BACK TO NEWSCharlotte joined Iconic Steps at a time of deep uncertainty. It was lockdown, and although she had recently graduated with a degree in Art, the future felt unclear. Like many young people, she wanted to break into the media industry but didn’t know where to begin.
“There’s a stereotype around young people – that they aren’t trying. Because I haven’t got a job, I must be doing something wrong”.
These words capture the weight Charlotte was carrying. The pressure to succeed, the silence of unanswered applications, and the constant self-doubt made it hard to move forward. But her drive never wavered. She was determined to find a way in.
Then she found Iconic Steps and things began to change. “Iconic Steps were able to offer actual opportunities- that were suited to me”
Unlike the vague promises she had seen elsewhere, Iconic Steps offered something real.
A chance to get hands-on experience, connect with like-minded creatives, and begin building the career she had long dreamed of.As lockdown lifted, she secured her first onset role through us, working as a runner on a Merman production. For Charlotte, it was more than just a job.
It was the first time she felt like she truly belonged in the industry.
Over the past few years, Charlotte has attended quite a few of our industry insight sessions, helping to expand her knowledge and develop her CV to be industry-ready.
In 2024, she joined our Social Media Marketing programme, which she describes as a turning point.
From learning video editing tools to crafting compelling content, Charlotte left the programme with practical skills and a renewed belief in herself.
“I left and felt more confident in my skills in social media.”
But her transformation didn’t stop there.
Through 1-to-1 sessions with one of our Occupational therapists, Charlotte was able to confront the self-doubt that had held her back for so long.
“They reassured me… It did help my confidence that someone knows I’m putting in effort to get to where I want to be.”
At Iconic Steps, we believe supporting young people means more than just teaching skills it means listening, encouraging, and helping them see their own potential.
Today, Charlotte is pursuing a master’s degree in art while continuing to explore different roles in media and grow her creative portfolio.
Her journey is a powerful reminder of how vital it is to combine industry training with emotional support and to challenge the false narratives that suggest young people aren’t trying hard enough.
Because Charlotte was trying. She just needed someone to believe in her.
