Social Mobility Day: Three moments that helped me break the mould

I grew up in the 1990s in a single parent family that depended wholly on benefits to survive. My mother had no qualifications and couldn’t work. So at only ten years old, I was managing the family’s weekly budget of ￡35. At times like those you either succumb to your fate, or do the best with the hand of cards that society has dealt you. For me, failure wasn’t an option: I understood the consequences of that and I didn’t like them.

Even as a child I had a steely determination to break my family’s mould and become a professional. But I didn’t understand how hard that would be, or how alone I’d feel when my family couldn’t support me.

All this shaped who I am today.

I achieved my dream, and I learnt a lot along the way. But the learning curve was steep, and I had no point of reference. It was a marathon of hard work, lots of trial and error. Having come through that, I like helping those that need support to fulfil their own dreams and true potential.

So on this Social Mobility Day, I’m sharing my three most important moments.

?#1 My best friend

My best friend through school is the most competitive person I’ve ever met. His dream was to become prime minister!? From the age of five we were connected by a shared determination to achieve the best we could in life.

We formed a coalition, the two of us. Through competitive spirit we supported and encouraged each other to obtain the best grades. Our belief grew, and we’d often be the top two in each subject in exam results. Together, we helped raise the bar in our year group, and this encouraged others.

Where my family couldn’t support me, my best friend did. The discipline, skills and experience we gained together set us up for life.

I encourage everyone to find that person that will support you - and that you can support in turn – even if there is some mild competitive rivalry!

?#2 Mistakes and finally a break

Hard work rewarded me with a place at a Russell Group university studying law. I was making progress.

But then something happened I hadn’t foreseen: I left university without a training contract. I was heartbroken. When I look back now, I hadn’t understood what the profession was looking for in trainees. I didn’t understand what it meant to be a professional. So when it came to assessment centres for training contracts, I felt I had to pretend to be someone else. Often the only non-Oxbridge and state school attendee, I reacted by overcompensating.

Then I finally got a break. Working as a Paralegal in a national law firm, I saw and understood what was expected of me. I realised on the importance of collaboration, working as a team, quality of output and being organised. My perception of the legal profession had been wrong. I didn’t have to be the most aggressive, individualist lawyer.

I wish this epiphany had come sooner. Within 6 months of starting as a paralegal, I was offered a training contract with the same law firm and several more followed.

What would I tell my younger self now? You don’t have to do this on your own, use the opportunities at University, on vacation placements or internships to ask questions, understand what the expectation is. Each business has its own culture, but they all have core values that you need to tune into.

?#3 The Professional

So, at last, I made it as a professional. Opportunities, varied work, valuable lessons - some learned the hard way! My journey has given me purpose in supporting others on theirs. ?

I was a trainee supervisor for ten years. Nurturing talent. At times, taking trainees out of their comfort zone, but showing them they could do it. I’m honoured to be an apprentice business sponsor and part of a team that oversees the development of our apprentice talent. Together we drive greater social mobility, and achieve equitable outcomes and balance in our recruitment of apprentices.

It's taken me a long time to build the confidence to write this blog. If you relate to anything in my story, please help those who need support to make their dreams a reality.