What happens when you create your own opportunity?

Not everyone finds their career through a job advert. In this activity you'll hear from three people who made their own way in - through persistence, initiative, and saying yes to things they weren't prepared for.

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 videos independently and then discuss the topics together.
  • As homework - Students watch the videos on their own and complete the reflections at their own pace.

This activity supports the following frameworks:

  • PSHE Association KS3 codes H9, L9
  • PSHE Association KS4 codes H2, L5
  • Gatsby Benchmark 5

1. Before you start

Think about the following:

  • Have you ever wanted to do something but couldn't find a clear way in - no obvious course, no job listing, no one to ask?
  • What did you do? Did you find another way, or did you give up?

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

2. Watch the videos

Watch the following section for each video:

  • How did you find your way into this job?
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Ethan Lloyd - Camera Operator

Ethan was working as a car salesman in the northeast of England when an ITV crew turned up outside his workplace to film a drama. He spent his lunch breaks pestering people with clipboards until someone finally introduced him to the camera department.

While watching the video, listen for the following:

  • How many times was Ethan told to go away before someone said yes?
  • What does Ethan say is the worst someone can ever say to you?
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Kim Robinson - Script Supervisor

Kim trained as an actress but was replaced on a film by someone more famous. A colleague suggested she try working in production instead. She started as a PA and later volunteered herself as a replacement script supervisor mid-shoot - learning the role on the job while still doing her existing one.

While watching the video, listen for the following:

  • What happened on set that gave Kim the chance to become a script supervisor?
  • How did Kim manage to learn a new role while still doing her old one?
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Caroline Wilson - Creative Producer

Caroline didn't follow a conventional route into film. She got involved in community groups, young producer programmes, and work experience - all while working night shifts to pay the bills. One thing led to another, and the connections she built along the way opened doors she didn't expect.

While watching the video, listen for the following:

  • What does Caroline mean when she describes herself as a "self-starter"?
  • What happened during a work experience placement that Caroline didn't predict?

3. Reflect and discuss

First, add a personal reflection for each video based on the following:

  • What is one thing this person did that you wouldn't have thought to do - or wouldn't have had the confidence to do?

Next, compare what you noticed across all three videos and discuss with your partner or group:

  • None of these three people got their start by applying for a job listing. What did they do instead? What do the three approaches have in common?
  • Ethan was told "no" repeatedly. Kim volunteered for a role she'd never done. Caroline juggled unpaid placements with night shifts. What do you think kept each of them going? Would you have done the same?
  • All three say that asking questions, talking to people, and showing up mattered more than qualifications. Do you think that's true in most careers, or just in the film industry? What does that mean for how you think about your own next steps?