The Gen Z term ‘woke’ has turned into a bit of a slur these days. Consider the ‘woke army’ or the ‘PC brigade’ and other terms like ‘snowflake’ or ‘safe space’ might come to mind. However it is attitudes such as this that has been proven to open doors and increase opportunities, rather than limit them. I first came to work with Soundview Media thanks to the Careers Insight Programme offered by the University of Plymouth to support under-represented groups with their journey into the professional world. Shortly after completion of the ten-week internship, Soundview were elated to have received funding from Innovate UK to develop a brand-spanking new product – and guess who had just graduated?
my first day at soundview off to a flying start with a big ol’ cinnamon bun
Popping the university bubble where you spend time with your friends all day and your responsibilities include paying rent and getting assignments in on time is a universal experience but one that is perhaps not discussed in detail. Navigating your early 20’s is always interesting – some of you get married, others go on to post-graduation studies, others go straight into the working world and some haven’t even left home yet. But it is important to remember everyone is on their own timeline and there is no deadline to any of these things. I am very lucky to have had this experience and to have worked with such a supportive and understanding group of people who helped drag me over the speed bump that is your first “big-kid” job.
Any professional experience straight off the back of graduation is valuable, but The Includiverse has been especially so. Working with so-called ‘marginalised’ groups, teaming up with tech powerhouses such as The Market Hall and Arts University Plymouth and seeing the effect our Smart Glasses accessible solution has had first hand has been an experience that I never would have had otherwise. I have seen people from all walks of life, organised demonstrations, appeared in an advert for television and even sat on an esteemed panel for the first time, where I actually had to let someone else talk for a change.
Born to be wild with the all-terrain tramper provided by South West Lakes Trust.
At the ripe-old age of 25 I can already reflect on how this post-graduation experience has been invaluable and I have developed skills and made memories that will stay with me wherever the tide of young adulthood washes me in. Looking to the future, and with all the hope in the world, I will stay in the arts and culture sector, I will continue to write and I will continue to yap about the things that I love in the hope that others will love them too.
Thanks to Innovate UK for the funding that allowed this to happen, and to Gareth Allen for bringing me on board for this adventure. Who knows where the next one will lead?
