What happens when you change your mind about what you want to do?

Anna trained in sound engineering, then ended up in dentistry. In this activity you'll hear from someone who discovered a career she'd never heard of simply by working alongside the right person – and why changing direction doesn't mean starting over.

This activity is designed to be flexible and can be used as follows:

  • During a lesson - 30 minutes. Students work in pairs and then share their reflections with the rest of the class.
  • During tutor time - 20 minutes. Students watch the video independently and then discuss one of the topics together.
  • As homework - Students watch the video on their own and complete the reflection at their own pace.

This activity supports the following frameworks:

  • Gatsby Benchmark 5
  • PSHE Association KS3 codes L8, L9, L11
  • PSHE Association KS4 codes L4, L5

1. Before you start

Take a moment to think about the following question:

  • Have you ever changed your mind about something you were sure about - a hobby, a subject, a plan? What made you change direction?

If you're working with a partner or team, share and compare your thoughts before continuing.

2. Watch the video

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Anna Middleton - Dental Hygienist & Therapist

Anna is a dental hygienist and therapist working in London. Her first career was in sound engineering before she changed direction completely, trained as a dental nurse, and then discovered dental hygiene through a colleague who inspired her to go to university at 26. In this video she talks about why changing career doesn't mean starting over, and why the learning never stops.

While watching the video, listen for the following:

  • How many different roles or qualifications has Anna had since leaving college?
  • Who inspired Anna to become a dental hygienist, and how did that happen?

3. Reflect and discuss

First, add a personal reflection based on the following:

  • What is one thing from Anna's story that changed how you think about choosing a career path?

Next, think about the following and discuss with your partner or group:

  • Anna went from sound engineering to dentistry. She says "it doesn't matter what you first decide to do." Do you agree? What might be scary - or exciting - about changing direction completely?
  • Anna didn't know dental hygienists existed until she worked alongside one. What does that tell you about how people discover careers? How could you find out about jobs you haven't heard of yet?
  • Anna says "we're going to be students for life" and keeps adding qualifications. Do you think of learning as something that ends when you leave school, or something that continues? Why?