When I started College, I wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to take. I just saw it as something to get through and without much of a plan beyond that. One thing that stood out, however, was the passion my teachers had for their subjects, especially in my Politics class. Their enthusiasm made me more engaged and helped me appreciate the subject, even when I wasn’t sure where it would lead me.

Studying Politics gave me greater confidence in expressing my ideas, improved my writing skills, and deepened my understanding of decision-making processes and the impact of systems on people. I also made great friends in that class, which made the whole experience so much more enjoyable. I often recommend Politics to others who aren’t quite sure about their A Level choices, as it taught me the importance of making your work something that you love.

After leaving College, I was just relieved that A Levels were over, knowing I hadn’t handled the stress as well as I’d hoped. As I loved Politics so much, I originally applied to study it further at university, but I still felt uncertain about going down this route, so I deferred my place. At times I did feel worried that maybe I was falling behind, but ultimately, I needed that time to reflect on what I wanted to do, away from the pressure of immediate decisions.

In the autumn after my A Levels, I had the opportunity to do some job shadowing in the Department for Education, an experience I’m incredibly grateful for. It was my first real exposure to the Civil Service, and it confirmed my interest in the sector. It was fascinating to see how things worked, particularly during a Cabinet reshuffle, and gave me valuable insight into the inner workings of policymaking.

From that point, I started applying for roles in the Civil Service and similar organisations. The process was daunting at first, but with each application, it got easier, and rejection began to feel less personal. The further I progressed in interviews, the more I learned that it’s less about qualifications and more about communication and people skills.

I am currently a Civil Service apprentice on the new Government Social Research Degree Apprenticeship Programme. Although I didn’t initially plan for a career in social research or a degree apprenticeship, what drew me to this role was the chance to contribute to evidence-based policymaking – especially after volunteering at a local food bank. That experience gave me a clearer understanding of how well-informed policy can effectively address social issues.

When I first was appointed to His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, I’ve joined an incredibly supportive team and have already gained valuable insight into the world of social research. My role involves contributing to research projects that shape policy decisions, focusing on public perceptions, social issues, and improving government services.

Alongside this, I attend university lectures and complete assignments to develop my understanding of social research methods. While everything is still relatively new, I’ve already had the opportunity to work on engaging projects and apply what I’m learning directly to my role.

When I secured my apprenticeship role, I took the opportunity to travel for a few months before starting. It gave me the chance to reset and feel ready to begin something new.

My advice to anyone going through their A Levels is to take advantage of the support available to you – whether it’s from teachers, mentors or advisors. While everyone acknowledges that A-Levels aren’t easy, it’s also an awkward age for everyone, beyond just exams. I wish I’d spoken up sooner about how stressed I felt because the support I received once I did was invaluable. Don’t wait until things feel completely overwhelming to ask for help, and don’t dismiss your feelings just because it’s ‘normal’ or ‘everyone’s going through it.’

That feeling of ‘what if’ comes and goes. Sometimes, I still wonder whether I’ve missed out on the traditional university experience, but after talking to friends at uni, I realise they feel the same way. It’s important to remember that, regardless of your path, everyone shares the same anxieties and nobody has it all figured out, even if their journey seems more linear. Most importantly, be kinder to yourself – I wish I had been.

Grace Woodhams

Reigate College: 2021-2023

Higher education: BA Social Research, University of Kent while working as an Apprentice Social Researcher, HMRC