Maggie's story

Careers support helped Maggie turn a hobby into a future career.

Maggie lives in Crickhowell. After completing her GCSEs, she felt unsure about her future.

She said, “I was really struggling with my next steps. I felt at a bit of a dead end really. I didn’t want to go to university or a college. I was considering getting a job."

After being encouraged by her teachers, Maggie met with Careers Wales adviser Vicky to discuss her options.

Finding a direction

Together, they explored different options linked to Maggie's interests. One conversation introduced Maggie to an option she had never considered before.

Maggie said, “I started knitting when I was 14 because I really liked Harry Styles and I saw him wearing a knitted cardigan. I knitted it almost immediately and I just really, really enjoyed it.

“Vicky told me about Hereford College of Arts because of my interest in knitting. I went to a couple of open days and I really, really enjoyed it. It kind of opened my eyes a bit.”

After visiting the college, Maggie decided to apply for a place.

Maggie said, "Vicky helped me with my application for college, and she supported me with writing my personal statement. She was great, very helpful."

Maggie was delighted to secure a place at Hereford College of Arts.

She said, “I definitely grew and became a much more confident person in college.”

From hobby to degree

What started as an interest soon became a clear career goal.

Maggie began looking at universities that offered specialist knitting degrees. After applying and attending open days, she accepted a place at Nottingham Trent University.

Maggie said, “I searched online to see if you could actually do a degree in knitting. Two places in the country offered it and I ended up choosing Nottingham. I was given an unconditional offer.”

Seeing more possibilities

Looking back, Maggie feels much more positive about her future than she did when she first met Vicky.

She said, “I feel like there are a lot more opportunities for me now. I’ve navigated it quite well and I feel less overwhelmed with all these decisions.”

In the future, Maggie hopes to combine her passion for knitting with her ambition to run her own business.

Advice for results day

Maggie wants young people to remember that results day is not the end of the road.

She said, “I was really worried after my GCSE results. I didn’t pass maths, but I was able to retake it in college and pass there. It’s not the end of the world if you have one or two slip-ups.”

She added, “If you are not sure what to do, see if there’s a careers adviser in your school or area, and you can talk to a trusted adult.”

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

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