Building Confidence and Expanding Possibilities
Where you grow up should never determine what you believe is possible. The data, unfortunately, tells a different story.
At the start of Term 2, I was engaged by the NSW Department of Education's Regional Industry Education Partnerships (REIP) program to deliver a pilot mentoring program with Year 10 young women from Great Lakes College, Tuncurry Campus.
The program is designed to help students build confidence, develop workplace readiness skills and start thinking about their future. Not by asking them to have everything figured out at 15, but by helping them understand that careers are rarely linear.
Over the past few weeks, we've talked about the importance of soft skills employers value most: communication, curiosity, integrity, reliability and the confidence to ask questions. Skills that can often be just as important as qualifications when it comes to creating opportunities and building a successful career.
We've also discussed what it means to have a positive digital footprint. Whether it's social media, LinkedIn, or simply how we show up online, our personal brand starts long before we enter the workforce.
National data continues to show gaps in educational outcomes and career opportunities between regional communities and major cities. That's why creating opportunities for students to build confidence, explore career pathways and connect with mentors matters so much.
As someone who built a career in administration before starting my own business, I'm passionate about helping young people understand that there is no single pathway to success. Some of the most successful people I know have changed direction multiple times, followed unexpected opportunities and learned through experience along the way.
It's been a privilege to spend time with these young women and watch their confidence grow with each session.
If just one student leaves this program believing they are capable of more than they thought possible, then that's a pretty good outcome.
If you would like to learn more about this program please reach out: Lauren.calvert@well-suited.com.au