Jessica Clarihew – NWSLC’s Digital Marketing Officer

Image Caption: Jessica, third one in, with Event Team celebrating a successful event with a selfie

Name: Jessica Clarihew
Job Title: Digital Marketing Officer
Team: Marketing

At NWSLC, we are currently celebrating Learning Disability Week 2023. This year’s theme is all about busting myths about living life with a learning disability. Jessica, Digital Marketing Officer at NWSLC, was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, part of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and has faced challenges in the workplace.

Jessica says “My manager was open when I told her about my learning disability. Management and HR were very understanding and went out of their way to make me feel like this workplace would accommodate any needs I may have.”

Jessica joined Team NWSLC in March 2019, having previously worked in a similar role. Ready to take on a new challenge, Jessica knew that “NWSLC and its principles, sounded like an ideal place to work at. From the interview, I could tell that the marketing manager was very welcoming, open and I felt like I could trust her. When I got offered the position I was thrilled and could not wait to start.

“I believed I could bring my unique point of view to the table and apply it to the role. I have a passion for working in education as you get to be part of people’s journeys. Whether that’s a teenager post GCSEs who is starting to find the subject they are interested in, or an adult who is starting their career, the journeys that education plays is huge. If we help them to have a positive experience, then that is the job well done.”

Working within the Educational sector each day is different, no two days are the same, and while this may be difficult for some with ASD, Jessica is grateful for the support which NWSLC provides her with. “The college gives me a personalised approach to my needs through my manager. We have also identified some triggers and my team leader and manager work with me to help reduce any workplace anxiety I may have.”

Being supported and well listened to within a work environment can make such a difference to your happiness and wellbeing within in a role and Jessica knows all about this. Being supported has allowed her to develop her career with NWSLC recently. “I have changed my role in the past year as I wanted a new challenge. My manager was very supportive and when the opportunity rose, I was able to move from my general role looking after HE and adults, to a digital role, looking after our (NWSLC) website, social media, and digital adverts.”

This year’s theme for Learning Disability week is all about busting Myths about those who have learning disabilities and it is great to hear how Jessica is no expectation. Jessica is part of an ever so growing creative Marketing Team, and it is wonderful to see how she has developed during her employment at the NWSLC and not allowed her Asperger’s Syndrome to stop her at any point.

If this has inspired you and you would like to be part of team NWSLC, please visit our current vacancies here.