gyWhat if you could swap jobs?
Imagine you’re just out of school or university, eager to do something meaningful but unsure where to start. You want to develop your skills, make a difference, and find your place in the world. But you’re not sure whether you want to be behind the scenes, on the frontline, or even start your own venture. You want to build a network, campaign for causes you care about, and commit meaningful time to each endeavour.
That’s why I admire Year Here’s model. They offer a social innovation fellowship that allows people to experiment with various roles — be it as a caseworker in a homeless shelter, receiving mentorship, developing leadership skills, or creating ventures that make a direct impact, like Birdsong and Settle.
Reflecting on my own journey, after completing my Masters in Paris and Barcelona, I worked as a waiter on the Costa del Sol, then as a call centre adviser for Eurostar. Returning to the UK, I took a temporary role supporting asylum seekers across the country, helping them access essential services and liaising with various stakeholders.
Later, I worked with think tanks like New Local, Demos, and the Young Foundation, immersing myself in diverse communities — from dairy farmers to urban commuters — to understand their needs and aspirations. I explored various research methods, helping people share their stories and envision their futures.
But I wanted to be more than an observer. I co-founded Compass’s youth wing, developing creative campaigns and involving people in democratic processes. This led me to European Alternatives, where I helped design and run festivals, transform networks into cooperatives, and lead projects.
These experiences were invaluable, but I often wished for a structured programme like Year Here to guide me.
Imagine a similar placement programme rooted in your local area. What frontline experiences could you offer participants? Which organisations would you connect them with? Who would serve as their mentors? How would you embed them in your community?
At Camden Council, we developed an associate model within our Strategy & Change service. Team members lead various programmes, embedded in services, ensuring they’re grounded in frontline experience. This approach fosters ownership of change, builds a network of changemakers, and facilitates shared learning.
What would your ideal graduate programme look like? What did you aspire to after school or university? What would you pursue on a sabbatical?
On a practical note, would you be interested in a job swap? Shadow me and my team, actively participate in our work, and influence our initiatives. Or perhaps we could shadow you, gaining insights from your experiences. Let’s explore the possibilities together.
