by Seyran Khalili, Postgraduate Student in Psychosis Studies, and Marketing Assistant at King’s Careers & Employability.
I spoke with Crystal Debrah, Career’s Consultant at King’s Careers & Employability and CEO of “They Don’t Tell You“, to get the low-down on the step-by-step process that she went through to get to where she is today, including being among the Future 50 Award Winners for her published book “What They Don’t Tell You about University“. Crystal has been a careers consultant at King’s Careers & Employability for six months and has previously published the books “What They Don’t Tell You about University” and the sequel “What They Don’t Tell You When You Graduate“, both packed with advice for new graduates.
Walk me through the step-by-step process you went through after you graduated?
When I finished university, I was thrilled that I had finished because the whole process was very tough – I was just happy to be graduating with the grade that I needed. I was one of those people that didn’t have a job lined up, but I knew that I wanted to be a lawyer. In the first month, I thought that because I had a degree I would get a job straight away. But that didn’t happen – I had a lot of rejections.
I moved back home, which was a bit depressing but just what happens sometimes. I had a part-time job while I was studying, so I held on to that and started to get legal work experience because that’s what I wanted to do. I did that through networking – while I was at university I just went out there and met lots of people, I went to law fairs, anything that I could find I did alongside academic work.
It took me 4 months to find a job – I was also working on my own book project. Sometimes you feel like nobody is giving you a chance, and so my advice is to work on something you are passionate about, for your own self-esteem as much as anything. I decided to write a book and that did quite well, so I was happy about that. The writing and publishing process gave me the skills that I needed, and it made me stand out when I was applying for jobs. Eventually, I managed to get a training contract, and it was because I could show that I went off to what I wanted – and they need people like that in the real world I guess.
How long were writing your book before you graduated?
I started writing in my final year, but you can start at any time. It’s just something I was interested in, writing about the university process and what it’s like when you don’t know anything about it. I put the things I learned into a book to help people that were coming through in the years after me. I got it published, so that entire process was fascinating.
I think it just taught me how to manage my time, money and all the skills that you need to work. I would always say, do what you are interested in because it will lead you to a good job. That’s what I think.
How did you find those first months after graduation?
Emotionally it was very tough. You are built up to think once I have this degree, the world is my oyster. It’s kind of right, but it happens slower than you think.
I went to a university where quite a few people got jobs straight away, or they had to wait a year or two to start but had other jobs lined up. That’s quite hard to cope with because everyone around you seems to be prospering, and you are just there working in retail or something similar. It does hurt, but you must just stay focused and keep trying – don’t give up! You will get there, but everyone’s timing is different, and you just need to recognise that.
You studied law and wanted to become a lawyer, how did your career path change and what did you do differently to get to where you are today?
I was at law school when I published the book, and I really enjoyed running workshops and the coaching aspect. I did qualify to become a lawyer, but when I finished writing the book after university I was conflicted; do I stay in law or do I go into personal development?
I knew what my values were; I wanted to develop people rather than clear up their mess (which is what you do as a lawyer really!) I think you must know yourself, know your values, what wakes you up in the morning.
I realised I preferred personal development, but I was so far along a track away from my preferred route that I first just wanted to quality and finish as a lawyer. Once I had that qualification I was brave enough to leave and do what I wanted to. I think you figure things out as you go, so don’t feel you need to pick something and you are stuck with that, because that’s not true.
Who did you see as your biggest influences?
I knew I wanted to work in the area of careers, coaching and training. I contacted my old careers adviser from Law School as we’d stayed in contact, and I just said to him “Look, I want to know how you are doing this…” He put me in touch with somebody else who gave me advice about how to get in. It sat with me for a while, she said there were very few places to train for this profession but it’s there.
I honestly think relationships are your biggest asset, if you are friendly and you are willing to learn, people are happy to help you. I think that’s what’s got me into any career that I’ve wanted.
If a student came to you and asked for your advice, what would your message be?
Use your careers service, and I know because I’m a Careers Consultant I have to say this, but I genuinely mean it. You are paying so much money for university anyway and the service is there, so why not use it! It’s not just about CV’s and application, there is so much more to it.
I think if you have that insight you will succeed in your career. And if you try and get that service in the workplace, it will cost you a lot more. Start now and come here!
A final thing I’d say is don’t be too discouraged. A lot of graduates think they will end up in management straight away or end up in this fantastic job. It does happen for some, but wherever you start don’t be discouraged. Don’t compare yourself to others, you will get there eventually if you keep going. You must start somewhere, and while you are there just make the most of it.
Learn how to network, learn the fundamental skills you need – communication, technology and all that stuff. That’s the grounding you need to go wherever you want to go. It’s just the start so don’t be discouraged by that.
We hope you enjoyed our interview with Crystal. To learn more about Crystal’s work check out her books here. And want to take her advice and book an appointment with a Careers Consultant here at King’s Careers & Employability? Find out how here.
What questions do you wish to ask? Come to see us!