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Esther Padmore

NTU works in collaboration with Fortitude Advisory, a global network of construction industry professionals committed to supporting the next generation of talent into the industry. BArch (Hons) Architecture student Esther Padmore shares her experience.

Esther Padmore

Why did you get involved with the programme?

As soon as I heard about the Fortitude programme, I knew it would be an amazing opportunity to develop my knowledge on the Building Design and Construction industry, helping me draw closer to my desired career. It came across as a program that would provide great career support and encourage each and every one of us students to get ourselves out there and to strive for success, and it did just that.

What did the programme involve and how did you benefit from it?

The programme involved a vast range of presentations, assessments and activities. When it came to teaching and support, contributors welcomed in guests that spoke to us about their own career paths and provided us with many pieces of advice regarding allowing ourselves to make mistakes and learn from them, exploring and not limiting ourselves to a specific journey, getting ourselves out into the world to be seen, as well as encouraging us to network in any way possible whether it's having a simple conversation with someone at the gym, or even messaging a business director on LinkedIn for advice and support.

Alongside such insightful presentations, us students were invited to conduct presentations revolved around our culture. These were called the 'Fortitude Cultural Moment'. Listening to each and every cultural presentation, and having done one myself, was incredibly pleasing, as it allowed us to connect on a personal level and learn so much from each other's unique cultures. It also allowed us to break the nervous barrier by letting us be an active part of the program rather than simply having us listen to their scheduled talks.

With the introduction of the scholarship, we each also had to conduct presentations based on our future career plans, Clinton Strengths assessment results and overall reflections. I believe this was one of my favourite parts of the programme as it allowed me to truly reflect on my short and long-term career plans, especially after having had a sudden change of mind during that time. Additionally - having completed a range of in-depth personality assessments throughout the programme - reflecting on such results allowed me to discover my personal strengths and weaknesses and how they could influence me in my future career.

I genuinely believe this programme introduced me to an entirely new perspective when it comes to the Building Design and Construction industry, as it allowed me to understand that it is completely normal to not have a direct path when it comes to reaching your ultimate career goals, and that it is okay to reach out to others for career support and opportunities, but it of course also encouraged me to keep pushing and to not see drawbacks as closed doors, but to recognise them as redirection towards many other open doors and opportunities.

What are your future plans and how has the programme helped you with these?

Moving on to my next chapter I plan on pursuing a career in civil engineering, hopefully soon starting a degree apprenticeship in the field, as I've come to a realisation that is it more fitting regarding my likes and desires.

The Fortitude programme has allowed me to reach this conclusion through the various stories we'd been told about some of the organiser's career journeys, and how sometimes overcoming our fears, making the drastic change and saying yes to the sudden opportunity we're faced with is what leads to true fulfilment.

Additionally, knowing that I will continue to receive support from the organisers allows me to feel great relief as I am aware I will always have a professional to rely on when in need of advice.

What advice would you give to a future student considering taking part in the programme?

To anyone considering partaking in the Fortitude Global Cohort I'd say you should certainly go for it! There is nothing to lose yet everything to gain from this programme. I myself will be forever grateful to have taken part in it, as it has provided me such valuable teachings, given me clarity, and allowed me to learn more about myself as an emerging civil engineer.