Destination: Award-Winning IBM Consultant > From School Dropout

I still remember lunch breaks, staring out of the window, watching the train to London speed by. The reminder of life: swift, certain, and going places. At just 17, I felt everything so intensely. Growing up, I have always been the type to plan every second; I could even tell you the exact university course code for my dream of becoming a pharmacist. The "traditional" path was laid out clearly in front of me, until I realised that it wasn't the right one for me.

When you're part of a community with clear standards of success, diverging from those expectations isn't easy. The more I tried to force the traditional and expected path to happen, the more it felt like I was living someone else's life. 

So, what now?

The word 'apprenticeship' didn't exactly carry a glamorous ring to it in my circles, especially not how it does now. I actually remember being asked by a friend how many hot drinks I'd have to make (which, funnily enough, was many during my first apprenticeship). Yet, it became the detour I never knew I needed. At 17, I was headhunted for a Level 3 apprenticeship at a law firm, initially as a Sales Admin. Before long, I was promoted to Private Client Legal Advisor - a role that seemed exciting but quickly revealed its cracks. It was a challenging start, balancing a graduate role with high expectations, little pay, and almost no training or support. It felt like being thrown onto a fast-moving train without knowing where it was headed or how to navigate.

That experience made me realise that not all apprenticeships are equal. I saw how easily apprentices could be exploited, how companies could overwork young professionals for a pittance, and how this could lead to doubts about whether I had made the right choice. I was learning the hard way what the word 'resilience' really meant, not just pushing through but growing stronger with each setback. I was determined to keep my options open.

Switching Tracks: IBM and a New Direction

Every lunch, I'd still watch the train to London and dream of being on it. Soon, that dream became a reality. I accepted an offer for a Level 4 apprenticeship at IBM. Not to spoil the rest of the story, however this led to completing a Level 6 apprenticeship, achieving a first-class honours completely debt-free, growing my network, and securing a full-time role at an incredible tech company - all while gaining valuable experience. IBM's approach wasn't just everything my first apprenticeship wasn't, it showed what an amazing apprenticeship is: supportive, empowering, and opportunity rich. Here, my background and experiences weren't just acknowledged, they were celebrated. The apprenticeship opened doors to explore my creativity and led to National and European awards - things I never would have imagined achieving. For once, I was on the right train, and it felt incredible.

Building Something Lasting

In the midst of finding my footing, I also realised the importance of staying true to who I am. As an Early Professional at IBM, I saw an opportunity to make a difference and build something lasting. This led me to start EP Emb(race), IBM's Early Professional ethnic minority group, which quickly became a platform to amplify diverse voices within the company. One of my proudest moments was organising IBM UK&I's first-ever Ramadan event, a milestone that went beyond representation. It was about creating spaces where people felt seen, heard, and celebrated. This experience taught me the importance of building not just for myself but for those who might need a path to follow. Today, that mission continues as I help companies diversify their hiring practices and coach early professionals and businesses in creating inclusive and empowering environments.

Let's talk The Brown Girl League

 The building didn't stop there. Searching for community led to the creation of The Brown Girl League (TBGL), a group that started as a way to find other MENASA women who shared similar experiences, focusing on community, personal, and professional growth. In less than a year, TBGL grew to over 10,000 supporters across platforms, partnered with massive businesses, and became a platform for impactful events and discussions. But even more special, I got to share this journey with someone who became my best friend and co-founder. Sometimes, the most unexpected paths bring you not only success, but also incredible connections along the way.

If you're looking to get involved with TBGL, either as a brown girl or an ally, or to support and collaborate with us, check out our Linktree.

The Journey Isn't Always Smooth

Not every track is easy. I've faced difficult projects, hit brick walls, and questioned my own abilities. But every journey is unique. It's about learning to embrace when plans change, knowing when to pivot, and taking breaks to find your rhythm. If I could write a letter to the Tara staring out the window at lunchtime, I'd remind her that when faced with uncertainty, it's okay not to know everything. "I don't know, but I'll figure it out" has always been my guiding principle.

 The Tea with T: Trust the Journey

1. Build a life you want to live, not one to make others approve. Be undeniably who you are so those who love you come closer, and those who don't can exit your life.

2. Don't panic if you don't know everything (you're at the start of your journey, you aren't expected to know everything). There's power in accepting that you're figuring it out. Plans change, tracks shift, and it's all part of the process.

3. Your network truly is your net worth, so invest in building connections, offering value, and learning from others' journeys. 

Your Track, Your Train

Every career journey has its twists and turns. There will be bumps, unexpected stops, and detours. Sometimes, you won't know exactly where you're headed, and that's okay. It's not about having the perfect plan but about being open to the opportunities that come your way and trusting that you'll end up exactly where you're meant to be.

So, take that leap - even if you're unsure of the destination. It might just be the best decision you ever make.

 

If any of the themes in this blog resonate with you, whether it's how I can support your business, diversify your hiring practices, or help you make the most of your early professional career, feel free to get in touch. Find me on LinkedIn at Tara Suran.

 

Tara Suran

Driving Digital Transformation | Multi-Award Winning Senior Management Consultant | The Brown Girl League Co-Founder