Emma Dorgan, mum to a four-year-old daughter and lives in Crystal Palace, South London with her husband. After dropping out of college twice, Emma had convinced herself that learning just wasn’t for her. The fun and practical design of our Future Skills Bootcamp changed her mind. Read on to find out more about Emma's journey and to see if you qualify for a free space on this transformative course.
“I found college very challenging and restrictive and so finished studying after my GCSEs. As a result, I feel I could have achieved more and it has always been a disappointment which has made me reluctant to learn, explains Emma, 39.
“I had always thought of myself as someone who didn’t stick at things which has been a barrier and made me afraid to do courses in the past.”
Emma went on to work as a PA for 18 years, but her dream of becoming a virtual assistant saw her revisit the idea of learning two decades on – but she worried whether she would be able to see it through.
“I had wanted to become a virtual assistant for some time but didn’t know how to get started and then I saw the Digital Mums Bootcamp course advertised and a lot of the material appealed and was relevant.
“It was flexible and I could study when my daughter was in bed. I was excited but my biggest fear was whether I was going to get through it and finish it.”
But a weekly live lesson and supportive peer group helped Emma, who lives in South London with her husband and four-year-old daughter, to overcome some initial nerves.
“I was really nervous at the start, I hadn’t done any learning for a long time and doubted myself but after the first live lesson I felt much more comfortable and realised the course was for me.
“It was so interesting to work as part of a peer group with other mums and see where my strengths and weaknesses lie. I revisited parts of me that I thought were lost. I realised I was a taskmaster and a natural leader and it really built up my confidence.”
Students on the Bootcamp course are set a real-world business challenge and learn how to use business tools such as Canva and Slack.
“I was surprised that I really enjoyed working with data and pulling out insights and I loved learning how to use the graphic design tool Canva. Before, when I felt the fear with learning it was tempting to stop but the Bootcamp taught me it’s valuable to keep going and push into it.”
Emma is now a lifelong learning convert and has gone on to study social media marketing in more detail with us. She has plans to launch her new business offering VA services soon.
“When you have a child you can lose yourself a bit but this course helps you find yourself again, explains Emma.
“I was so nervous at the start but it has done wonders for my confidence and I feel so much more on top of digital trends. I have already set up social media accounts for my new business and created a brand on Canva. I am excited for my new future.”
If you are a mother living in England, do NOT hold a University Degree and are either employed or have recently become unemployed (in the last few months) you could qualify for a free space on our Future Skills Bootcamp which usually costs £499. Find out more about the course and register your interest here. Our next intake is in January 2021. You can also watch the video below to find out more about what it involves.
