Gaining Clarity and Confidence: My Journey with GROW Your Future's Capital Connections Programme

Daniel Butler is a Natural Sciences student at Lancaster University studying areas of Biology, Environmental Science and Chemistry, and currently employed part-time by Lancaster University Student's Union as a Team Leader at a student nightclub.

Embarking on Grow Your Future's Capital Connections trip to London, I carried with me a mixture of hope, uncertainty, and nervousness. Unsure of my future plans after university and lacking confidence in networking, I saw this opportunity as a potential catalyst for clarity and personal growth.

Joining the Capital Connections trip, my primary motivation was to gain clarity regarding my career path. London, as a global hub of opportunity, enticed me with the promise of diverse industries and vibrant professional networks. I hoped that exposure to different employers and successful professionals would illuminate potential paths and provide valuable guidance for my future.

Before the trip, I was plagued by doubts and apprehensions. The prospect of talking to new people and making meaningful connections filled me with nervousness. However, I recognized that growth lay outside my comfort zone and that it was crucial to challenge myself to expand my horizons. From the moment I arrived in London, the city's vibrant energy and bustling atmosphere captivated me. The itinerary was thoughtfully curated, encompassing visits to esteemed employers such as the Environment Agency and Deloitte. These visits allowed me to witness first-hand the inner workings of different industries, broadening my understanding of potential career paths and giving me a taste of what it would be like to live and work in London.

The highlight of the trip was the networking event with accomplished Lancaster University alumni who had established successful careers in London. While initially nervous, I pushed myself to engage in meaningful conversations, seeking advice and insights into their journeys. I discovered that professionals were not only willing to share their experiences but were also genuinely interested in helping students like me navigate our own paths. Through these interactions, I gained confidence in networking and learned the importance of building authentic connections rather than merely exchanging business cards. While my career path may not have crystallized during the trip, the invaluable lessons I learned have had a profound impact on my personal growth. I realized that there is no singular "right" path to success. Instead, success is defined by pursuing one's passions, leveraging strengths, and continually learning and adapting.

Engaging with the alumni shed light on the different routes they had taken to reach their current positions. Their stories showcased the importance of resilience, adaptability, and seizing opportunities. I discovered that the journey to a fulfilling career is not linear, but rather a dynamic process of exploration, self-discovery, and perseverance. Based on my transformative experience, I wholeheartedly recommend Grow Your Future's Capital Connections programme to other students. The program offers a unique platform for self-reflection, exposure to diverse industries, and invaluable networking opportunities.

Capital Connections happens during the Easter Vacation period. You can register your interest in attending here -?https://lancasteruni.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9QSzwiZfRrLworc