As part of Welsh Charities Week / Wythnos Elusennau Cymru, we’re sharing reflections from our Wales team, each bringing their own experiences, motivations and memories of growing up, learning and working in Wales.
Today, we’re spotlighting Miriam Khan, whose journey with Working Options began as an intern and has grown into a full‑time role supporting young people across Wales. Her reflections speak to confidence, inclusion, creativity and the power of representation – all central to our mission.
An event or session that felt especially meaningful to you?
The Future of Work symposium at Google HQ last May was a very meaningful full‑circle moment. Prior to being invited, I had no idea that Google had its own building anywhere. It was a meaningful experience as I come from a background that does not offer such opportunities. I also made many people proud, including myself, as I was able to film amazing content to truly encapsulate the astonishing work that Working Options do.
Something you appreciate about the Working Options team?
The Working Options team has shown me since I was an intern that it is always open to evolve and reach out to all young people and students. From filming content that was directly catered to the Gen‑Z gaze for Instagram and TikTok, to now being a full‑time Programme Team member who sees firsthand the impact we are making for young people and students by giving them access to opportunities that were not available when I was in school.
Something from your Welsh school experience that shaped the way you support young people now?
Originally, when I had started secondary school, I was put in a low‑set form group mainly as I lacked confidence in my work and writing. Over time I overcame this, and by GCSEs I was put in set 1 for English. From this alone I gained a lot of empathy for those around me, both in school and outside of school, who had the capabilities but not the confidence. At Working Options I see this often with young people, and it is so enlightening to hear feedback from them as they often feel similarly. Often times after a session, I hear in the feedback that the young people feel much more confident in their choices, as they were able to relate to a volunteer who had firsthand authentic experiences dealing with uncertainty and lack of confidence.
Something you love about working with young people in Wales?
One thing in particular that I enjoy about working with young people in Wales is seeing the passion to learn and break through boundaries within their learning. That stubbornness to learn is something that I always admire in people, so to see it in the new generations starting younger is really lovely.
A Welsh community organisation that inspires you or aligns with our values?
SNAP Cymru is an incredible charity that is centred on ensuring the advancement of education for people in Wales and supporting inclusion whilst doing so. In particular, those impacted by additional learning needs who unfortunately often fall through the cracks in the education system. This charity inspires me as their passion for inclusion is something that is so needed in today’s society. Everyone deserves opportunity and visibility, which is something that Working Options also empathises with by enabling access to opportunity through our Industry Insight talks, skills workshops, and events.
Your favourite part of your job that people might not expect?
I really enjoy the opportunities that working at Working Options provides. In particular, I really enjoy travelling to different locations to meet with the Wales and England teams for our in‑person meetings every few months. The option to work remotely and also in person allows me to get the best of both worlds, as both types of work environments have their perks. Being able to pitch ideas in person and grow projects as a group is really motivating, whilst also working from home and being able to have a work‑life balance is also amazing and keeps me from feeling burnt out.
Yesterday we heard from our colleague, Chris Mann, and you can catch up on his interview here, and be sure to check back over the week to hear from more colleagues across Wales.
Interested in joining the team, we are currently recruiting a Project Coordinator to the team, find out more here.
