Meet Ella Ashdown, the Member Relations and Events Executive at the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA). Ella's role involves planning and executing events across the UK, connecting industry professionals, and ensuring that members maximise the value of their NIA membership. What makes Ella's journey particularly compelling is her unique transition from a career in acting to a pivotal role in the nuclear sector.

Ella's journey into the nuclear industry is a fascinating story of adaptability and openness to new opportunities. "I've been acting since I can remember," Ella shared. She pursued acting throughout school and initially in university before switching to an English literature degree. Post-graduation, Ella found herself juggling multiple jobs in the theatre sector, but despite her efforts, a stable career remained elusive.

In a pivotal moment, Ella decided to explore other career avenues and found an opening for a Communications Assistant at the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). Despite having no prior experience in the nuclear field, her strong communication skills and eagerness to learn helped her secure the position. "I had no knowledge, no experience whatsoever," Ella admitted. However, armed with a basic understanding of physics from a book her sister jokingly gifted her, she approached the interview with honesty and enthusiasm, which resonated with her interviewers.

Starting at UKAEA, Ella was immersed in an environment surrounded by experts in advanced plasma physics and nuclear fusion. This provided her with an unparalleled opportunity to learn directly from top scientists and engineers. "If you've got a capacity to learn, they are so willing to share what they do with you," she noted, highlighting the supportive and collaborative culture within the industry.

Ella emphasises that one doesn't need to be a scientist or engineer to enter the nuclear sector. The key is a willingness to learn and ask questions. Her role initially involved writing internal communications, which required her to simplify complex technical information—a skill that proved invaluable.

Despite her full-time role at the NIA, Ella continues to pursue acting. She balances her week between her day job and acting school on Sundays, filling her weekends with workshops, auditions, and filming. This dual career path is facilitated by the structure of her role, which mostly confines work to weekdays, allowing her to devote weekends to her passion for acting. "I can't sit still, so that's the ADHD," Ella joked, underscoring her energetic approach to life.

Ella draws significant parallels between her acting skills and her current role. Confidence, communication, and the ability to engage with people are crucial in both fields. "There's an element of presenting yourself in a way that is approachable, friendly, personable," she explained. These skills have been particularly useful in her event-planning duties, where engaging with a diverse range of professionals is key.

One of the biggest challenges Ella faces is managing and remembering the vast network of contacts she meets through her job. She uses practical strategies like LinkedIn to associate faces with names, emphasising the importance of clear, recognizable profile pictures.

However, this challenge is also a highlight. Ella enjoys the diverse opportunities her job provides, such as attending prestigious events like the Farnborough Airshow and annual dinners at iconic locations. "When am I ever going to get to go to the Grosvenor, except for in this job?" she remarked, illustrating the unique experiences her role offers.

Ella's advice for those considering a career in the nuclear sector, regardless of their background, is simple: "Just apply." She encourages individuals to not shy away from opportunities due to perceived lack of qualifications, stressing that enthusiasm and a willingness to learn can be just as important as technical skills. "People are desperate for a diversification of thought," she added, pointing out the industry's need for a broad range of perspectives to tackle its challenges.