Careers Team

OUR CAREERS TEAM

Our experts are here to equip you with the right skills and information you need to improve your chances of getting your dream job. 

All our advice is free, friendly and independent, and our goal is to help you make well-informed decisions about your future plans.

We can help you:

  • Understand academic and vocational routes to your chosen career
  • Research career options and expected salaries
  • Find the information you need to plan your next steps

We’re a friendly bunch – here you can get to know us a little better if you haven’t met us already.


MEET OUR CAREERS TEAM

Name: Abi Gray     

Job: Careers Adviser

When did you join Gateshead College?

I joined in July 2023

Tell us about your experience.

I am a recent Guidance and Counselling graduate from Northumbria University with previous employment experience in customer facing roles and working with young people ranging from 13-18 year olds.

What do you love most about your job?

Getting to work with a wide range of students and supporting them to make their next steps whether that be to their top choice university or dream job.

What’s your top careers tip:

Keep a professional image online - recruiters will often check out your social media profiles and accounts before interviews.

What advice would you give to someone leaving school this year?

Explore different industries and job roles as much as possible to find out what opportunities actually exist. Our Career Coach tool is a good place to start. It’s also a good age to consider taking part in some volunteering to get your CV off the ground.


Name: Gemma Matfin

Job: Careers Adviser

When did you join Gateshead College?

I joined the team at Gateshead College in October 2007.

Tell us about your experience.

In 2003 I started working in an advice and guidance role, supporting artists, writers, dancers and other creatives within a cultural organisation. Since staring at the college in 2007 I have supported full and part time students, higher education students, prospective students and members of the community to progress with their career ideas and plans.

What do you love most about your job?

I enjoy meeting a variety of people through one-to-one appointments, delivering advice and information in classrooms and attending careers and school events. I love the fact that I’m helping people to realise their career ambitions.

What’s your top careers tip?

Regularly review your CV. Keep it up to date and ready to use so you’re not on the back-foot when a job or opportunity becomes available.

What advice would you give to someone leaving school this year?

Research, research, research! Also, try to secure some work experience within an area you’re interested in. It might reassure you that it’s what you want to do, or you may find out it’s definitely not for you.