Name and new job title, schools you are going to be covering:
Karen Philip, Employer School Coordinator for Northfield Academy and Kemnay Academy.
As a young person, what was your aspirations growing up?
I was always fascinated with the Police Service, however at that time there were height restrictions in place and I was unable to pursue that career due to being too short!
What pathway did you follow when you left school?
Following school, I went to Inverness College and completed a Scotvec course in Business Studies. After that I worked for a couple of local businesses in Oban, near to where I grew up. I was interested in moving from that area to a city as I believed this would provide more opportunities for me and I applied for a position with the University of Aberdeen. I moved to Aberdeen to take up the role and worked there for eight years. Feeling the need for a change, I moved to a role with Grampian Police and a few years later (after height restrictions were relaxed!) was accepted to train as a Police Officer.
What are you most excited about getting stuck into in your new role?
I am very excited about this new role and about getting to meet so many people from different areas and backgrounds. It’s a real privilege to be involved in assisting people with their future career paths.
How crucial do you think the link is between schools and employers?
The link is very important as it offers young people the opportunity to form a realistic understanding of working environments and allows them to become suitably prepared for future experiences.
What do you think is the greatest benefit to employers that are involved with DYW?
The greatest benefit to employers is that by working with schools and DYW, they can develop their future workforce to meet their own business requirements.
Do you have a motto or personal mantra that you live by?
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!
What would be your one piece of advice to 12-year old you?
Have confidence in yourself and your abilities.
