Top tips from a Careers Festival speaker

As the BPS Careers Festival approaches we'll be sharing insights from some of our speakers and presenters, giving a flavour of what will be in store during the festival.

David Anthony has worked within the field of special educational needs since 2005. He's passionate about education's role in helping learners that become active citizens in their communities whilst having choice and independence over their own lives. With the right support and opportunity, he believes all learners can reach their aspirations and outcomes.

David will be speaking on the Learning Stage at the Careers Festival on Tuesday 7 November. His session will explore the opportunities at BeyondAutism, a not-for-profit organisation running services for autistic learners in the UK. Access the festival plan here, and book your place here.

We asked David some quickfire questions about what's helped him in his career, what he's learnt and what he wishes he'd known when he started out:

Something that's really important in your career 

Do something you love and feel passionate about. Anyone working in health, education or care is invested in other people and their outcomes. This should be your motivation.

Something that has really helped you progress in your career 

Learn to listen to those around you and appreciate that not everyone will have the same point of view as you. Such differences are what makes for successful outcomes.

Something that surprised you about your career

How much resilience people have developed through their own perseverance. It is a privilege to work with families and colleagues who are overcoming challenges and barriers and being part of that.

A specific skill you find useful and how you learnt it

Patience, which is a skill or quality I continue to learn. Show patience in both learning, professional development and those you work with.

Things you wish you knew in your career 

Just that there are unknown unknowns – things you just don't know because you haven't experienced them yet or been taught them. This is why those around you, your team and colleagues are so important. Also, if you don't know something, the best thing to do is pick up a book and find out.