26 August 2025 

In my family, everyone was a “something” - a nurse, a doctor, a police officer. Careers were seen as clearly defined and long-term. You were meant to pick a job and stay in it for the majority of your working life. The pressure to choose a career before I’d even experienced the working world felt really daunting.

I decided to study law and history at university. My family were thrilled because it meant I could become a lawyer. Deep down, I always knew that wasn’t the path for me. I chose my subjects out of personal interest, not because I wanted to follow a traditional legal career. Looking back, I’m so glad I did. Studying both subjects helped me develop skills like analysing complex information, writing clearly, and building strong arguments. These are skills that I use in my current role every day.

Whilst at university, I also discovered an interest in policy and third sector work. It felt meaningful and focused on big, important questions about how we build a better society. Policy is very closely related to law as it involves researching, developing and analysing ideas that are used at government level to make decisions about people’s lives. I got involved in a lot of charity work during my studies, but I still had no idea how to turn that interest into a career. I finished university feeling lost and intimidated. I didn’t know where to start or how to break into the sector.

After graduating, I ended up in a very corporate role. It quickly became clear that it wasn’t for me. I didn’t feel fulfilled, and I was struggling to figure out what to do next. Then, by chance, I came across the work of Money Advice Scotland. I saw someone from the organisation speak at a conference, and everything clicked. They were talking about debt as an issue of social justice, and it opened up a whole new way of thinking for me. Here was a national third sector organisation, right in front of me, talking about issues I was passionate about.

Feeling inspired, I did something I never thought I’d have the nerve to do. I reached out to the team at Money Advice Scotland and asked about their work. They were kind, open, and willing to chat. As I built a relationship with them, a job opportunity came up and I was lucky enough to get the role. I’ve now been at MAS for just over six years.

So much has changed during that time: the pandemic, the shift to remote working, and changes in my own personal life (I recently became a Mum – which is a whole new job in itself!).  What I really value about my job is the creativity and flexibility it offers. I am part of a dynamic and driven team. Furthermore, being part of the senior leadership team has given me experience in everything from strategic planning and funding applications to leadership and HR. I love the variety.

We’ve built a culture at MAS where new ideas are welcomed and people feel supported to try new things. I also get a real sense of purpose from the work we do. It aligns closely with my personal values, particularly around wellbeing and making a difference in people’s lives. MAS is a place where staff wellbeing genuinely matters, and that means a lot to me too.

In my experience, the third sector is an exciting, people-focused space with so many varied opportunities to do meaningful work. Whether it’s in small community groups or large national charities, there’s a shared drive to help people and make things better. Of course, it’s not without challenges. Funding is often short-term, which can make job security an ongoing concern. Salaries also tend to be lower than in the private sector.

If you’re just starting out, or thinking about your next move, my biggest piece of advice is to think really deeply about what matters most to you. What are your highest values? Maybe spending time with family is a priority, so a job that demands constant travel wouldn’t be the best fit. Or maybe you value learning, or financial security, or flexibility. Knowing what you care about most helps you make better decisions. Ultimately, you will be happiest if you find a career that fits with what you already value most in your life.

I’d also say don’t be afraid to knock on doors. LinkedIn is a great tool to connect with people in roles you’re curious about. Most people are happy to share their experience and offer advice. If you’re not sure exactly what you want to do, begin by thinking about your interests and passions - it’s never a bad place to start!

And finally, give something a go. It might not be your forever job, but you’ll gain skills and experience that will help shape whatever comes next.