Supporting Journalists Through Change
What We Did
1. Self-Discovery
Career and employability assessments, skills identification, and reflective activities helped learners gain a deeper understanding of their strengths, values, and career motivations.2. Self-Development
Learners accessed a wide range of e-learning resources and professional development content to support personal and professional growth.3. Career Toolkit
Access to a comprehensive suite of career development tools and digital platform, including LinkedIn networking resources, CV and cover letter builders, interview preparation tools, empowering learners to explore career pathways, identify skills development opportunities, and make informed career decisions.4. Career Plan
Each learner developed a personalised Career and Learning Plan aligned with their career goals and future aspirations.Summary
The online career development programme enabled learners to:
- Develop skills and career progression plans during a period of industry change.
- Explore career and learning opportunities aligned with their experience, interests, and aspirations.
- Build confidence and develop the tools needed to successfully manage career transitions and future opportunities.
- Access professional development resources and information on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Input
Background
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) partnered with MyCareerPath to support members in exploring career development opportunities during a period of significant change within the media sector.
The programme provided personalised career guidance, professional development resources, and one-to-one mentoring support to help learners reflect on their skills, explore future opportunities, and develop meaningful career progression plans. Through a combination of career assessments, learning resources, and structured mentoring, learners were supported in identifying strengths, building confidence, and planning their next career steps.
Chosen Pathways
Six NUJ members participated across three MyCareerPath pathways:
- Dream Builder: 3 learners
- Career Accelerator: 2 learners
- Mastery: 1 learner
Engagement levels were strong throughout the programme, with learners recording:
- 119 platform logins
- 963 activities completed
- 58 visits to CV360
- 150 e-learning resources viewed
Popular learning topics included communication, mentorship, women in business, returning to work, and Microsoft Office. Frequently accessed resources focused on confidence, personal values, self-awareness, interview preparation, and personal branding.
Output from the Process
Impact
The programme provided learners with dedicated time and support to reflect on their careers, explore future possibilities, and develop practical plans for ongoing professional growth.
Learners reported:
- Greater confidence in their abilities and transferable skills.
- Increased self-awareness and understanding of their strengths.
- Improved clarity around future career goals and opportunities.
- A stronger appreciation of the importance of work-life balance and personal values in career decision-making.
- Greater confidence in managing workplace challenges and career transitions.
The one-to-one mentoring element was particularly valued, with learners highlighting the opportunity to discuss career aspirations, explore options, and receive personalised guidance in a supportive and constructive environment.
Key Outcomes
- 100% of learners were very satisfied with the programme.
- 100% felt the programme would support them in their current role.
- 100% agreed that the programme had a positive impact on their career development.
- All learners reported greater clarity regarding their future career direction.
- 100% said they would recommend the programme to others.
Learner Reflections
Learners described the programme as an opportunity to recognise strengths that had previously gone unacknowledged, build confidence, and gain a clearer sense of direction.
“I have severe imposter syndrome so one of the main things I took from the course, and probably one of the most important, is that I have ability and talent and I need to believe in myself.”
“I would have thought I was very old-fashioned and struggle with technology, but really, it was just a case of putting those doubts in my own mind. I am well capable if I allow myself.”
Learners also reflected on the importance of maintaining healthy workplace boundaries, recognising transferable skills gained through both professional and voluntary experiences, and developing greater confidence in navigating workplace challenges while staying true to their personal values.
Several learners highlighted the value of having a trusted mentor to support reflection, challenge limiting beliefs, and explore future opportunities during a period of uncertainty within their industry.
One learner noted that the programme was particularly beneficial during a stressful period at work, helping them regain perspective and become more aware of the options available to them. Another described the mentoring support as providing a renewed sense of purpose and helping them feel better equipped to navigate ongoing changes within the media sector.
Conclusion
The NUJ and MyCareerPath partnership demonstrated the value of combining structured career development with personalised mentoring support.
Through assessments, learning resources, practical career planning tools, and one-to-one guidance, learners gained greater confidence, increased self-awareness, and a clearer understanding of their future career options.
The programme supported NUJ members in recognising their strengths, exploring new possibilities, and taking positive steps towards their personal and professional goals. Participants left with enhanced confidence, practical career management skills, and a stronger sense of direction as they navigate an evolving media landscape.
