My time at College was invaluable. The independence and freedom to manage my studies helped me grow in confidence and responsibility. I didn’t have a clear career path, so I chose subjects I enjoyed to keep my options open. Being part of the Netball A team gave me a great social outlet and contributed to my Sports coursework, and I made long lasting friendships which made College life even more enjoyable. The support from teachers and the careers team helped me explore apprenticeships and other opportunities, laying the foundations for my future.
Leaving during the pandemic was challenging: I missed exams and had major surgery just before lockdown. With limited job opportunities, I worked two part-time roles as a waitress, while searching for a long-term career. This led me to an apprenticeship in property management in 2020, where I completed a Level 2 qualification and progressed internally to Property Manager.
After two years, I wanted more growth and moved to the NHS in 2022 for a Level 3 HR apprenticeship, which opened doors to recruitment and people management. A year later, the Director of Multiprofessional Leadership encouraged me to apply for a Learning and Development Coordinator role, which I held from January to December 2024. These experiences shaped my passion for HR and set me on the path toward leadership.
In January 2025, I took a leap of faith and was successful in getting a six-month fixed-term Band 5 Employee Relations (ER) Advisor role at Barts Health NHS Trust, the largest NHS trust in London with over 2500 staff members! At the time, I had been a Band 3 and struggled to secure permanent roles, but I realised that fixed-term positions often attract fewer applicants and can be a great way to break into higher positions. When you’re early in your career and have fewer commitments, taking calculated risks can pay off. That decision changed everything for me.
By April 2025, I began applying for other Band 5 ER/HR Advisor roles to ensure continuity, and because moving sideways is much easier when you’re already in the role. In July 2025, I joined Chelsea & Westminster NHS Trust as an Employee Relations Advisor. Just four months later, in November 2025, I was promoted to Band 6 Senior ER Advisor. In the space of a year my position, responsibilities, pay and experience skyrocketed.
This journey taught me that career growth isn’t always linear – you have to take calculated risks, embrace opportunities, and sometimes accept temporary roles to break into higher positions. Every step, from apprenticeships to fixed-term contracts, built my confidence and skills. If you’re starting out, don’t be afraid to take leaps of faith, as sometimes the biggest rewards come from the boldest decisions.
At 18, it’s hard to decide what you want to do for the rest of your life. Now at 24, I’ve finally decided that my ultimate goal is to become an HR Business Partner, but it took me six years to figure that out! So don’t be discouraged if you don’t have all the answers right away. Careers aren’t always straightforward, and that’s okay. Try different things, take opportunities even if they feel risky, and learn from every experience.
Get as much relevant experience as possible through work, volunteering or internships, because practical skills will set you apart. And don’t overlook apprenticeships, they’re a fantastic way to gain qualifications while learning on the job. Most importantly, remember that trial and error is part of the process. Times change, opportunities come and go, and eventually, you’ll find your feet.
Izzy Ross
Reigate College: 2018-2020
Higher education: Customer Service Practitioner Level 2, Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education, HM Govt then a Level 3 Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development in People Practice, BPP
Currently: Employee Relations Advisor, Chelsea & Westminster NHS Trust
The courses that we offer do change over time. Our past student profiles include the closest match in qualifications that are currently available at the College.
