At the time of applying for an Arts Emergency mentor I was feeling quite uncertain and a bit panicked about what I wanted to do after college.
I was feeling quite uncertain and a bit panicked about what I wanted to do after college
Originally, I was interested in landscape architecture, but I didn’t fully understand the different pathways available or what a career in that field actually involved. What I really hoped to gain from mentoring was advice, networking opportunities, and a clearer idea of how the stages of my future might look.
I was paired with mentor Kirsty, who is an architect. We met once a month, usually at the British Library - I liked this consistency. Kirsty invited me to her work place where I got to meet members of her team, see the professional work environment and talk to different people working in different areas of the industry who gave me ideas of things to apply for, like Open City.
My family is supportive and helped me look at courses but Kirsty gave me a proper external view of what a career could actually be. Also, because she had studied similar subjects at A-level, she really understood my stresses and how scary the future can be. This was actually one of the best parts of the support I received.
Kirsty gave me a proper external view of what a career could actually be
Kirsty helped me research universities and reviewed my portfolio, which made a huge difference. I now have an offer to study architecture at the University of Reading, and I’m even being considered for a scholarship!
My career goals have become much clearer - I've shifted from wanting to do landscape architecture to pursuing architecture after getting a better understanding of the field.
I now have an offer to study architecture at the University of Reading, and I’m even being considered for a scholarship
Being part of AE has been a great experience! I’ve met new people, and since finishing my mentorship, I’ve attended wonderful Young Community events and met new people, and got to speak to people with different career paths. I read the newsletter regularly, and listen to the podcast.
I would definitely recommend the mentoring programme! Kirsty and I are still in touch. I had so many questions and it was nice to have someone to ask them to.
It’s given me a real sense of what a career in architecture could be, I feel more confident networking, and it’s allowed me to see that everyone is just on their own journey.