Case studies: Personal development adviser: Annabel

Annabel is a personal development adviser (PDA); formerly a careers guidance personal adviser to young people.  Her first degree was in sociology and she has a Diploma in Career Guidance.

I have had a wide range of jobs but I am very much a 'people person' and I always wanted a job role that would make a difference to people's lives. I started as a careers adviser but my work has developed to cover a range of issues that face young people. The topics that clients come to see me about for advice can range from housing and homelessness, benefits, budgeting and sexual health to careers and job hunting. Where appropriate I make referrals or signpost to other relevant agencies. Over time I have developed contacts with organisations and professionals including housing providers, social workers and training providers.

My job is set in a range of educational and community settings and it has given me experience with a spectrum of people and needs.  Working with emotional and vulnerable young people who sometimes have behavioural difficulties can be intense and challenging. Much of the work is crisis management but there is also an element of helping young people to plan ahead. There is a balance with the role though as I also work with motivated young people who just require help with career options.

You have to be adept at keeping concise and consistent records for this work and know how to use databases effectively. All communication has to be documented in accordance with data protection and organisational guidelines.

I chose my degree because I enjoyed the subject. I did not pick it with a clear idea of what I wanted to do afterwards. It took me a couple of graduate jobs - doing things I discovered I wasn't happy in. Only after seeking out careers advice for myself, did I think that it might be a job I could do and enjoy. The diploma was interesting and challenging with placements in local schools. From the moment I started I felt it was right for me. The nature of the work changed so we moved from being careers advisers to a more rounded and complete service for young people.

My work has given me the chance to develop a spectrum of skills, and my experience with a diverse range of young people in education, community and home settings means I feel professionally satisfied. It is hard to sometimes strike the right balance between supporting young people and empowering them so they can move forward. My work can be difficult and it can be draining but ultimately I do feel I have achieved something at the end of each day. For me it is about providing practical help and support and finding solutions for problems.