Skylar McKeith is an expert on corporate business, entertainment & creative industry immigration.
Did you ever sit down and plan your career?
To a certain extent, it was planned. I planned to read Law, I planned to qualify as a solicitor, and I planned to specialise in immigration. Along the way, new plans developed. New opportunities have come along as a result of my passion for the topic, such as appearances on GB News and other news outlets in addition to writing articles for various noted publications.
What inspired your career choice?
My passion for immigration is rooted in my family’s own immigration story. My father is from the US and his grandparents on both sides moved from Ukraine to the US in the early 1900s.
Have you faced any challenges along the way?
If there is difficulty that comes along, I see it more as an opportunity as opposed to a challenge. There are many different paths to an end goal. With any career, you have to put the work in.
What has been your biggest achievement to date?
A successful international painter needed to attend his art residency in the UK. Before he met me, he had always been denied visas for the UK and the US. He had never been able to attend an art residency outside of his native country. I worked tirelessly on his application and ultimately his visa for the UK was approved!
What one thing do you believe has been a major factor in you achieving success?
The support of my parents has been integral to achieving success. They have been there every step of the way as my biggest cheerleaders.
How do you feel about mentoring? Have you mentored anyone or are you someone’s mentee?
From time to time, I teach postgraduate students on the Legal Practice Course and I love it. I enjoy helping those interested to get a step on the ladder.
If you could change one thing to accelerate the pace of change for Gender Parity, what would it be?
In my own experience, I have not encountered any issues on this point in my career at Mackrell Solicitors. However, I have experienced sexism and a lack of empathy by both men and women in the television industry in the US. Such environments need to become more adept at connecting with each other to support advancement in the workplace.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self what would it be?
I would advise my younger self to enjoy the journey more and to stop rushing and worrying about getting to the result as fast as possible.
What keeps you motivated?
I love helping others and knowing that what I do is integral to the lives of others is what keeps me going.
What is your next challenge and what are you hoping to achieve in the future?
I would love to continue doing more television. I am also in the process of developing a podcast which supports and champions women breaking the glass ceiling in the workplace.
