From Sixth Form Student to Digital Project Manager
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
How The Brokerage helped Sharlene discover that opportunity starts with believing in your own potential.
As part of our 30 Years. 30 Stories. campaign, we're celebrating the people whose journeys have helped shape The Brokerage over the last three decades.
Every young person has potential.
But not every young person has access to the networks, confidence or opportunities needed to unlock it.
For Sharlene, joining The Brokerage in 2019 became the bridge between ambition and achievement - helping her build the confidence, skills and experience that would eventually lead to a career delivering digital transformation projects within local government.
Today she is a Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) Project Manager for Richmond and Wandsworth Councils, but her journey began in sixth form, wondering how to take the first step.
Investing in her future
Sharlene first discovered The Brokerage through her secondary school while studying in sixth form.
Although she was still deciding what career she wanted to pursue, one thing was already clear - she wanted to prepare herself for the future.
She understood that professional success wasn't just about qualifications. It was about building confidence, developing skills and learning from people who had already walked the path before her.
As someone who describes herself as a lifelong learner, The Brokerage immediately appealed.
"I believed it was never too early to start investing in my future."
What began as curiosity soon became the foundation of her professional journey.
When talent isn't enough
As a second-generation immigrant, Sharlene knew that ability alone wouldn't necessarily create opportunities.
Without family connections into professional careers, she often felt she had to work harder simply to gain access to the same experiences many others took for granted.
She became increasingly aware that career success depends on much more than academic achievement.
Professional networks.
Mentors.
Exposure.
Confidence.
These are often the hidden advantages that shape careers.
Rather than allowing those barriers to define her, they fuelled her determination to seek opportunities wherever she could.
The Brokerage became one of those opportunities.
"Success isn't just about academic achievement. Access to guidance, networks and opportunities matters just as much."
Building confidence through opportunity
During her time with The Brokerage, Sharlene immersed herself in every opportunity available.
Over the course of the programme she participated in around fourteen different interventions, including:
CV Workshops
Assessment Centre Masterclasses
Easter Bootcamp
Resilience Workshops
Mock Interviews
Pre-Internship Training
Careers Talks
She also secured an internship with HFG Insurance Recruitment, gaining invaluable experience inside a professional workplace.
The experience strengthened her communication, teamwork and commercial awareness while helping her build the confidence to compete for future graduate opportunities.
Looking back, she believes every workshop and every conversation helped prepare her for where she is today.
"The Brokerage helped me become a more competitive candidate and gave me skills I still use in my career today."
Seeing herself in leadership
One experience continues to stand out above all the others.
A Women in Investment Management Masterclass hosted by PIMFA.
The event brought together senior female leaders from across the investment industry who openly shared their career journeys, challenges and successes.
For Sharlene, seeing women in leadership positions who looked like her was transformational.
It helped remove the invisible barriers that often make professional careers feel out of reach.
The session also challenged her understanding of what employers really value.
Rather than technical knowledge alone, she discovered the importance of critical thinking, collaboration, adaptability and leadership.
It became a defining moment in her career journey.
"It helped me realise the skills I already had could add value in any industry."
A career built on confidence
Today, Sharlene manages Digital, Data and Technology projects for Richmond and Wandsworth Councils.
Her work brings together people, technology and strategy to deliver projects that improve services for residents and colleagues.
Looking ahead, she hopes to move into senior leadership, overseeing digital portfolios and organisational transformation programmes.
Yet for Sharlene, success isn't measured only by job titles.
It is also about helping others believe that the same opportunities are available to them.
She wants to become a visible role model for young women from underrepresented backgrounds, demonstrating that where you start does not determine where you finish.
"The Brokerage helped me realise my aspirations weren't only realistic - they were achievable."
Advice to the next generation
Looking back, Sharlene describes joining The Brokerage as one of the best decisions she made.
Her advice is simple.
Take every opportunity.
Attend every workshop.
Ask every question.
Then put what you've learned into practice.
"The Brokerage was the bridge between my potential and opportunity. It gave me the confidence, skills and support to launch my professional journey and proved that no matter your background, success is attainable when you're given the opportunity to thrive."
Opening doors to future careers
Sharlene's story reflects exactly why The Brokerage exists. For 30 years, we've been helping young people build the confidence, skills and networks needed to access professional careers that might otherwise feel beyond reach. Her journey shows that when talented young people are given meaningful opportunities and the right support, ambition can become achievement.
As part of our 30 Years. 30 Stories. campaign, we're proud to celebrate alumni like Sharlene whose experiences demonstrate the lasting impact of early career support. Stories like hers are only possible thanks to the commitment of our employer partners, volunteers and funders, who continue to invest in the next generation of diverse talent.
Finally, our sincere thanks to Sharlene for sharing her journey as part of 30 Years. 30 Stories. We look forward to seeing where her leadership journey takes her next.
Sharlene Profile
Joined The Brokerage: 2019
Education: Politics and International Relations, University of Exeter (Graduated 2022)
Current Role: Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) Project Manager, Richmond & Wandsworth Councils
Programme Highlights
• CV Workshops
• Assessment Centre Masterclasses
• Mock Interviews
• Easter Bootcamp
• Careers Talks
• Women in Investment Management Masterclass
• Internship with HFG Insurance Recruitment
If you're an alumni of The Brokerage - share your story by emailing: partnerships@thebrokerage.org.uk Or donate and help a young person on their journey to success:
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