Monday 24-05-2021 - 14:43

Written by Shanique Clarke, BAME Ambassador

 

Finding career inspiration is like finding the right piece to complete a jigsaw. With so many options from qualifications, job roles and the industry it can feel like a mammoth task. Finding career inspiration from someone you relate to can make the task a little trickier. We’ve pulled together some resources where you can find careers inspiration from people like you.

 

Podcasts

The rise of podcasting over the past few years has increased rapidly with around 7.1 million people in the UK listening per week. Podcasts are audio on the move, a collection of spoken word episodes covering everything from current affairs to veganism.

Even better, podcasts are known for their hosts, sharing their experiences and stories especially when it comes to their careers field. Perfect for easy listening and convenience, podcast hosts come from a range of diverse backgrounds and careers.

To get started, identify what matters most to you, search this alongside “careers podcast” on Google to find like-minded professionals and their careers experiences.

A few podcasts to check out include:

• The Michelle Obama Podcast (available on Spotify)
• The Unpretty Podcast – Episode: ‘Bringing your true authentic self to work with Kevin Morosky and Nicole Crentsil’
• Slay in Your Lane: The Podcast
• Racism at Work Podcast
• HBR IdeaCast – Race at Work: Lessons in Diversity and Culture from Mastercard (3rd December 2020)

Look out for our podcast, ‘Shades of Tea’, coming soon!

 

LinkedIn

LinkedIn, the well-known social media platform, specifically designed for career and business professionals to connect. It is full of many inspiring individuals. LinkedIn is great for videos and posts from your network, but also for making new professional contacts and identifying successful professionals in your chosen industry. You can also benefit from unique insights, advice and information on industry trends.

A perfect way to find careers inspiration relevant to you is by tailoring your LinkedIn feed to feature more of what matters to you. You can do this by following organisations which align with you and your values.

Want to adapt your LinkedIn feed to mirror you and your values? Try following these organisations:

• BYP Network – A platform for black professionals and students.
• Pepper Your Talk – Fashion career support.

 

Networks

Careers networks are great opportunities to meet and network with other students and professionals in your field. Gaining insight from peers and established professionals are invaluable and can help you get ahead and make meaningful contacts.

Bright Network is a UK student and graduate career network and employability platform that helps its members gain industry experience and exposure. It’s a great opportunity to engage with top employers, learn new skills and be ready for the working world. Fun Fact: membership is also free!

As a member, you will have the chance to participate in their annual calendar of bespoke careers events. With the new academic year around the corner, students should feel encouraged to join their events, to gain insight from those you identify with and those who have been in your very position.

• The Junior Network – Fashion career members club and mentorship.
• The Entry Platform – For aspiring designers.
• The Break Platform – For female entrepreneurs.

 

Books

Slay in Your Lane: The Black Girl Bible by Elizabeth Uviebinené and Yomi Adegok is an honest and inspirational guide filled with encouraging stories and interviews spoken through the walk of the Black woman. Exploring topics such as education and employment, this is truly a must-have for any young Black woman. From navigating the office environment to breaking the double glass ceiling, it offers practical advice and solutions from 39 successful Black British women in different industries to forge a generation of formidable Black women who excel in all walks of life.

 

Find out more about the amazing work being done by the BAME Ambassadors and for regular updates and exclusive content, make sure to follow @mmubame on Instagram.