Rachel Melton - Cumbria Careers Hub

Rachel Melton

Why did you become an Enterprise Advisor?

“Having worked within the education sector for 12 years prior to my current role, I am aware of the challenges that are faced both embedding careers within the curriculum and employer engagement strategies. I am passionate about supporting young people and providing better career outcomes for all.”

Tell us about your chosen career or career pathway to your current role

“After leaving school with poor grades, I started my career in a YTS (apprenticeship) in retail. Although not the career I had dreamed of, it was probably the most significant point within my working life. It taught me the value of interpersonal skills, including teamwork, communication, leadership and dependability and led to me quickly being promoted several times before leaving and taking on a role within the Job Centre. After other administration roles, I made the decision to return to education and follow my aspirations of becoming a Social Worker. Once again this did not turn out as I had planned, but it did lead me to a career within education, qualifying as a teacher before moving into mentoring and careers.

Having always had an interest in supporting people, Social Value has been of great interest for many years and I was delighted when an opportunity came up at Jacobs as Social Value Manager. This enables me to utilise my past experience in a way I never thought possible, through supporting communities and those within it.”

What careers advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?

“Work hard and don’t give up. There are many ways to get to your ideal career, just because it doesn’t work out the way you thought it would, you can still achieve – dream big.”

What do you like/love best about living and working in Cumbria?

“The community feel, the landscape and not to mention the short commute times.”