Starting a new career can feel daunting, especially when you’re stepping into an unfamiliar environment. For Mfonabasi Vincent-Thompson, joining Salutem through The King’s Trust provided an opportunity to build confidence, develop new skills and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Mfonabasi was attracted to Salutem because of its commitment to supporting people to lead happier, more fulfilling lives. While excited about the opportunity, they also had some of the natural nerves that come with starting somewhere new — from adapting to the role and learning new processes to finding their place within a new team.
From the beginning, having a welcoming and supportive team made a difference.
“Everyone was friendly and willing to help,” Mfonabasi says. “The warm introduction to the team and the time taken to explain how things worked helped me feel comfortable and valued from the beginning.”
Support that builds confidence
As Mfonabasi settled into their role, regular support and open communication helped them develop their confidence.
Their manager and colleagues took the time to explain things clearly and encouraged them to ask questions whenever they needed help. Monthly supervision sessions also provided an opportunity to check in, discuss how things were going and identify any additional support that was needed.
“Knowing that I could ask questions without feeling judged helped me learn and grow much faster,” Mfonabasi explains.
For Mfonabasi, having supportive colleagues, constructive feedback and encouragement created an environment where learning felt positive rather than intimidating.
An opportunity to grow
Looking back on their experience, Mfonabasi believes that the support they received helped them not only develop professionally but also grow in confidence.
They also highlight the importance of giving King’s Trust candidates the opportunity to show what they can do.
“A King’s Trust candidate may just need someone to believe in them and give them the opportunity to succeed,” says Mfonabasi. “Taking the time to support them, listen to them, and help them feel part of the team from the start can make all the difference.”
They believe candidates can bring resilience, determination, adaptability and a genuine willingness to learn to the workplace.
Looking ahead
For Mfonabasi, joining Salutem through The King’s Trust has been a significant step in their career journey.
“Joining Salutem through the King’s Trust programme was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I was given an opportunity to learn, grow, and build my confidence in a supportive environment.”
The experience has helped Mfonabasi develop professionally while making a meaningful difference in people’s lives — and they are excited to see where the journey takes them next.
Their message to managers considering welcoming a King’s Trust candidate is simple: give them the opportunity.
“With the right support and encouragement, they can become valuable team members.”
Taking the Next Step
Mfonabasi’s experience highlights the difference that the right opportunity, support and encouragement can make when starting a new career. From overcoming those first-day nerves to building confidence and developing professionally, their journey shows how taking that first step can open the door to new possibilities.
Through The King’s Trust programme, Mfonabasi found more than a route into employment, she found a supportive environment where they could learn, grow and make a meaningful difference to the people they support.
For anyone considering their own first step, Mfonabasi’s experience is a reminder that you don’t have to have everything figured out from the beginning. With the right support and a willingness to learn, a new opportunity can become the start of a rewarding career.
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