In December 2011 I initiated an English language consultancy practice using Skype to help professionals and students improve their oral and written language skills by isolating their linguistic difficulties and problems and finding creative, unconventional remedies to guide, develop and channel their journey towards fluency. I currently have established clients across different age groups in Japan, Brazil, Argentina, Slovenia, Belarus, Poland and Italy encompassing different industries including law, finance and the English language teaching profession. I have also provided elocution lessons for high-calibre Japanese clients whose expertise range from cardiology, investment banking and computer programming. This has included proof-reading and editing sample academic essays for a Japanese student preparing to go to University in Japan. I have also been involved in proof-reading an English dissertation for a Mathematics teacher from Turkey.

As well as my freelance Skype lessons, I am currently teaching English to adults using the Callan Method. This is a teacher controlled, fast-paced method that focuses on modelling the students’ language and helping them to achieve fluency. I have also been involved in conducting examinations and invigilating, as well as assessing prospective students for their level of English.

For two consecutive summer periods I was invited to collaborate on a summer camp project for 10 to 14 year olds in the Italian Alps. My responsibilities included interviewing the children to assess them for their level of English, executing lesson plans for the beginner, elementary and pre-intermediate level classes. I also collaborated with other teachers and camp organizers in providing ideas for out-of-lesson activities including treasure hunts, crossword puzzles, etc.

In March 2012 I began providing conversation lessons twice a week at the London office of a Polish charity that focuses on reintegrating underprivileged individuals into society. I conducted a series of one-to-one and small group conversation lessons. After each lesson I formulated a post lesson analysis to cater for my clients’ needs by reviewing what their linguistic gaps are and finding innovative solutions to fill those gaps. In spite of finishing my contract with Barka I do get asked to do the occasional bit of editing and proofreading for their newsletter.

After successfully completing my Graduate Diploma in Law, I secured an Internship with the Don't Delay Cars branch of this established Personal Injury law firm. I received first hand exposure to clients who had a range of legal issues with regard to employment / unfair dismissal, public liability, family and immigration, professional and medical negligence, personal injury and assault. It was my job to conduct interviews with potential claimants to see if they had a legitimate claim for compensation. If they had a legitimate claim and wished to pursue it further, it was my responsibility to draft the facts of the case and forward it to the relevant expert solicitor for further review. What I enjoyed the most about this position was being a connector between the solicitors and the outside world.

While I was studying for my Graduate Diploma in Law, I spent my Saturday’s working for an established, highly respected residential letting agents called Fitz-Gibbon. Fitz-Gibbon has provided services for a range of clients. I was responsible for conducting tours of various properties within the local area for prospective tenants. I usually had to commit to a tight schedule to avoid client disappointment. Working for Fitz-Gibbon gave me an understanding of how the property market functions.

During my time at TNT I was involved in serving up to 200 clients daily, including top executives at the Global Headquarters of GlaxoSmithKline. I was responsible for the seamless delivery and collection of mail, packages, and stationery. Throughout the working day I was also liaising with my managers and colleagues in responding to client enquiries, meeting the needs of executives, handling couriers, and maintaining and updating client information on a database of up to 3000 people. One of the things that I enjoyed most about my job was building and managing relationships with my clients. I developed an excellent rapport with my clients as I improved in my role. In the latter part of my working life at TNT I became more involved in training new employees until they were comfortable in their new role.