I was awarded a Fellowship in 1987, travelling to ten US cities in ten weeks and researching customer service training in larger US hospitality organisations. This was to consider how the UK might train its own hospitality staff with more commitment, value its lower-paid workers through an investment in their training and development, and improve its customer service standards. I was able to bring good practice back to the UK and worked in development and training for 20 years.

My Fellowship experience was invaluable. I am very proud of my achievement in being granted a Fellowship, and it was instrumental in my change of career. I continue to promote the Fellowship and encourage individuals to apply.

I am now self-employed and work as an independent career coach, helping people with career decisions, CVs, covering letters, application forms, interview skills and LinkedIn profiles, and as a casual career adviser for a university.