Farhan’s Story
Cohort 3 Graduate Farhan has been flying high in his new role with GoodWork partner, Forward Institute! We chatted to him to hear a little more about his journey on the programme and beyond.
Could you tell me about your situation before GoodWork - what were your career aspirations and barriers?
It was just after finishing my A Levels and I knew I didn’t want to go to uni. I was looking for an apprenticeship or job but this was tough as I didn’t get amazing A Level grades and it’s super hard even to get a Level 3 Apprenticeship. I ended up working as a steward, for an agency. It was horrible because they really don’t care about you, and it wasn’t serving the ambitions I had of working in tech. I started doing free courses where I could and on a cyber-security course, I met someone who had done the GoodWork programme. He couldn’t recommend it enough so I applied!
What kind of support had the biggest impact on you throughout the programme?
The 1-1 support I received on the programme really impacted me. The GoodWork team allowed me to be really open about how I was feeling and gave me so much advice and reassurance. The team went out of their way to message me opportunities they knew would suit me - that’s how I found the role I’m in now! They even hopped on a call last minute when I lost confidence the day before the interview.
My mentor also gave me great advice, helping to ease my anxiety and ensure I was well prepared. The tailored support and the way the team went above and beyond really meant a lot to me. The workshops on work readiness were also incredibly helpful, as someone that had come straight from school and never worked in a professional environment. Alongside this, the GoodWork employer partners are amazing - this has really helped me to feel comfortable and welcomed entering the working world!
What does your current role involve, and how do you feel about it?
Through GoodWork I landed a Team Co-ordinator role at Forward Institute - an organisation teaching responsible leadership. I love the variety of my role, getting to assist in many different areas: from managing logistics, assisting with events, managing the diaries of CEOs and Execs and even contributing to the weekly newsletter. I’m facing so many new challenges and doing things I’ve never done before. I’m already being encouraged to take on more responsibility and I know this will continue to increase. There are so many potential avenues: they’ve already paid for me to attend a webinar on AI and I may have the scope to move into a role working with Salesforce in the future. It’s super exciting!
What influence has this had on your career?
This might sound corny but it’s been truly life changing! I’m meeting so many people from different backgrounds with varied experiences. I know that, if I take initiative to build relationships and book in meetings, I could get involved in so many different areas. There’s just so many options for where I could go. The company really care about your development too and are so encouraging when it comes to specialising in areas that bring you energy.
Farhan presenting during Skills Building Week on the GoodWork programme.
How do you feel your life is different now compared to how it might be if you hadn’t been through the GoodWork programme?
Literally every day that I’m here, I’m learning and it’s completely changing my world view. GoodWork showed me that there are people who care. If you put the effort in, there are people that can help you. They partnered me with Forward Institute and it’s completely changing what’s possible for me. I’m so grateful to be here.
Why do you believe GoodWork is an important and impactful project to support?
There will be a lot of other people like me who are passionate and have goals but don’t have the support to get to where they want to be. GoodWork gives young people like me a solid foundation to build from and start our careers. What makes GoodWork amazing is the tight-knit community. It feels like you’re with a group of friends, all helping each other out!
Farhan has since received wonderful feedback in his performance review with Foward Institute - recognised for his initiative, increased confidence and growth mindset: "Farhan, it’s fair to say you’ve made a big impression at the Forward Institute since you joined just a few months ago. You’ve been a brilliant addition to the team, with a wonderful, refreshing, and positive energy."
It’s been a pleasure to partner with the Forward Institute to assist with their entry level hiring. Fran Carver said: “We were delighted to partner with GoodWork because, as a responsible leadership organisation, we believe in creating fair and accessible opportunities for all which echoes GoodWorks purpose. Leadership should be shaped by diverse perspectives, and as should any organisation. Through GoodWork we have been able to meet with and hire an exceptional new team member, we may not have had the opportunity to meet otherwise."
If you’re an employer looking to make inclusive entry level hires, read more about recruiting through GoodWork.