How To Become A...

How To Become A... Policy Advisor to the Civil Service

What does a policy advisor actually do and how do you get into the civil service? In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Adam about building a career as a policy advisor in the UK civil service. From working on Brexit to shaping tech regulation, Adam breaks down what policy work really looks like behind the scenes and why it’s one of the most impactful (and misunderstood) career paths out there. He explains: * What the civil service is (and how it differs from politicians) * What policy advisors actually do day-to-day * How policies are researched, designed, and turned into law * Why policy can take years to develop and implement He also shares: * His journey from a sports degree → economics → civil service * The Fast Stream application process (and how competitive it is) * What assessment centres are really like * How to break into government roles without a traditional path Plus, we get into: * Working on Brexit and major national decisions * Balancing personal opinions with apolitical work * Why curiosity about politics and society really matters * How to build a meaningful career that impacts real lives If you’re interested in: * Civil service careers * Government jobs UK * Policy, politics, or economics * Grad schemes and Fast Stream * Meaningful, purpose-driven work This episode is a fascinating look at how decisions that shape the country actually get made and the people behind them. 🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨ 🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path 📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com 📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__ ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

How To Become A... Working Woman in the World of Football

What does it take to build a career in football as a woman? In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Priyanka about working in football, from her role at Sky Sports to her powerful work tackling sexism in the game. Priyanka shares how she combined a corporate marketing career with her passion for football, and how that passion led her into advocacy, public speaking, and real change within the sport. She talks about: * Breaking into Sky Sports through marketing * Turning a love of football into real opportunities * Building networks and getting your foot in the door * Balancing a full-time job with passion projects * She also opens up about: * Experiencing sexism and racism in football * Why representation matters, especially for women of colour * The importance of speaking up and creating safer spaces * Overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome If you’re interested in: * Working in sport or football * Marketing & media careers * Side hustles with purpose * Women in male-dominated industries * Building confidence and visibility This episode is honest, inspiring, and a reminder that sometimes the best opportunities come from simply putting yourself out there. Resources: @priyankajasraj @villa.bellas @hergametoo 🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨ 🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path 📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com 📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__ ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

How To Become A... Somatic Coach

What is a somatic coach and how do you actually become one? In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Hannah to explore the world of somatic coaching, a fast-growing field focused on healing the nervous system and creating real, lasting change. From studying criminology to travelling the world, discovering Pilates, and eventually finding somatic work, Hannah’s journey shows how following curiosity can lead to a completely unexpected career. Hannah shares: * How travel and personal healing led her to this work * The connection between the body, stress and the nervous system * Why traditional methods don’t always create lasting change * Training as a somatic coach and what it really involves * Building a coaching business from scratch She also opens up about: * Doing the deep personal work required to help others * The emotional challenges of working in this space * Navigating self-employment and social media * If you’re interested in: * Wellness careers * Coaching or therapy * Nervous system healing * Personal development * Starting your own business This episode is for you. Where to find her: @hannahblackburncoach 🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨ 🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path 📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com 📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__ ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

How To Become A... DJ

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Nikki, a DJ, producer, music director and founder of Mums That Rave, to unpack what a career in DJing actually looks like behind the scenes. From playing illegal raves as a teenager to touring the world and working with global artists, Nikki shares the reality of building a long-term career in music, and why being a DJ today is more about entrepreneurship than ever before. Nikki shares: * Starting DJing at 15 and breaking into clubs early * Why DJs need multiple income streams (radio, production, content, events) * The reality of money, streaming and the modern music industry * How working in advertising helped her build business skills * Balancing creativity with motherhood and building Mums That Rave * Why nightlife, culture and community matter more than ever * She also opens up about: * Misogyny in the music industry * The pressure of social media and content creation * Burnout, resilience and staying relevant over decades If you’re interested in: * Becoming a DJ * Music industry careers * Creative entrepreneurship * Nightlife & culture * Balancing creativity with real life This episode is for you. Resources: @djnikkibeatnik @mumsthatrave 🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨ 🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path 📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com 📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__ ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

How To Become A... Graphic Designer

What does a graphic designer actually do? In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Darren, Head of Design at digital brand experience agency Odd Common, to unpack what really goes into building powerful brands in the digital space. From typography and visual storytelling to managing creative teams and pitching to global brands, Darren shares how he turned a childhood love of art into a career designing immersive digital experiences for companies like Nike and BMW. We discuss: • Wanting to be an artist (and why graphic design felt “safer”) • Studying art and design at university • Building a portfolio with no industry connections • Sending cold emails and facing rejection • Landing his first junior design role • Working on global campaigns for major brands • Why design is about problem-solving, not just visuals • The impact of AI on the creative industry • How to stand out as a junior designer • The importance of curiosity and creative hunger Darren also opens up about: • Being dyslexic and finding confidence through creativity • Feeling stuck early in his career • Why recruiters can be powerful allies • Staying outside your comfort zone • Supporting underrepresented talent in the creative industries If you’ve ever wondered how brands create unforgettable digital experiences, or how to turn creativity into a career, this episode is for you. 🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨ 🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path 📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com 📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__ ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.