Ever heard someone talk about their fascinating career and wondered just how they got there? Come across a job title that you didn't even know was a thing? Or do you dream of a profession but secretly wonder whether you've got what it takes?

The world of work is choc-full of amazing roles and opportunities – that too many of us simply aren't fully aware of. The nature of A-levels and university choices mean young women are often funnelled into careers through decisions they may be ill-equipped to make – and then find themselves in conventional jobs wondering just what else might be out there.

Our Mission

Our mission at The Career Girl is to inspire young women with the huge range of roles open to them, to equip them with specific (and fascinating!) insights to help with decisions around education and work, and to reassure them that early choices don't have to limit their opportunities or pigeonhole their careers.

how the site works

This project is a growing online database of interviews with real women in real jobs, browsable by area of industry or tags (including subjects studied). It's composed of a body of profiles from across a diverse and exciting range of careers, explaining exactly how to get that dream job you aren't even sure exists (it almost certainly does). The profiles on The Career Girl delve into the specific 'how's of each individual's career path and give insights into the everyday reality of their roles. Moreover they provide role models and professional examples to help women understand what extra-curricula skills and personal qualities might give you the edge in any given job.

Who's it for?

The site profiles focus on young women in the first decade or so of their careers, drawn from a diverse range of industries and backgrounds. Whilst the focus is on younger 'profilees', the site will feature interviews with more experienced women at the pinnacles of their industries. The site also includes a blog updated weekly with interesting reads, listens, views and news focused on women in the workplace. The idea is that women of all ages (and hopefully some men too!) will find something to inspire their working life.

Who’s it by?

During my life I’ve wanted to do just about any job you can think of (my earliest goal was to be a billboard painter, because five-year-old me thought billboards were gigantic works of art…). Having experienced a whole range of roles, from museum book editor to cookbook recipe tester to sewing pattern entrepreneur, I’ve always been fascinated by finding out more about the world of work and what unexpected opportunities are out there. However, I’ve felt seriously let down by school and university careers services, and frustrated by the lack of information and inspiration available to women either embarking on their careers or stuck at career crossroads. I wanted to know not only what amazing jobs were out there, but how people actually got them. I figured I couldn’t be the only woman feeling this way - and so I’ve created The Career Girl!

Nina