I can help.
I’ve been hearing from a growing number of parents, concerned about their child’s future as they approach the end of this stage of education.
As students step out of their current classroom for the last time, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices and uncertainty about the future.
I’ve developed a series of workbooks to address this. The books are written in a way that can support thoughtful discussion at home, giving young people space to explore ideas while building confidence and independence.
And Stuck? Is a series of self study workbooks for students and young people considering their next steps at key decision points during education or early careers. They are physical workbooks that can be worked through over the time you are considering next steps after this stage of education.
16 and Stuck?, 18 and Stuck? and Out of Uni and Stuck? start with a short comic book style story about someone who is struggling with ideas for what to do next. They then go through a series of practical exercises to help work out what the options could be. There are links within the books to another page on this website with extra resources to help with research.
If you’d like more tailored support, I also offer:
A digital course (LinkedIn Secrets for Smart Students) which will show exactly what needs to be done to build a profile that clearly shows what employers and recruiters need to see.
1:1 coaching via zoom for a ‘Student Career Chat’ (where your student child can talk about whatever they want to – whether that’s how they have no idea what to do, to get ideas of how to break into a particular role, help with applications or interviews, or CV review and tips). This is typically 2 x 30 minute sessions.
A 1 hour, personalised LinkedIn for Smart Students Session via Zoom.
Support for you!
To help parents like you, who want to assist and support their children as much as possible, I offer a 30 minute Parent Consultation Service, tailored to provide clarity and practical advice.
If you could do with some LinkedIn support or a career chat yourself, then please have a read of my other website, aimed at people more established in their careers.
Me as a parent!
I have 2 son’s who are now in their early 20’s. Honestly, I can’t tell you how stressful it was at home sometimes when they were going through the various educational milestones, and working out what to do next. Students right now are still suffering the after-effects of the coronavirus pandemic, and the job market feels worse than ever. There’s a lot to deal with, social media pressure and so many stakeholders trying to influence their decisions. More and more of my clients talk to me about additional requirements their child has, for example neurodiversity, anxiety and feelings of isolation. I wanted to try to help, which is how the idea for the books came about. I know it’s going to be hard to convince your children to actually use the book, but at least maybe it might help you with ideas on what to talk about or help them work towards.
Are they feeling the pressure and that everything is focused on their next steps? They need a break!
Or are they wondering how they got to this point, and starting to go down a path they are not sure they want?
Or they’ve realised it’s got too much, and they need to share what they are feeling and ask for advice?
“Sarah Burgess is spot on. Her advice helped my son get on his career path and he is now thriving. Follow Sarah and get in touch!”
Nick – Parent of PhD student and Professor
“I realise that most recommendations can be a little samey, complimentary, but nothing out of the ordinary.
“This isn’t one of those. Sarah, is genuinely amazing and absolutely made a HUGE difference and I honestly cannot thank her enough.
My son, being neurodiverse often struggles in new situations and with interviews especially and had an interview coming up for a full time role. His skills mean he has so much to offer employers, given the chance, but I was really concerned that the interview would let him down.
I spoke at length to Sarah and discussed so much about him and the position he was applying for.
Sarah gave incredible advice, including speaking to the employer, explaining the situation and asking if any allowances could be made, including asking if the questions could be sent in advance. I had never heard of this and honestly would never have thought it possible for a moment.
We did this, the potential employer was fantastic and so understanding and was only too happy to send the questions through. And when I asked if he could bring notes into the interview (again, at Sarah’s suggestion!), was told “Of course and in fact it shows initiative!”
He went to the interview, feeling so much more happier, less worried and more confident.
The result was that he did amazingly, the feedback was that “He was great during the interview. He gave us answers we have not had before and his preparation really helped him out”, He has now been called back for a second interview, a practical assessment.
I’m so proud of him, and cannot shout highly enough about Sarah’s skills and advice and 100% the difference it made.
This has absolutely changed how we will approach future applications.
Thanks Sarah, genuinely amazing, absolutely so highly recommended.” Mike, Parent
“Sarah’s LinkedIn Secrets for Smart Students sessions are fantastic. My YP has to find a 6 week placement as part of their 2nd year at university so Sarah’s session felt like the perfect way to start. Sarah is very personable and engaging, and is highly knowledgeable on all things LinkedIn. She talks you through every aspect of both your LinkedIn profile and how to use LinkedIn to research and build your network, with loads of top tips on how to use LinkedIn to maximum effect. We highly recommend Sarah – these sessions really should be part of the curriculum – they are so important in helping young people start out in the workplace.” Michaela, Parent
Please head over to my LinkedIn for more recommendations from career professionals I’ve helped as well as students, parents and educators.