Life at Reading College

Abbie Trussler completed her Media Level 3 Extended Diploma at Reading College, part of Activate Learning, in 2018. She is now a Projects Coordinator for No5 Young People, a Reading-based mental health charity. 

“College was a great experience and was quite different compared to secondary school. We were treated like adults, and I got to be in a room of like-minded people and have hands-on, practical experience,” she said. 

Life after college

Abbie shared what her role at No5 Young People consists of, and how she has managed to transfer the skills she gained at Reading College. 

“Part of my role is communications and marketing and I get to use my skills learnt in college, creating video content for campaigns, workshops, social media and our training course,” she said. 

“One of my most recent projects was a video launching the campaign for Reading Young People’s Hub. I got the opportunity to interview young people from all over the area, to make sure their voices are heard. 

“It is incredible to be able to provide this platform from the skills I learnt at Reading College.” 

Transferrable skills

Alongside her full-time career, Abbie has found a way to use her creativity and the skills learnt from college, by setting up her own business in another area she is passionate about. 

She said: “I also run a small business on Etsy, Abbie’s Attic Designs, where I sell crochet gifts, home décor and accessories. 

“I do all my own marketing for my shop as well. Most of my sales have come through social media, particularly my video content, which shows how valuable the skills I learnt at college have been, even in my own projects!” 

What inspires you

Abbie shares what inspired her to pursue this career path, and what drives her passion in her everyday work. 

“A mix of the friends I made at college and the experience I had at No5 as a teenager inspired me into my current career and taught me to always stay true to who I am and follow my passions. 

“I am also very proud of being able to use my skills to help improve young people’s mental health and the profile of such an important charity,” she added. 

Advice for college leavers

Abbie shared some words of wisdom for college leavers as they take their next steps. 

“You don’t have to have it all worked out now. Very few people know exactly what they want to do after college. 

“Just follow your passions and embrace new opportunities. Sometimes the perfect thing you couldn’t have imagined will come up just for you!”