I never thought I would get onto the TSP. I had to push myself out of my comfort zone to attend the assessment centres, take part in all of the activities. I continue to do so with my day job - I don't like presenting, but I do lots of it. It builds confidence and resilience. Rationalise what's the worse that could happen by trying something new, or taking on a new challenge. For me, with the assessment centre, if I didn't get accepted - so be it. I got good experience of interviewing. Met new and interesting people, and got free food from attending the assessment centre (back when they were in person). Once I told myself these things, I pushed myself out my comfort zone to attend the day. I had worked hard to get the invite, so although I wasn't confident in going and being myself, that's what I had to do and it worked out well. Take the set backs as opportunities to reflect, develop and learn from. Keep pushing through set backs and pushing yourself out of your normal comfort zone to be able to achieve the goals you set for yourself.

I studied a completely different degree, and the work I did before the Tax Specialist Programme in finance was completely different to what I do now. But when I read the listing for the Tax Specialist Programme I felt that I had the right sort of skillset to work in tax, and can happily say that I have nurtured and grown this skillset in my time on the Tax Specialist Programme. We often feel like because we've done one thing we need to stick with that one thing, but it's important to believe in your own skills and to embrace trying new things.

Your job is a way of making money to do things that you want to do with your life. But there are plenty of jobs out there that can also make you happy.