How Did You Get Into Nuclear? — Do The Things That Give You Joy
Kathryn Jackson
Personal Development Coach
Kathryn Jackson Coaching
Kathryn works as a personal development coach in which she aims to support people in being the best they can be.
Through Kathryn Jackson Coaching, she will create the safe space you or your team need. Take the time to explore personal or professional challenges, consider new working methods, and encourage the first step to the desired goal or dream.
Kathryn works with individuals and teams to develop confidence, drive performance, maintain optimal wellbeing and build resilience to face the world.
“I believe that the nuclear industry needs ideas and best practices from other industries more than ever before. So now is the time to make that jump.”
Early Years
Having been born in Essex, we moved to Reading at 7. I spent my primary and secondary schooling in that area. I was certainly not very confident at school, but I had a great group of friends and was supported enough to get through school OK.
There were no flying colours in terms of exams, and I had no real career aspirations when I left school, but I knew I wanted to be around people. I loved photography and sport and enjoyed all things creative at school.
Having self-doubt about my abilities, I decided not to go to University. Still, I stayed in the 6th form to study business for a year, which was an excellent foundation for building my confidence.
Getting Into Nuclear
I’ve steered through a few rough seas throughout my career. When I eventually started my first job, I remember feeling proud for getting out into the world of work and earning some money.
I spent time in the fitness industry in sales and recruitment, setting up my first business.
Due to a personal situation, I decided to close my business down, and I “fell” into the nuclear industry. My first role was in Recruitment/Training on the Operations side, which gave me the first insight into the amazing people in this industry.
I started to develop a network that is still with me, my treasure.
Perceptions Of The Nuclear Industry
I had no perception and little awareness of the nuclear industry. I recall it taking six months to grasp the surroundings and culture. Some 18 years on, I’ve worked on some high profile projects, in some fascinating roles and with some fantastic people.
Whilst not every day has been “rosy”, I often reflect on what I have had the opportunity to do and my successes in an industry I knew little about.
Advice To Someone Just Starting A Career
I would suggest they take time to understand what they are passionate about, what they enjoy, and their values. This helped me take a leap of faith to set up my second business, the best job ever. I now have the confidence and awareness to be myself and support others to be the same.
In addition, always remember that life is not about the destination but more about the journey. My journey has given me the resilience and experience to do what I love in an industry that offers so much.
Advice To Your Younger Self
I would advise myself to take small steps, do the things that give you joy and regularly reflect to allow you to build upon each stage of your career. You can lose so much insight and awareness of yourself through going too fast and not looking back from time to time.
Advice For Sector Jumpers
Whilst nuclear may not look to be the obvious sector to jump into, take some time to speak to others in the industry and consider your transferable skills.
This industry is always looking for new leaders and new thinkers. I believe that the nuclear industry needs ideas and best practices from other industries more than ever before. So now is the time to make that jump.
Final Thoughts
Having worked for a few organisations and now supporting the industry’s supply chain businesses, I would remind people that the network you can gain in this industry is fantastic and will help your career and development.
Thanks so much for telling your career story, Kathryn. It is interesting to learn about how you fell into nuclear and how you have brought your transferable skills, positive attitude, and willingness to help others into the sector.
You truly impact all that you have been involved in positively. We do not doubt that this will continue, and we wish you every success.
If you want to find out more about Kathryn, you can find her on LinkedIn and her website at Kathryn Jackson Coaching.
If you would like to learn more about the opportunities for work in the nuclear industry, head on over to GetIntoNuclear.com.
