. I am passionate about supporting autistic individuals to find employment. Employment and training are an important element in building self-confidence, as well as providing routine and structure. Meaningful employment is proven to lead to a better quality of life.

 

How do you contact me?

You can email me with any questions you may have by completing the form below, or you can email me directly at: info@spectrumcareercoach.co.uk