Nuala Ledward
Graduate Scheme at Energus
Key Details:
| Current industry | Public Sector & Defence |
|---|---|
| School attended | William Howard School |
| University attended | University of Strathclyde |
| Year completed GCSEs | 2017 |
| Favourite lessons at school | Psychology, English Language, Maths |
Q&A
— Give a short overview of your career journey after school
I chose to take a year out of education following the intensity of school exams. During this time I became full-time employed at Rheged Discovery Centre in Penrith. I then went on to study Psychology at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, where I completed a 4 year degree. Following university, I was accepted onto the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) 2-year graduate scheme. This opportunity has brought me back to Cumbria where I continue to develop my skills and gain experience.
— What do you love about your job?
The graduate scheme has offered me a chance to work with different teams, try different roles, live in different locations and visit some incredible sites such as Sellafield! As someone who wasn’t entirely sure what career path to follow, this graduate scheme has provided me the flexibility to explore different areas of work.
— What piece of advice would you give to young people about finding their best next step?
Reach out to people!! If you have a LinkedIn page and see a job you're interested in learning more about, send that person a message. You don’t have to have everything mapped out, but starting with conversations and seeing where that leads is a good step.
— What three essential skills do you think have helped you to be successful in your job?
Speaking, Aiming High, Teamwork.
— What advice would you give to someone considering working in your industry?
The best place I find is LinkedIn. This shows pro-activeness on your half and a willingness to know more! I found other graduates who were on the graduate scheme and set up calls with them to ask what role they were in and if they had any tips they could offer me.
— What is the best piece of advice you have been given that has helped you on your career journey?
A great piece of advice someone told me was “value what you bring to the table”! Remember you bring a host of skills, attributes and experiences with you that are equally needed.