To be honest, I’ve had disappointing experiences of work in the past which knocked my self- esteem and confidence. This placement turned the tables and has been a game-changer, reinvigorating my professional life, and also my personal life too.

On my first day in my Movement to Work placement I was very nervous and honestly didn’t know what to expect. It was totally outside my comfort zone. I needn’t have worried. Everybody was friendly from the start and there was a really good vibe in the office. I was told I brought a fresh perspective; I am relatively young and my work background is probably a bit different from some of my HMRC colleagues.

Before I started, I wouldn’t have described myself as a computer or technical type of person. That’s one of the unexpected things about the placement, it opened my eyes to job roles I might not have considered pursuing otherwise.  I’ve since gained many IT skills and feel more competent using them. I’ve increased my knowledge of tax too.

Getting to grips with the various processes around the office was a bit challenging but I soon picked them up. I was assigned to one of the teams and helped with administrative tasks. Even though I wasn’t taking on as much as my more experienced colleagues, I felt like I was contributing.

I went into the placement with a positive can-do attitude and that must have come across because my new colleagues suggested I apply for my present job, Digital Customer Support Adviser.

To be honest, I’ve had disappointing experiences of work in the past which knocked my self- esteem and confidence. This placement turned the tables and has been a game-changer, reinvigorating my professional life, and also my personal life too.

It’s no exaggeration to say I owe where I am today to that placement, and to those who helped me onto it. I couldn’t be happier with where I am at this moment in time.