SOMA’s Impact Initiative - Hanifah’s Story

After graduating with a degree in Business Marketing in July 2024, Hanifah, found herself facing the daunting challenge of job hunting. Despite her efforts to secure a role in marketing, she was met with repeated rejections. It was a draining process that left her feeling uncertain about her next steps. Determined to stay proactive and continue learning, she enrolled in The Impact Initiative, a six-month program designed to support 16-25 year olds, funded by The Didcot Powerhouse Fund.

The Impact Initiative offered her a different type of learning environment where she was able to explore the five core themes of personal branding, cultivating confidence, passion discovery, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility.

“It was unlike traditional academic routes. I was really drawn in by the way the workshops worked. They were packed with knowledge, followed by fun social activities—it made learning enjoyable, not a burden.” Hanifah, The Impact Initiative participant

As the only university graduate in a cohort mostly preparing for higher education, Hanifah’s path forward looked less clear than her peers. But it was The Impact Initiative, particularly the passion discovery workshop, that proved transformational. During the panel, hearing working professionals speak about turning their passions into careers sparked something in her. “When they asked us to name our passion, I said ‘teaching’ without hesitation. It was a lightbulb moment—why wasn’t I pursuing this?” That realisation set her on a new path. With encouragement from loved ones and inspiration from the program, she began exploring teaching as a career.

Five months on, she has secured a place on a teacher training program based in Didcot starting September. While shifting from marketing to education was a daunting decision, she credits the personal branding workshop with helping her adopt a growth mindset and build the confidence to follow her passion. 

Reflecting on her experience, Hanifah describes The Impact Initiative as “a really fun, successful, and enjoyable learning experience for young people” that not only builds practical skills but fosters a mindset of growth, confidence, and community.”