“Initiative is what separates candidates today.”
Where the story began
Amaya entered the degree-apprenticeship market while completing A Levels and experienced repeated rejection before conversations with recruiters. She chose to build access and industry understanding rather than wait for formal opportunities to appear.
The behaviour behind the outcome
She emailed companies directly, reached out on LinkedIn, attended events, sought work experience and researched employers and professionals before each opportunity. She also co-founded The HerEstate Network to create access and development opportunities for other young women.
What an employer could actually see
Her evidence spans professional environments, industry conversations, employer research, mentoring and the work of HerEstate. She secured a Level 6 Real Estate Degree Apprenticeship with Colliers International.
What this case illustrates
Initiative can be visible before recruitment starts: through questions asked, professional environments entered, relationships built and useful work created for others.
This Spotlight is a research case study, not a testimonial and not a claim that the same actions will produce the same outcome for every candidate.