Mental Health MSc - Misinam's Story

Please tell us about your current role and employer

I am currently juggling two part-time jobs: one as a Special Needs Educator and the other as an ESL Teacher for Early Years. I work at a startup called iThrive Child Development Centre in Ahmedabad, India. iThrive was founded by Ketki Agarwal, a mother of two neurodiverse children, with a mission to build a space rooted in empathy and driven by professionals for families like hers. At iThrive, I work as a Special Needs Educator, supporting students ranging in age from 3 to 15 years. My work primarily involves designing individualized study plans for children with special needs and conducting one-on-one sessions.

I also work at Little London Education, founded by British Indian lawyer-turned-educator Gargi Agrawal. Gargi started Little London with a vision to bring a piece of England to India through language teaching and engaging activities. In my role, I facilitate sessions and develop curricula for early years, focusing on teaching world cultures and enhancing vocabulary.

What does a typical day in your current role look like?

My workday begins at 11 a.m. at iThrive Child Development Centre. I start with a glass of water to beat the heat in Ahmedabad, India, and then move on to designing IEPs (Individualized Educational Programs) and conducting one-on-one sessions. I take a lunch break at 2 p.m., wind up my work, and leave for Little London Education at 3 p.m. Sessions at Little London start at 3:45 p.m. We welcome the students and engage in fun activities such as pretend play, story narration, and many others, ending the day at 7 p.m.

What was your journey to getting a job after graduating from Birmingham? (e.g. application process, visa considerations)

My journey to landing a job after graduating from the University of Birmingham was relatively smooth. I had applied for a position at Little London Education while submitting my final assignment as a master's student and received the offer while I was still studying in the UK. After a year of working with Little London, I started working at iThrive. One factor that helped me secure my current roles and stand out from the crowd was gaining international work experience and demonstrating resilience and adaptability.

How did the University's support services (e.g. Careers Network) help to prepare you for your career?

During the first semester of my master's degree at Birmingham, I remember attending a career fair hosted by the Careers Network. It allowed me to interact directly with recruiters and gain insight into the work culture. After the event, I landed my first part-time job as a SEN Teaching Assistant at PK Education. I continue to work as a Special Needs Educator to this day.

What are your top tips for students graduating today?

My tip to graduating students is to embrace mistakes without fear. It is through our mistakes that we discover new ways to navigate the challenges of life.