Careers Education Must Start Earlier!

How can we prepare young people for the world of work—and ensure opportunities are not limited to those with the right family connections?

Recorded at The CSEP Media Lab [32-34 Sydenham Rd, CRO 2EF, Croydon]

In this episode of The Confident Careers Show, hosts Femi Yusoof and Joe Quarcoo speak with Janet Davidson, a senior leader in further education and Volunteer Enterprise Adviser with the South London Careers Hub.

Drawing on her experience across education, entrepreneurship, governance and community engagement, Janet explores the challenge of supporting young people who are not in education, employment or training.

The conversation examines why careers education must begin earlier, the importance of meaningful work experience and how unequal access to professional networks can disadvantage young people.

Janet also discusses how schools, colleges, employers, local authorities and communities can work together to develop relevant skills, connect education with labour-market needs and prepare young people for emerging opportunities.

We also explore why careers and employability should be central to every educational institution—not treated as an additional service or the responsibility of one department.

Finally, Janet offers practical advice to young people who are uncertain about their future and shares her ambition to support more women and girls through leadership development and coaching.

This episode is essential listening for students, parents, educators, careers professionals, employers and anyone committed to improving young people’s career prospects.

Subscribe to The Confident Careers Show for practical advice, professional insight and real conversations that help you build a confident career.

What does it take to move from university into your first professional role—especially in a new country?

Recorded at The CSEP Media Lab [32-34 Sydenham Rd, CRO 2EF, Croydon]

In Episode 2 of the Confident Careers Show, and the debut episode of our From Grad2Pro edition, we speak with Moatter Gulfam, a 2025 Goldsmiths graduate and Youth Programme Coordinator at Music Relief Foundation.

Moatter shares her journey from arriving in London for her master’s degree with no established network to securing her first professional role. She speaks honestly about financial pressure, language barriers, imposter syndrome and the discomfort of networking—and explains how stepping outside her comfort zone helped transform her confidence and career prospects.

We explore:

• How Moatter built a professional network from scratch
• Overcoming imposter syndrome as an international student
• Finding opportunities through university events, societies and newsletters
• The value of building relationships with lecturers
• Gaining experience and developing a professional portfolio
• Adaptability, self-awareness and continuous learning
• How graduates can focus on creating value for employers and society

Whether you’re approaching graduation, searching for your first role or trying to build confidence in an unfamiliar professional environment, Moatter’s story offers practical advice, encouragement and an important reminder: opportunities often begin when you put yourself in the room.

Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and your preferred podcast platform.

Confident Careers Show — helping students and graduates move forward with clarity, confidence and purpose.

Career advice for graduates and job seekers navigating rejection, job search struggles, and career uncertainty.

“Act First, Fear Later — this mindset shift changes everything.”

🎙️ Guest: Kate Gilbert

Hosts: Femi Yusoof & Joe Quarcoo

Welcome to The Confident Careers Show, a podcast for university students, recent graduates, and early career professionals. Each week we share practical job‑search strategies, confidence‑building tips, and real stories from professionals and employers who’ve navigated rejection, pivots, and breakthroughs.

In this episode Kate Gilbert and the hosts discuss:

• How to handle rejection and stay motivated
• Job search tactics that actually work for graduates
• The value of internships and real‑world experience
• Entrepreneurship as an alternative path
• Practical ways to build confidence and find direction

🎧 Listen to the full episode:

🔔 Subscribe to The Confident Careers Show for weekly episodes that help you move from uncertainty to clarity and career momentum.

Resources mentioned:

• Confessions of a Maverick Careers Coach: https://tinyurl.com/The-Maverick-Careers-Coach
• ECHO OUR AFRICAN DREAMS: https://tinyurl.com/Echo-Our-African-Dreams

Follow Kate: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kategilbertpublicspeaking/

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