Role models are instrumental in helping young people to unlock their career potential, but getting empowering voices out there – and getting those voices in front of the people who need to hear them – relies on the input of the organisations and individuals in a position to make a difference.
Moments like National Opportunities Day are a chance for employers to have an impact. They are a chance to speak to hard-to-reach communities and mobilise opportunity by being generous with our knowledge and spotlighting employees who have built a thriving career despite setbacks and challenges – like our Co-owner & Business Director Callum Smith.
In this blog, Callum shares his insights into the tools and mindsets that can help young people from all backgrounds access the opportunities they deserve, as well as key lessons from his personal experiences – including finishing school without the grades he’d wanted or a clear plan for his future. He also lets us in on the resilience and self-belief that sustained him through that uncertainty and later saw him leap from apprentice to business owner.
From squiggly pathways and the value of soft skills, to what is possible when talent meets the right support – this read is full of truths and tips set to empower any candidate looking to take the first (or next!) step in their career.
You don't need to have your career mapped out by the time you leave school
Having left school without the A-level grades he knew he was capable of; Callum understands the pressure there is on young people to make decisions about their future at what is often a confusing and distractable time in their lives. “I didn’t get the qualifications because I didn’t really focus. Although I considered university, it wasn't for me at that time. I was young and having fun, I wasn’t ready for that commitment.”
This isn’t unusual. The OECD recently reported that more than 46% of young people in the UK feel unsure about their career options*. We also witness this uncertainty amongst some of our candidates – but it doesn’t have to be a bad thing! In fact, this blank canvas can be opportunity to trial your skills and home in on what motivates you.
“At Ryder Reid we always encourage our young candidates to explore their options and skills – even a simple conversation with a parent, teacher or peer can unlock a lot. We work with people starting from scratch, sometimes facing really challenging circumstances, disadvantages, low confidence etc – but with a few tools and the right support, they find their way forward.”
This passion for empowering disadvantaged candidates is something Callum shares with our Co-owner Andrea and the whole Ryder Reid team. “We believe everyone deserves to thrive in their career, regardless of their starting point, education, choices they’ve made at school or jobs that feel like ‘blips’– it all adds to your experience, and it really is okay to not have it all mapped out from the start!”
Trust your instincts and your unique pathway
“When I first left school, I started in an office job. It was a great opportunity, but it didn’t motivate or inspire me, so I left. Although that might have been considered risky, I am grateful that I listened to my instincts because that leap led me to where I am today.”
This message is synonymous with our people-first ethos; the idea that everyone has a unique set of skills and qualities, and tapping into them can be game-changing – for the candidate and the hiring team. It’s also true that although a role might look perfect for you on paper, if it doesn’t click with you as a person, it might not be the one.
“Although not every candidate has the option to leave or turn down a job that doesn’t completely fulfil them, when you work hard, stay attuned to how a role is making you feel, and are honest with your leaders and managers, the right support and opportunities are more likely to find you.”
For Callum, when he joined Ryder Reid as a Recruitment Assistant in 2006, something clicked and he knew he was in the right place. Still the road was not straight, though...
A squiggly career is a fulfilling career
“After a couple of years at Ryder Reid, I got more involved with the consultancy side – but again it just didn’t feel like the best fit for me. I was honest about this with my then managers and, because they valued my skills and dedication, they found me another position within the company. That was when I really found my way.” Fast forward to 2018, and despite his earlier pivots, Callum had become a Co-owner and Director of Ryder Reid, a business that aligns with his skills and values. An example of how career success and satisfaction can be found in unplanned, make-it-your-own paths!
“At Ryder Reid we champion our candidates regardless of the number of setbacks and side-steps they have had. There are so many reasons someone might have to change paths, including finances, redundancy, family responsibilities, health... Although many employers today are aware of this and strive to embrace the whole person, some hiring managers miss incredible potential because a CV shows a fragmented work history or educational background.
