Collaboratory Researcher Profiles
Project Title: Tackling The “Previous Experience” Paradox For Young People Looking for work from East Midlands Employers
What were you doing (e.g. type of work/study) before your PhD/Placement?
Before starting this placement, I completed my bachelor’s in psychology at Sheffield Hallam University whilst being a student researcher. Simultaneously, I was working in roles supporting children and young people. These included working as an SEN support worker and community homework leader. I then progressed to becoming a full-time SEN teaching assistant in an area with mainly underprivileged children. Since then, I continue to volunteer at my local art gallery, as well as my local community Centre, as a shadow researcher.
What are you researching?
My research explores the “previous experience paradox”, where young people are often expected to have work experience before securing employment, despite needing employment opportunities to gain that experience. I am particularly interested in understanding why employers place such importance on previous experience and the barriers this creates for young people.
What motivated you to apply for this specific Placement project?
I was motivated by this specific project as it gave me an opportunity to contribute to applied research that can be used to make a real-world impact. Working with organisations like Framework and East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) gives me that chance to inform policies and improve support to people facing finical or housing hardships. This fits with my motivation to conduct research that is not purely academic based and gives me a chance to impact people’s lives through producing research that could lead to practical improvements in support and policy systems.
Why do you think this research is important?
Youth employment has a significant impact on long-term wellbeing and social mobility. Understanding the barriers that prevent young people from accessing work is essential if we want to create fairer opportunities. By examining employer practices, this research can contribute to more inclusive recruitment approaches that benefit both young people and organisations.
What difference do you hope to make in Nottingham through this research?
I hope this research helps inform policies and employer practices that make it easier for young people to enter the workforce. Even small changes in recruitment processes could create opportunities for individuals who may otherwise be overlooked because they lack formal work experience.
What do you hope to be doing in five years’ time? (personally and/or professionally)
Professionally in five years, I hope to have completed my PhD as a cultural researcher. I would like to continue contributing to projects that address inequalities and improve opportunities for under-represented communities. Personally, I would like to gain experience in creative direction and working in art galleries that particularly focus on decolonisation.