#NoWrongPath – Lynn McIntosh
To mark exam results day in Scotland tomorrow, we’re supporting the #NoWrongPath campaign – a social media movement led by Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Scotland.
The campaign provides inspiration and reassurance to young people receiving their results and shows that many people in interesting job roles may not have taken a traditional path to get there.
Today we’re shining a spotlight on the career journey of our very own Lynn McIntosh, Learning & Development Partner.
A bit about me: Who are you, what’s your current job role, what are your interests?
Hi, my name is Lynn and I’m a Learning & Development Partner at Hillcrest. My interests include going to the theatre, swimming, and driving my kids to their many social activities!
From school to my first job: What was your first job after finishing school? Can you describe your career journey from this first job role to where you are now?
After school, I attended Dundee University, where I earned a degree in History. I then pursued a postgraduate in IT at St Andrews. My first job after university was with Dundee City Council, where I worked in revenue and benefits. I later changed my career path to retail management, serving as a department manager in various roles over 12 years.
During this time, I had both of my children and eventually sought a new opportunity. I retrained as a swimming teacher, working with babies from birth to school age—a truly rewarding and fun role. Once my children started school, I wanted to refocus on my career. Utilising many transferable skills from management and teaching, I transitioned to my current position at Hillcrest as a Learning and Development Partner.
My experience at Hillcrest: When did you start at Hillcrest and what do you enjoy most about working for this organisation?
I joined Hillcrest almost two years ago and love the organisation’s diversity, its mission, and its values. No two days are the same, and I enjoy collaborating with people who have varied skills and experiences.
What advice do you have for young people finishing school and who are looking for employment?
It’s never too late to change career paths. You don’t always need a plan when you’re leaving school. Seize opportunities to gain experience and learn whenever they arise, and don’t be afraid to try new skills.
If you know any young person or school leaver who might interested in developing a career with Hillcrest, please signpost them to our careers page or send them our Young Workers Recruitment Brochure, which provides lots of handy hints and tips for finding employment at Hillcrest. This can be found in the Resources section of our website: Young Workers Recruitment Brochure.