Generation Next case study: Ella Sheppard

Generation Next member Ella Sheppard, a senior associate and solicitor at Nelsons, speaks to Jasmine Thompson about how the events programme has helped build her confidence and connections across the East Midlands.

Tell us about the firm you work for and your role within it?

Nelsons Solicitors are a leading East Midlands law firm, offering advice and support to businesses and individuals with their legal and investment needs. We aim to empower our clients, give them a voice and steer them through the complex legal issues they may face.

I am a senior associate and solicitor at Nelsons, specialising in employment law. I offer contentious and non-contentious advice on all employment-related matters to employees and employers across the East Midlands and beyond.

I specialise in services such as settlement agreements, employment tribunal claims, advising on a range of day-to-day issues such as discrimination, disciplinaries, grievances and performance management and supporting with the employment law aspects of corporate transactions. I relish in navigating my way through involved issues and finding creative solutions to often longstanding issues for clients, and particularly enjoy representing clients in negotiations and litigation, and assisting with corporate matters.

Why did you sign up to Generation Next membership?

I am fortunate to work alongside one of Generation Next’s wonderful champions, Beth Bearder. As a result, I quickly became aware of the fantastic purpose behind setting up the network and the work that they do.

I was obviously keen to get involved and do my bit to support that. As a young professional, I found that networking could be daunting at times and the Generation Next network offered something genuinely different to that which other networks seemed to offer, including the opportunity to build on and develop great connections but whilst also having a focus on developing the personal and professional skills of young professionals.

Which Generation Next events have you attended and what was your experience like?

I have attended a variety of events organised by Generation Next, from skills workshops on public speaking and combatting imposter syndrome, to netwalks, awards evenings and even chair yoga.

The events are always well organised, attracting a good variety of people from different walks of life and I always come away feeling I have gained something,(even if that includes a pair of very soggy socks after the netwalk!). I have always felt welcomed into the network and have made some valuable connections and friendships.

The next event I plan on attending is a workshop on being an effective leader, which I am really looking forward to.

How has the support you’ve received from the events programme been useful to your career development and current job role?

I have taken a lot of skills away from the Generation Next events that I have attended which have helped further me in my career (maybe even playing a part in my promotion last year!).

Being part of the Generation Next network has really helped me grow my network and self-confidence, all in a fun and friendly setting.

By becoming a member of Generation Next, you can access our events programme, which comprises of networking events to help you build a professional network, and webinars that each tackle a topic to build your business knowledge and skills. Enquire today.