Sarah Blackett on her career in Travel & Hospitality and Charities

Graduate-women.com interviews Sarah Blackett, Head Expedition Coordinator at Raleigh.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Working out which are my strongest skills and biggest weaknesses and what career path to take them both down.

What are the rewarding aspects of a career in your industry?

Knowing that the work we do makes a genuine difference to the lives of local people living in Borneo, Costa Rica & Nicaragua and India as well as the young people from all over the UK and abroad that join Raleigh’s volunteer expeditions.

What do you do to ensure you get a break at the weekends?

Get out of London, do something active in the fresh air and spend lots of time on my sofa!

What's the best career advice you've ever received?

Write everything down!

What have you had to sacrifice/risk to get to the position you have?

A high paying salary.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A vet.

What differences do you believe being a woman has made to your career?

I believe as a general rule women are more organised than men and can multi-task a lot more efficiently in the work place. This has been an advantage in the kinds of jobs I have gone for as they have all required strong coordination and organisational abilities.

Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring graduate women who are pursuing a successful career?

Write absolutely everything down!

What has been the most exciting element of your career so far?

Working with high profile celebrities and having the opportunity to travel extensively with work.

What is your greatest achievement?

Climbing the ranks in an adventure travel documentary production house from Graduate Receptionist to Head Expedition Coordinator in less than 3 years.

Who is, or has been, your role model and who is a strong role model for young women starting their career?

My mother.