Jo H.

Director of Social Enterprise
Happy to mentor
Happy to be contacted

About me

Jo H.
Archaeology
Archaeology
Undergraduate
Goodricke
1984
United Kingdom

My employment

Director of Social Enterprise
Blue Parakeet Community Interest Company
United Kingdom
Charity and voluntary sector
Small business (0-49 employees)
2011

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A day in the life of a Director of Social Enterprise in the United Kingdom

When deciding on what you do next, it doesn't have to be for life - you can change careers a number of times.

How I found out about the job

Set the business up myself after identifying a need

The recruitment process

I did a short course funded by my local council about setting up a small business and then did a year-long programme with the School of Social Entrepreneurs

My career goals when I graduated

To work as a professional archaeologist - which I did for 10 years.

My career history

10 years as an archaeologist including working in Iraq and Spain.
Managed aid programme in Bangladesh.
Home Office Civil Servant
Management Trainer
Equality Specialist
Antenatal teacher, Breastfeeding Counsellor, Birth Doula and Infant Massage Instructor
Charity worker
Director of Social Enterprise

What has helped my career to progress

Having clear aims and goals
Enjoying learning and developing
Being interested in other people
Not being afraid of change or taking risks

Courses taken since graduation

Certificate in Training and Development
Advanced Diploma in Management
Diploma in Higher Education (Antenatal Teaching)
Certificate in Counselling Skills
Diploma in Life, Business and Executive Coaching

How my studies have helped my career

I love learning and each course has been with a specific purpose in mind so that I have used and developed the skills I've gained through the training.

What surprised me about my career so far

That you are never too old to make changes and learn something new.

Where I hope to be in 5 years

I'd like to have finished writing my two books and see them published.

My advice to students considering work

Try and find someone who works in the area you are interested in and shadow them for a while so you can see what they day-to-day work is like.
Volunteering for an organisation I really wanted to work for has always got me a job!

My advice about working in my industry

Working in your own business can be isolating so it's important to involve other people in your work,
Network with like-minded businesses and arrange to co-locate where you can.

Other advice

it's really important you enjoy whatever work you do as you spend so much time doing it!
Don't be too rigid in your plans as you might miss out on interesting opportunities which come your way.

What I do

My social enterprise aims to tackle some of the causes and effects of gender inequality.

Skills I use and how I developed them

Communication and interpersonal skills are my strengths - developed partly through formal training (qualified as trainer and coach) and partly through years of experience.

What I like most

Working directly with people and seeing them grow and develop.

What I like least

Finding funding to do some of the work that needs doing with people who can't afford to pay for it.
My accounts!! (I do have an accountant)

Next steps...

If you like the look of Jo’s profile, the next steps are down to you! You can send Jo a message to find out more about their career journey. If you feel you would benefit from more in-depth conversations, ask Jo to be your mentor.

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