From Student to Professional: How Cardiff Met Helped Shape My Career in Inclusive Sport

Before arriving at Cardiff Metropolitan University, I was diagnosed with autism. Like many autistic young people, I experienced challenges navigating environments that were not always designed with neurodivergent individuals in mind. Rather than viewing my diagnosis as a barrier, however, I saw it as an opportunity to create positive change for others facing similar experiences.

When I started at Cardiff Met, I quickly immersed myself in opportunities beyond my studies. During my first year, I founded Neurodiversity in Sport, a social enterprise dedicated to increasing sporting opportunities for students with specialist needs while promoting greater understanding of neurodiversity across the sporting sector. Inspired by my own experiences, the initiative aimed to create inclusive sporting environments where everyone could participate with confidence and feel represented.

Alongside this, I began sharing my experiences as an autistic female through social media. Autism often presents differently in women and girls, and I wanted to challenge common misconceptions while demonstrating that neurodivergent individuals can thrive in education, sport and leadership. What started as personal storytelling soon grew into meaningful conversations around accessibility, inclusion and representation.

One of the proudest moments of my university journey came in January of my first year when I was named the 2024 Youth Sport Trust Young Activist of the Year. Receiving this award was incredibly special, not only because it recognised my work in sport, but because it reinforced the importance of creating opportunities for people who may traditionally face barriers to participation.

Throughout my time at Cardiff Met, I continued to build experience through coaching, volunteering and leadership roles. I served as a Young Ambassador for Hockey Wales, contributed to national initiatives through Sport Wales, and coached within Cardiff Met Sport's Junior Hockey Programme. These opportunities enabled me to develop skills in communication, leadership, partnership working and project delivery, while also building a professional network across the Welsh sport sector.

Graduating from Cardiff Met in July 2026 marked the end of my student journey, but not my connection with the University. Just one month later, in August 2026, I returned to Cardiff Met Sport as a member of staff, taking up the role of Disability & Inclusive Sport Coordinator. For me, it was a real full-circle moment. The institution that had supported my development as a student had now given me the opportunity to begin my professional career.

The transition into full-time employment was both exciting and challenging. One of the biggest differences was the level of responsibility. At university, much of my focus was centred around academic deadlines and personal development. In employment, decisions have a direct impact on participants, partners and communities. Moving into a professional role required me to adapt quickly, manage competing priorities and develop confidence in making decisions that affect the people we work with.

One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that nobody enters a role knowing everything. Early in my career, I often felt pressure to have all the answers immediately. Over time, I realised that asking questions, seeking support and remaining open to learning are some of the most valuable qualities a professional can possess. Growth comes from being willing to learn, not from pretending to know it all.

Looking back, Cardiff Met played a significant role in preparing me for my career. The University provided opportunities not only through academic study, but also through practical experiences, volunteering, Archer leadership programmes and networking opportunities. Most importantly, it gave me the freedom and support to pursue an idea that I was passionate about. Neurodiversity in Sport allowed me to transform a personal experience into something that could positively impact others, while simultaneously developing many of the skills I now use every day in my role.

For students hoping to follow a similar path, my advice would be simple: embrace opportunities, even when they feel outside your comfort zone. Some of the most rewarding experiences of my university journey came from putting myself forward for roles, projects and initiatives that initially felt daunting. Volunteering, networking and pursuing projects you genuinely care about can often become the experiences that shape your future career.

Most importantly, remember that your differences can be your greatest strength. My autism has shaped the way I view inclusion, accessibility and sport, and ultimately helped me discover a career that I am passionate about. While the journey from student to professional has not always been straightforward, every challenge, opportunity and experience has contributed to a career dedicated to creating more inclusive sporting opportunities for others.

Today, in my role at Cardiff Met Sport, I have the privilege of helping others access the benefits of sport and physical activity. In many ways, that journey began the moment I arrived at Cardiff Met as a student. Looking back, I could never have imagined where that first step would lead, but I am grateful that it has brought me to a career where I can help create the same opportunities for others that helped shape my own future.