Isabelle's story

Careers support helped Isabelle feel less anxious and more confident about her future.

In Year 10, Isabelle from Cardiff wasn’t sure what to do next. She felt anxious about sixth form and her post-16 options.

Isabelle said: “I wasn’t really sure what A levels I should do, what sixth form would be best for me, or what I needed for uni.”

That’s when she met Nick, her school’s careers adviser.

She said: “Nick came into our year group and explained the whole thing. If you didn’t know what you wanted to do, you could go and speak to him. It was really helpful.”

One-to-one advice

In Year 11, Isabelle began one-to-one sessions with Nick.

Isabelle said: “I had no idea what I should do after school. I felt so alone. But Nick made me realise I wasn’t alone and that there were so many more options. He made me less anxious about leaving school.”

Step by step, Nick helped Isabelle build her confidence.

She said: “He slowly started introducing the idea of sixth form to me. He made it all seem very easy and gentle. It was a lot less daunting.”

“He went through all the different schools in our area and helped me decide which one would be the best fit. He showed me when open days were and stuff like that.

With Nick’s help, Isabelle decided to study psychology, biology, history, and religious education.

Feeling secure about the future

Isabelle feels much more positive about her future now. She hopes to do a psychology degree. She would like to work in a role that helps people and supports communities. She said: “Nick helped me decide what’s the best place for me, what grades I needed, and what I should do with my future.”

“I feel a lot better about it now because I have support and I know where I can go. I feel a lot more secure in my future.”

Advice for others

When asked what she would say to other young people who feel anxious about their future, Isabelle said: “I’d just tell them to talk to Careers Wales and know they’re not alone. There are so many things they can offer them support wise.”

If you would like to explore your interests and opportunities with a careers adviser, please contact us today.

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