“He made me realise I had the potential to achieve my goals” – Annie’s Story

After graduating from the University of Edinburgh with a 2:1 in Computer Science Annie* returned home to Rochdale to start her job search and the career of her dreams. Unfortunately, the search didn’t go well, and she received what felt like rejection after rejection. Annie started to see a deterioration in her self-confidence, as well as broader negative impact on her mental health.

Her parents encouraged her to visit the GP and from here she was referred to Groundwork’s IPS Employment support programme.

She met Employment Coach Debasish in June 2024. Annie was really dejected when Debasish first met with her. She felt even though she had her degree in I.T nobody wanted her.

Debasish met with Annie weekly at the council office. Their meetings provided an opportunity for Annie to share her concerns with a supportive, independent person. Debasish helped build her self-esteem, challenging the negative messages she was telling herself.

In addition, Debasish helped Annie with regular job applications. She continued to face some rejections, but Debasish shared his advice on how to manage her emotional reaction and remain positive.

Since working together, Annie has received two graduate job programme offers in her field which are due to start in September 2025. She’s feeling much more confident in herself, her mental health is in a better place and she believes she can achieve anything if she continues to believe in herself.

She added,

I couldn’t be where I am without my advisor, he believed in me and supported me to reach my goals. Made me realise I had the potential to achieve my goals and shown me the way to find my self confidence and inspired me to keep going.

*Annie has been used as the participants name to protect her identity

This support was made possible thanks to funding from the GMCA