Career Toolbox - Welcome to Striding Out!

Bridging the Gap Between Qualifications and Employment

2010-07-12T11:43:08Z

Striding Out’s ‘Follow My Leader’ project has presented an exciting opportunity for young people to find, develop and show off their skills and qualities through shadowing industry leaders. They are tasked with researching a chosen industry, identifying industry leaders and mentors and collating film footage and information for an innovative careers website, to help other young people explore career choices and find jobs.

Career Coaching

An essential part of the Follow My Leader project is about providing coaching to the young people involved. Young unemployed people can access coaching that has often been primarily available to the corporate world and to those that can afford it.

Develop New Skills by Volunteering and Gain a Qualification

2010-06-01T10:36:22Z

Donating some of your time to volunteering can be great for so many reasons.

It’s a great way…

To try out a new career and gain a track record
Get involved in something your passionate about
Develop new skills and gain a qualification
Boost your CV

If you focus your time on developing your skills in specific areas, access some relevant training, you can also secure a qualification from the Institute of Leadership and Management Qualification .

Gap Year – A way to find your authentic vocation?

2010-05-18T16:45:07Z

A recent report revealed that people facing redundancy are turning to travel - creating a generation of “grown-up gappers”.

The research showed that three-quarters of those hit by job losses are planning to use the time to take a version of the traditional student gap year.

This could be a great way for people to find their “authentic vocation” along the way.

An exercise I do with my career-coaching clients is called “Peak Experience“. I ask them to identify special, peak moments when life was especially rewarding or poignant.

Work Experience Success Stories

2010-05-08T15:34:03Z

Here are some of the people who have used the Figuring Out Work Experience service:

“The Coaching helped me to refine my areas of interest, and Figuring Out then connected me to four companies to gain different experience. These were fantastic opportunities, which included working with Polecat, co-owned by the former Head of Innovation at Microsoft UK; and working on a piece of government research for Freshminds.”

(Simon, 30, London)

“My Coach connected me to MDs of some interesting small companies, including Eudemonic, Nubastar and Being Elemental relevant to my interests within the creative arts and events; I had a great time learning about their various projects. It has broadened by knowledge of businesses in this world and the different options available to inform my choices going forward.”

(Leo, 24, London)

“I recently graduated from a Masters degree and I was looking for a part-time placement whilst I developed my own businesses. Striding Out was great in introducing me to the perfect business – Tree2mydoor.com! The placement gave me a decent salary and experience that far exceeded my expectations. I’ve gained an intimate knowledge of the business, its workings and the roles of its employees and I’ve been given loads of useful advice. The roles and responsibilities that I took on are going to look excellent on my CV and the experience was definitely worthwhile. After the placement came to an end they asked me to continue working with them.”

(Jon Wood, 24, Manchester).

“The placement was very rewarding on a professional level because I developed my skills in marketing, communication, computing etc. and my knowledge of fair trade. On a personal level, I gained self confidence and autonomy, thanks to Brian who gave me responsibilities and let me take initiatives. I am very happy of this work experience and strongly recommend students to work in social businesses such as Fairgift.”

(Mathilde Duchez, 22 France)

Developing Skills Outside of Work

2010-05-08T15:22:35Z

Do you want to develop your skills and responsibilities but you've found you've hit a glass ceiling in your current career and you can't progress into a new career without the additional experience or skills?

It's a problem, so whats the solution...

Well, there is a solution and that is upskilling yourself outside of the work place, so you can progress your development at your own free will.

It is important to find suitable experience as well undertaking training and having the right support to ensure you develop the best skill set possible.

Here are some ideas...

Leadership and Management Skills - If you are looking to develop your leadership and management skills, you could attend a training course or sign up to an e-course and look to participate in a suitable activity.

Donate yourself to charity, boost your CV and get paid

2010-04-30T12:38:33Z

We’ve been approached by the Vodafone Foundation’s World of Difference UK to tell you about a fantastic opportunity for you to boost your CV and get great experience within the third sector.

World of Difference UK is giving over 500 people the opportunity to undertake two month paid placements with a UK charity of their choice; funded by the Vodafone Foundation. The deadline for applications is fast approaching (3rd November) and is a great opportunity for anyone who has the passion, drive and commitment to donate themselves to charity.

See further information on the program below: