John Ambrose
John is Enterprise and Employability Coordinator at the University of East London
How did you find your way into careers work?
I came from a non-traditional route. I've always been involved in youth and community work, especially in the creative industries through music and media and combined with work in widening participation, it led me to careers. I wasn't a straight-A student, and I grew up on a council estate in East London. I know what it’s like when your options feel limited, and I've made it my mission to change that for others.
What do you do in your current role?
I’m an Enterprise and Employability Coordinator at UEL. I work closely with students -many of whom are first-generation university students or come from low-income backgrounds. My job is to help them gain confidence, explore their skills, and transition into meaningful work. I run workshops, events, and 1:1 sessions. My focus is on career readiness and enterprise thinking - not just getting jobs, but building entrepreneurial, creative, and bold mindsets.
What motivates you?
Seeing someone go from unsure to empowered. Watching a student light up because someone finally "got" them or helped them tell their story with confidence - that’s everything. I also feel a responsibility. I’ve lived the barriers many of these students’ face - class, race, postcode prejudice. I'm here to disrupt those narratives and build futures with them, not for them.
What’s your personal philosophy?
Authenticity. I bring my full self to the role - my East London roots, my creativity, my hustle, my values. I don’t believe in gatekeeping. I meet students where they are, and I help them move forward with honesty, empathy, and practical tools. I also believe in cultural capital on our terms. Not everything valuable fits into a corporate template. Creativity, resilience, and community knowledge are strengths.
What has been a turning point for you?
Seeing students take what I’d taught them and use it to launch their own businesses or land new roles. The realisation that careers work can be a platform for transformation, not just a checklist changed my entire approach. During the pandemic, I worked hard to keep students connected by creating digital spaces for them to build networks and momentum. That period showed me the power of creative, community-rooted support.
Who or what inspires your practice?
People who break moulds. Youth workers. Creatives. Educators who bring soul to their work. And students - especially those who’ve had to fight just to get through the door. Also, my community. Newham taught me how to listen, survive, and lead with purpose.
What’s your take on the future of careers work?
We need to shake things up. The sector can sometimes feel like it’s built around old systems. We need to be more creative, intersectional, and community led. Students today are navigating hybrid work, side hustles, mental health challenges, and climate anxiety. Careers work needs to speak their language.
Favourite career theory?
Honestly, I’m a lived experience practitioner. I value theories, but I'm more driven by what I see and feel. That said, I align with approaches that honour narrative, identity, and systemic barriers - like Social Justice Career Theory or aspects of Community Cultural Wealth.
A day in the life?
No two days are the same. I might be:
Meeting with students 1:1
Co-creating a careers event
Supporting a student start-up idea
Working on employability strategy
Or simply being a visible, relatable presence in spaces where students need to feel seen
What advice would you give new CDPs?
Bring your full self to the role, because the students you serve need you to be real. I’d also say, learn from the communities you serve, challenge what’s "standard," and never forget that this work is about people, not processes.
Final reflections?
Careers work can be a vehicle for equity, hope, and self-determination. We don’t just guide - we unlock. I’m proud to do this work, and I'll keep showing up, East London style - loud, grounded, and committed to making a difference.