When Harriet Jakeman graduated from Newman University in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in sports medicine — a school she attended so she could play soccer at the collegiate level — she wasn’t sure what her next step would be.
The one thing the North Yorkshire, England, native knew was that she wanted to continue playing football (soccer). So, Jakeman returned to the United Kingdom.
Today, she plays semi-professional football for Leeds United Women F.C. and is a firefighter stationed in York.
“Juggling being a firefighter and playing football is rather difficult with my shift pattern, but I make it work because I love both equally,” she said.
Jakeman explained that becoming a firefighter was something she didn’t set out to do. Rather, she came across the opportunity naturally.
“Alongside my football training and games, I worked at a local brewery where I drove past a sign that said, ‘Can you fill these boots?’ outside of a fire station,” she recalled. “After looking into that further, I couldn’t stop thinking about joining and becoming a firefighter who helped my local community.”
Jakeman applied for the position and was accepted. She then went through training to become an on-call firefighter, which meant she responded to calls from her full-time job and home via a pager.
“I instantly loved it, thrived on it and couldn’t think of a better career than helping people on their worst days and making a difference,” she said. “I applied to become a whole-time firefighter, and after passing the further tests, interview and courses necessary, I was given the job.”
She encourages other folks considering a career in fire service to simply go for it.
I couldn’t think of a better career than helping people on their worst days and making a difference.
Harriet Jakeman
“It’s such a rewarding job, and you build such strong connections with colleagues just as you do in a sports team,” she said. “It’s not easy, but anything worth doing rarely is.”
For Jakeman, the ability to work a job she’s passionate about while also playing the sport she loves in a premier league stadium is a highlight of her life.
“As for future goals and plans, I like to just work hard and see where life takes me,” she said. “I will continue to learn and develop my skills in fire service to work my way up the ladder (sorry, couldn’t help it) and as for (soccer), I am hoping to continue playing at the level I am or higher if possible.”
Jakeman shared that throughout her journey, she’s felt the impact of many. One person in particular is a friend she made while at Newman who continues to be her best friend even though they live miles apart.
“I have been lucky enough to have some great leaders at work and within football, which has helped me become such a great teammate and colleague,” Jakeman added.
All-alumni reunion June 23-25
Mark your calendar for June 23-25, 2023 and join in on the fun. Enjoy camaraderie with old friends and make new connections with other Newman family members at the All-Alumni Reunion.
