Alyson - "I never thought the job I have now existed"

Alyson Mackay's career path to becoming Operations Lead and 2050 Climate Group.

Current Job

Tell us about your current role     line drawing of a location pin

I am the Operations Lead at 2050 Climate Group, an organisation that empowers young people to take action against the climate crisis.

Career Beginnings

When you were 15, what job did you want and who did you ask for advice?

I wanted to work in a morgue/funeral home but after researching didn't have the maths qualifications to get in so shifted to sustainable event management 

Did you have an interest in the environment at this time?

Yes - Lisa Simpson has always been my role model

What were your first steps in starting your career?                                                                                     

I applied to study sustainable event management but also had been volunteering with organisations such as my school's Global Citizenship Group and Youth Parliament.

A black and white photo. A woman in glasses with shoulder length hair and a black t-shirt smiles at the camera

Career path and skills

What does your career path look like?     line drawing of a walker with a backpack at a sign. a dotted arrow from the sign points back the way they came from

It was fairly linear, although I worked a lot in hospitality throughout school and university. I come from a low income family and needed to work throughout education in order to afford the fees. I never thought the job I have now existed, so I'm excited to see what's next.

What skills were important for you to develop in your career?     line drawing of a spanner

I would definitely say leadership, communications and team work.

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