Lettie Wareing - Cumbria Talent Force

Q&A

— Give a short overview of your career journey after school

After my GCSEs, I completed my A-levels at West Lakes Academy Sixth Form studying English Language, History, Biology, and Sociology (AS-level only). I then went on to Lancaster University where I studied as BSc Undergraduate degree in Psychology. Over two summers, I worked as a Community Engagement Assistant for Morgan Sindall Infrastructure and, for one summer, I worked as a Research Assistant in a psychology lab at Lancaster University. After completing my undergraduate degree, I was successful in applying for 1+3 funding which means I was funded to do a Masters and PhD at Lancaster University researching a project I had designed myself. I completed my MSc in Psychological Research Methods in 2023 and have since been completing my PhD in psychology. My PhD funding has also helped me to access other opportunities, including doing a 3-month internship as a Policy Analyst in the House of Lords down in London which was an amazing experience. Two years into my PhD, I decided to take a break and have been working as a Development Officer for the past 6 months which I have loved. I am hoping to return to my PhD part-time in August so that I can work as a Development Officer alongside this.

— What do you love about your job?

Everyday is different but everything I do is about making a difference and supporting rural communities across Cumbria. It is great to work with communities on things that matter to them and to support projects that could make a real difference to the lives of rural people, including work around housing, transport, and other challenges faced by people living in rural areas.

I do a lot of work with volunteers and community groups and I love the passion and enthusiasm that people bring to the projects they are working on, or the groups they are part of. I am reminded everyday that there are amazing people in the world and how even something that might seem 'small' can make a huge difference to an individual or their wider community.

— What piece of advice would you give to young people about finding their best next step?

My advice for a young person would be to think about what drives you and what career or training will help you to fulfil that drive as, when we can do something that satisfies our drives, we feel a lot more fulfilled in whatever we do. For me, my drive is feeling that I can make a difference and that is what has led me to the career I am in now, however, for a long time I wasn't sure what career was 'for me'. So, my other piece of advice is not to rush your journey or feel that it has to be smooth and perfect. Enjoy the process of learning about yourself and take the time to reflect along the way about what it has taught you and where you want to go next.

— What three essential skills do you think have helped you to be successful in your job?

Listening, Problem Solving, Staying Positive.

— What advice would you give to someone considering working in your industry?

If you are interested in working in the third-sector (e.g., for a charity), I would recommend trying out volunteering with a charity whose work you feel passionate about. It is a great way of exploring whether this line of work is for you, while also giving something back to your local community at the same time.

— What is the best piece of advice you have been given that has helped you on your career journey?

Your journey doesn't have to be linear- a path that was right for a while may no longer fit where you want to go, and that's fine!