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: Ashleigh Carr
Job: Careers Adviser
When did you join Gateshead College?
I joined in March 2010
Tell us about your experience.
I started working in a careers related role at the University of Sunderland 13 years ago, working with students and recent graduates assisting them with their career planning and employability skills.
In 2010 I came to Gateshead College helping young people age 18 to 24 who were struggling to decide what direction to go in.
My role has changed a little since then. I now help students ranging from age 14 upwards to work out the best route to get them to where they want to be, career wise. I do this through individual appointments and group work as well as helping out at our Career Choice and Enrolment Events which are open to everyone to come along and find out more about our courses and whether an apprenticeship, vocational courses or A Levels are right for them.
What do you love most about your job?
I enjoy the variety my role brings, helping people get on the right road to their dream job. It’s also great to help students build their confidence for job interviews and helping them write a CV. I really feel like I’m making a difference.
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.
