Working At Talbot Jones: The EmployabilitySeries By Joanna Scott

In our employability series, our Kickstart Marketing Assistant, Joanna, shares her experience of working with us and her journey to change career path following her studies. This series of blogs provides insightful knowledge from From Learner to Earner by Sophie Milliken, independent research, and relatable stories about the process of finding employment. Use these blogs to support, inspire and encourage Kickstart team members in your organisation and anyone you know seeking employment.

Plans Interrupted by the Pandemic

After graduating in English in 2020, my initial plan was to travel abroad and live in beautiful East Asia, teaching until I had truly experienced the independence of being an adult and embraced a different culture to my own.

Similar to many in their early 20s, I wasn’t sure what my ambitions were in the world of work. Travelling felt like the best way to gain perspective—and maybe stumble upon the answer.

Then COVID-19 hit.

Like many across the world, my life-changing plans were placed on hold. Finishing my degree in lockdown was strange: no library trips, no seminar meetups, no social gatherings. On the bright side, I had time to focus on my dissertation without distraction—but the uncertainty of the global pandemic meant I gave little thought to what I might do next.

Trying to Fit Into Teaching

Almost two years later, as the UK was coming out of its second lockdown, I was tutoring English online and starting to worry about my future. I watched classmates secure full-time jobs or complete master’s degrees while I felt left behind.

Extended family asked: “Why don’t you be a teacher?” They spoke of others who had stable careers, cars, and houses through teaching. It sounded like a good idea, and since I had tutoring experience, it felt like a natural path. Plus, I could always teach abroad later. Panic over—or so I thought.

I began my PGCE full of energy and optimism. But within two months, I realised I was struggling. The course didn’t suit my learning style—I’m a practical learner. By month four, I admitted the truth: teaching wasn’t for me. It was a difficult decision, but the right one. I needed to explore other options.

Exploring a New Direction

Marketing had crossed my mind before, but I dismissed it because of the “experience required” barrier. With most of my background in hospitality, I assumed I wasn’t qualified. This time, though, I decided to keep working part-time in hospitality while gaining marketing experience.

That’s when I looked into the UK government’s Kickstart Scheme—designed to get young people out of long-term unemployment. Honestly, I was sceptical. I knew three people who had done Kickstart Schemes and heard mostly negative stories: no training, little support, and no transition to full-time work. My expectations were low.

A Positive Kickstart Experience

The first thing I learned: just because someone else’s experience is negative doesn’t mean yours will be.

On my Kickstart Scheme with Talbot Jones, I’ve received training in both insurance and digital marketing. I’m already being supported to prepare for life after the scheme. Only two months in, I’ve already learned so much—completely opposite to what I expected.

The opportunities have been overwhelming in the best way. For example:

• I joined a two-day training event through MINT Business Club, where I met inspiring professionals and gained practical knowledge about marketing for business.

• I completed the MHFA England one-day course to become a Mental Health First Aid Champion, thanks to 2Way Tenancy Solutions. I learned how to spot signs of poor mental health in the workplace and respond effectively.

These are opportunities I would never have had if I hadn’t taken the leap with Kickstart.

Learning to See Things Differently

Another big lesson has been not to judge a company or industry by surface impressions.

When I thought about insurance before, I only thought of car insurance bills—just another way to make money in a capitalist system. But I’ve since learned insurance is really about protection: preventing people and businesses from losing everything. It’s about safeguarding livelihoods.

I never imagined I’d be marketing for an insurance broker—but here I am, and it’s been fabulous. I’m excited to see where the next five months will take me.

Final Thoughts

My journey proves that career paths are rarely linear. Sometimes a setback is what pushes you to discover a better fit.

Read more about Joanna in Our People and explore our other blogs in the series for top tips on Job Hunting, CV Writing, Applying for Jobs, and Interviewing.