I was fortunate enough to take part in a Masterclass taught by Susan Acland-Hood, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Education, in April of 2022. Our Masterclass afforded us the opportunity to spend time with one of the most senior figures in the British Civil Service and absorb some words of wisdom from her.   

Here are the three key messages I took from the Permanent Secretary’s Masterclass:

1. The importance of not getting too comfortable

The Permanent Secretary told us stories about her various career changes. She detailed her experiences of taking on roles in areas or sectors in which  she had not built a reputation yet, and how difficult it was to start afresh in new roles.  I admire her willingness to look for the positives in a demanding situation. She was entering a completely unfamiliar environment, where she had to prove herself, but she also embraced the uncertainty. In her talk, she explained how we cannot truly learn if we do not face any obstacles or trials. She also, however, emphasized the importance of striking a balance between enjoyability and being uncomfortable. If we feel too uncomfortable, we will not feel that we have the breathing room to make the mistakes we need to learn from or ask questions that may benefit our knowledge. This message really stuck with me because I am in the initial stages of my journey to becoming a lawyer. As I do not come from what is deemed a ‘traditional’ legal background I will have to forge my own path and get comfortable with being uncomfortable to ensure that I take steps toward positive growth.  

1. You cannot get the job if you do not apply for it

This message really spoke to me. In the past, I have limited myself in thinking that I was not good enough for certain positions or schemes due to a lack of confidence. The Masterclass with the Permanent Secretary has given me the insight that if I do not apply for these roles that I think I do not deserve, I will rob myself of the opportunity for growth and in turn limit my potential. 

1. Utilise what you have to help others

The Permanent Secretary’s determination to carve her own independent career path in the Civil Service and to also use her privilege to help others was what stood out to me. Hearing the Permanent Secretary describe the policy reports she published on social issues such as social exclusion, diversity and inclusion, and the attainment gaps in higher education, I was very inspired. She told us that true leaders contribute when they can, regardless of how much or how little they have. I have aspirations of serving as a Member of Parliament in the future. In light of this message, I have been thinking about what kind of leader I should strive to be, similar to the Permanent Secretary who serves others before serving herself. I have already taken steps to implement positive change by creating a society for black women on my university campus in hopes of inspiring unity and community.  I will use my privilege, as someone who is comfortable with public speaking, to be a leader that speaks up for the issues in my community and that of others.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the Masterclass with the Permanent Secretary. The words of wisdom she offered are greatly appreciated. I will not only take them with me, but I will use them well.  

Written by Tessy Idemudia, 2022 Masterclass Programme Participant