Nadeen: My Big Career work with students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds in London and North East England, providing career guidance throughout their school education journey – from year 7, through to sixth form or college. This early exposure opens more pathways for students, helping them plan a future with greater possibilities. It’s an open programme with no selection process, meaning every student has the chance to access career guidance.

Katherine: We began partnering with My Big Career just after Covid, as we were looking for ways to support young people with their early career education. One of the best ways we’ve been able to provide support is through hosting Insight Days. These events see up to 25 students visit the London LCP office for a day of career exploration.

One of the most important parts of the day is to make them feel comfortable and happy to talk to us - this might be their first time in an office environment for some of them - so we work hard to make sure the day is always fun and interactive. We start with a game of bingo, encouraging the students to speak to the LCP volunteers in the room and identify fun facts about them. It’s proven to be a great way to help them come out of their shells.

We also host a ‘career carousel’ where students learn about our different departments, broadening their awareness of career options. Beyond the Insight Days, we also support My Big Career through activities like CV and interview workshops, where we provide tips and advice to help students gain valuable skills for their future.

Nadeen: My Big Career also provide crucial support around A-Level Results Day. Some students may not have a strong support network to help them navigate their next steps, so volunteers are there to provide encouragement and advice during those important moments – whether they’re receiving positive results, or not quite what they were expecting. You’re not expected to know the process in terms of their next steps, it’s about being a supportive adult that they can have a conversation and explore ideas with which they may not otherwise have access to. It’s such a rewarding and fulfilling day.

Katherine: I went to a breakfast session that My Big Career hosted recently, and one of the students they’d supported came along and spoke about how much the charity had completely changed their life. It was really moving and showed the impact that My Big Career has on the lives of students. It’s a lovely thing to be a part of.

As our relationship with My Big Career has grown, we’ve also been able to provide them with donations to help them with their mission. In 2024 we donated £5,000 to them and this year we have committed to a further £5,500. These donations help fund events such as the Insight Days, bespoke workshops or even career coaching sessions, which is fantastic.

Nadeen: We’re always looking for more LCPers to get involved and support. Last year 44 volunteers helped My Big Career across a range of events. LCP also offer seven volunteering hours per year, so the time commitment is manageable, but the difference you can make is huge. For the Insight Day, we are not asking for hours of commitment, for example giving 30 minutes of your time could be enough to help with an office tour, which may well be the biggest thing a student takes away from the day.

Katherine: Absolutely! You’re helping students build confidence, feel excited about exploring career opportunities and supporting them to develop skills that will benefit them for years to come. If anyone is looking to get involved, keep an eye out for posts on Viva Engage where we typically advertise when we’re looking for volunteers, or speak to any of us from the My Big Career team directly, such as myself, Nadeen, Tim Gilbert, Rebecca McGregor or Sreenidhi Venkatesh.