“We work closely with our clients to instead take a people-first approach and consider the potential of each applicant. We want young people to know that ‘success’ isn’t just about going up, up, up. Not anymore. People can go left, right, here, there, and be just as valuable and fulfilled – if not more so, because they’re being true to themselves.”
Know the difference between qualifications and potential
What really made a difference to Callum – and what we know makes a difference to thousands of young applicants today – was the alternative pathways open to him. “There’s been so much positive change in the direction of appreciation for skills and potential in candidates who don’t come from traditional routes like university – and I love to see it!”
Sadly, it’s reported that 74% of school-leavers think a good job is only possible with a degree*, but this is a misconception. There are more routes into employment now, including apprenticeships and training contracts – both of which are growing across industries and creating options for people who did not have a chance before, but who deserved one. For example, you can now qualify as a solicitor without a degree, which has blown doors wide open for the legal industry and its future talent.
For Callum, he’s a big fan of the apprenticeship model; "because it creates pathways for young people and gives them the chance to grow their skills on-the-job, but also because it can assess skills and capabilities that you just can't judge at school or in exams. Problem-solving, resilience, determination, adaptability, empathy. The soft skills that employers miss when they’re distracted by education and qualifications. These qualities are equally as important, and sometimes bigger indicators for how much of an asset a candidate will be.
“At Ryder Reid, we work with organisations like Future Frontiers to educate young people on the options available to them, and to help them explore their potential. We also challenge assumptions amongst our clients, actively encouraging hiring firms to think flexibly about who they see in a certain role, as well as the skills and experience needed. Often, qualifications don’t need to come into it.”
Make the most of every chance to learn
“Embrace any training opportunities that come your way and be proactive in seeking them out. When I did my apprenticeship, it was me who approached my managers about it. I did my research, told them what it would cost and what the benefits would be – and they said yes! That moment of initiative transformed my career. It transformed my life.”
Training doesn’t have to mean an official course or apprenticeship, either. There are many ways to absorb and learn. Callum says, “you can also reach out to role models and people you look up to – it’s much easier to connect with people nowadays, thanks to social media, and you'd be surprised how many leaders are willing to share their experiences and help you forward.”
Check your mindset, build your confidence & don't let fear hold you back
In 2025, 89% of business leaders link success with mindset* and Callum agrees that how you respond to challenges is fundamental. He says “throughout setbacks, I never worried about the path ahead. I always went into it with the view that I could do it, and I didn’t let myself get too intimidated by people or situations. It comes down to self-belief and attitude, and I honestly think that mindset has been more important for me than education or grades.”
If self-belief doesn’t come as naturally to you, there are ways to challenge and change your thinking “We work with candidates who think they can’t apply for that job or can’t go on that course, and we know their first hurdle is to grow their confidence. There are many techniques for getting into a more confident mindset, including writing down your skills and qualities.
It can also help to work with an empathetic careers expert who can build your confidence. “Recruiters aren’t just here to send your CV off. We are here to help you crystalise your ambitions, recognise your talents and become your own cheerleader. When we see potential in someone; we encourage that person to reach for their goals. To take that opportunity and not fear failure. That’s probably my biggest life lesson!”
Your next step
As well as channelling his experience into his role as Co-owner, Director and recruitment industry leader, Callum draws on his own background to help continually evolve the people-first support we’re so proud to give our candidates and clients. If you’re one of the estimated 366,000 students just finishing school* (UK), get in touch with any one of our highly-supportive consultants – we want to hear from you, regardless of your background.
**********
Written by Callum Smith, Ryder Reid Legal co-owner and Business Director. Callum joined Ryder Reid Legal in 2006 and it was his first job in recruitment. He has since worked his way up from entry level to co-owning the business. Callum has worked across our recruitment divisions, and in 2018, Callum bought Ryder Reid Legal with Andrea Prendergast, our Executive Search Director.