Jamal’s Journey from Care Coordinator to Aspiring Advisor
Jamal has been working with Mushkil Asaan as a care coordinator. His interest in moving into a paid advisory role was sparked when the opportunity arose through Propel funding. Mushkil Asaan, being a domiciliary care provider, did not offer advisory services or structured training in this area, which limited Jamal’s professional development in his desired direction. Jamal was motivated to pursue this training opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge about advisory services and to improve his client liaison skills.
Previous Consideration for Training
Prior to the availability of this training, Jamal had not considered training for an advisory role. Mushkil Asaan had not offered advisory roles or related training, limiting his exposure to such opportunities. His experience in health and social care had not been as fulfilling as his voluntary advisory activities.
Training Experience
Jamal has found the training experience highly rewarding. He particularly enjoyed learning from his colleagues at CAW (Citizens Advice Wandsworth) and found the advice line training workshops very beneficial. The professional advisory environment has been enriching, providing him with new perspectives and skills.
Initially overwhelmed, Jamal now feels significantly more confident in his advisory capabilities. Language barriers and communication challenges with diverse clients were concerns, but he has overcome these through practical experience and learning CAW’s policies and procedures. His confidence in written communication has also improved through follow-up emails. Jamal expressed a desire for more one-on-one interactions with clients, specifically by shadowing advisors during face-to-face meetings. He is also keen to pursue in-depth training to qualify as an immigration advisor, a role he feels is critically needed in his community.
Jamal is enthusiastic about continuing to work in the advisory sector, provided there are opportunities for paid roles and further training. Financial security and ongoing professional development are key factors influencing his decision to remain in the sector.
Progression and Future Goals
Jamal aspires to progress within the sector, particularly aiming to become an immigration advisor. He believes this specialization would allow him to provide essential support to his community. Jamal’s journey from a care coordinator to an aspiring professional advisor highlights the impact of targeted training and professional development opportunities. With the right support and resources, he is optimistic about his future in the advisory sector and committed to making a meaningful difference in his community.
Jamal’s case illustrates the importance of providing training and structured career pathways in the advisory sector. His experience underscores the need for organizations to offer not only training but also practical, hands-on learning opportunities and clear career progression routes. His story is a testament to the transformative power of education and support in empowering individuals to better serve their communities.