Interacting with the adult corporate world to learn about what is beyond the confines of Newham can be a difficult endeavour for our young people.

The narrative perpetuated among the amazingly diverse young people of this borough is one of despair, of how disadvantaged they are to be born here rather than how they can use a sometime difficult start in life as a motivational advantage to propel them to success.

The road ahead appears to be littered with obstacles, trials and tribulations. Many teenagers may not even consider working as a lawyer, a banker or joining leading corporations. But how can they aspire to something without knowing what is out there?

The problem is that exposure to the world of business for young people in Newham is minimal. There is a failure to teach that accessing the mystical world of Canary Wharf and the City of London is possible for anyone whatever their financial and social background.

Much is left to the initiative of individuals to create a network and to get work experiences and internships. As a result, only those with high aspirations and the ability to effectively communicate succeed in building up meaningful relationships with these firms. 

This should not be the case. 

The council and schools should play an active role in expanding the horizons of young people through networking programmes and workshops to teach and guide them in reaching out to people in the corporate world.

I came to the UK in 2009 at the age of seven, speaking no English and with no knowledge of the commercial world. However, at Rokeby School, I was able to attend events where I was exposed to large corporations, such as HSBC, and I started to build up a network of contacts. 

I first became exposed to the law when we had to fight the Home Office’s decision to deny our stay in the UK in court. To find out more about the field, I had to reach out to law firms, which was an incredibly daunting process. 

However, after reaching out numerous times, I realised how willing to help they are at the top if we can show our potential and willingness to work hard. 

Through an email, I was able to meet with Richard Foley, the global senior partner at Pinsent Masons, a leading legal services firm. He sat down with me and taught me how to be fearless in my pursuit of the law and provided me with an extraordinary work experience opportunity. 

From there I have built up a network with firms such as Clifford Chance where Orin Begum, an associate from a similar background to mine taught me how to tell my story in a way which proves advantageous in my application processes and Stephenson Harwood where I have now been offered a scholarship worth £45,000 to cover my cost of university as well as mentorship and work experiences after completing my A-levels at Brampton Manor Academy.

To young people reading this, please do not believe that your background limits your ability to succeed, instead, let it be an inspiration. 

Reach out without fearing rejection. The risk of disappointment is far inferior compared to what we have to gain by reaching out. And never underestimate the importance of a mentor. You are not oppressed, and you will not become a victim of your circumstances. 

Help is available for free through organisations such as Uptree, Social Mobility Foundation, Arrival Education, Access Aspirations, The Diana Award, Migrant Leaders and IntoUniversity.

Snatch every opportunity that you are given to interact with people because you never know which one has the potential to change your life forever. 

Interacting with the adult corporate world to learn about what is beyond the confines of Newham can be a difficult endeavour for our young people.

The narrative perpetuated among the amazingly diverse young people of this borough is one of despair, of how disadvantaged they are to be born here rather than how they can use a sometime difficult start in life as a motivational advantage to propel them to success.

The road ahead appears to be littered with obstacles, trials and tribulations. Many teenagers may not even consider working as a lawyer, a banker or joining leading corporations. But how can they aspire to something without knowing what is out there?

The problem is that exposure to the world of business for young people in Newham is minimal. There is a failure to teach that accessing the mystical world of Canary Wharf and the City of London is possible for anyone whatever their financial and social background.

Much is left to the initiative of individuals to create a network and to get work experiences and internships. As a result, only those with high aspirations and the ability to effectively communicate succeed in building up meaningful relationships with these firms. 

This should not be the case. 

The council and schools should play an active role in expanding the horizons of young people through networking programmes and workshops to teach and guide them in reaching out to people in the corporate world.

I came to the UK in 2009 at the age of seven, speaking no English and with no knowledge of the commercial world. However, at Rokeby School, I was able to attend events where I was exposed to large corporations, such as HSBC, and I started to build up a network of contacts. 

I first became exposed to the law when we had to fight the Home Office’s decision to deny our stay in the UK in court. To find out more about the field, I had to reach out to law firms, which was an incredibly daunting process. 

However, after reaching out numerous times, I realised how willing to help they are at the top if we can show our potential and willingness to work hard. 

Through an email, I was able to meet with Richard Foley, the global senior partner at Pinsent Masons, a leading legal services firm. He sat down with me and taught me how to be fearless in my pursuit of the law and provided me with an extraordinary work experience opportunity. 

From there I have built up a network with firms such as Clifford Chance where Orin Begum, an associate from a similar background to mine taught me how to tell my story in a way which proves advantageous in my application processes and Stephenson Harwood where I have now been offered a scholarship worth £45,000 to cover my cost of university as well as mentorship and work experiences after completing my A-levels at Brampton Manor Academy.

Reach out without fearing rejection. The risk of disappointment is far inferior compared to what we have to gain by reaching out. And never underestimate the importance of a mentor. You are not oppressed, and you will not become a victim of your circumstances. 

Help is available for free through organisations such as Uptree, Social Mobility Foundation, Arrival Education, Access Aspirations, The Diana Award, Migrant Leaders and IntoUniversity.

Snatch every opportunity that you are given to interact with people because you never know which one has the potential to change your life forever. 

Mir Tasin is a student at Brampton Manor Academy

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