Where are they now? 3 years after On Purpose with Jack Stewart

Can you tell us about your background and your career prior to On Purpose?

I started out as a journalist, working for the BBC, WIRED magazine, and American Public Media, mostly in the US. My reporting focused on the environment, sustainability, and science - covering topics like climate change and its impacts, such as wildfires, and hurricanes. Over time, I realised I was doing a lot of talking about the problems but not much to actually help solve them.

Why did you join the Associate Programme?

I reached a point as a journalist where I didn’t just want to report on the problem, I wanted to be part of the solution. But I wasn’t sure quite where my skills would fit or how to transition into the social impact space. I have an engineering degree, so I had a number of good skills I could make use of, but at the time lacked the confidence to apply to jobs in that field. I also felt that I wanted to learn and build my skillset.

On Purpose offered the structure, support, and variety I needed to explore different career paths and build both my confidence and skillset.

It’s been three years since you completed the programme. What are you doing now?

I’m part of the Impact Team at Edelman, a globally recognized PR firm, here in London. At Edelman we’re helping some of the world’s biggest companies make a real and valuable impact to the world beyond financial returns. We work on sustainability and social impact communications - making sure we’re pushing our clients to do the right thing, not just talk about it.

Can you tell us more about your placements?

My first placement was with NatWest Social and Community Capital, a charity that provides funding to community groups that struggle to access traditional finance. It was a totally new world for me, and I learned a lot about community investing.

My second placement was at Brunswick Group, in their “Business & Society” team (now called ESG & Sustainable Business), which helps companies align their social and financial value. That role was a little closer to the journalism world I came from as it included quite a bit of PR. I really enjoyed it and ended up staying at Brunswick after finishing the Associate Programme.

What’s the most important thing you learnt during your year as an Associate?

I learnt a lot of really important things. One of the most useful things I learnt was that imposter syndrome is incredibly common - and I wasn’t alone in feeling it.

The programme gave me the space and support to recognise my skills and start using them in new ways. Starting two new jobs in the space of one year built my confidence and helped me see how I could adapt and thrive in different environments.

What support did you get along the way?

The support was fantastic. Firstly from my cohort, a group of people who were going through the same journey at the same time and we dealt with it all together.

Secondly, the On Purpose team who were there for you for a chat every week if needed.

The coaching I received was great too - so useful to have on hand whenever I required it (and also something that would’ve cost a fortune to do outside of the programme).

I also found the placement organisations to be really understanding and encouraging, especially since I was not only changing careers but also relocating to the UK.

How did you approach finding a job after the programme?

I didn’t know I’d be staying on at Brunswick until near the end of my placement, so I explored a lot of other options. I used the amazing On Purpose network, had coffee chats with On Purpose Fellows, and reached out to organisations I was interested in. Those conversations helped me learn about new roles and sectors and gave me a real head start in my job search.

What do you miss about your old career, and what don’t you miss?

I miss the people, the variety, and the access journalism gave me - especially the freedom to pursue stories I was passionate about. But I don’t miss the deadlines or the shrinking budgets the world of journalism is dealing with nowadays.

In my current role, I still get to ask questions and dig deep, which feels like a natural extension of my journalism skills.

What advice would you give to others in a similar situation?

Go for it! I was one of the older Associates in my cohort, so I’d say don’t let age put you off - your experience adds value. And that’s the special thing about the Associate Programme, everybody comes from different backgrounds, careers and lived experiences.

If you’re keen on applying to the Associate Programme, make sure you’ve budgeted to manage a potential financial transition. If you’re looking for change, chances are you know why. The programme can help you find a career that’s more aligned with your values and interests.