The Careers Department has seen a flurry of activity recently, from commemorating International Women's Day to celebrating National Careers Week, and the focus has been on fostering personalised connections for sixth form students, leveraging the School's extensive alumni network. Several distinguished alumnae were welcomed back to the School, to graciously impart their wisdom to the girls.
Deanna Coleman (2016), now immersed in the world of Sustainability in New York with a US airline, regaled Year 12 students with tales of her life at St Andrews, including a year studying in Hong Kong, and her Masters Degree at Columbia. Her encounter with royalty at St Andrews was a particular highlight, where she met Kate and William and gave a talk about a carbon offsetting proposal that she wrote for the university. Not only were they interested in the project and asked a lot of questions, but they planted the very first tree!
Jessica Jones (2019), fresh from completing her Masters at Bangor University, engaged in a one-on-one discussion with Year 12 students Zara and Grace, delving into their aspirations and shedding light on the myriad career paths available to those taking an Arts subject at university.
Alice Pym (2015), a Queen's alumna from nine years past, returned to inspire Year 12 students Lucy and Farrah with her thriving career in Physiotherapy. Her journey from Birmingham University to the Countess of Chester Hospital underscored the versatility of the field, working both in the hospital and the community, as well as the various directions studying Physiotherapy can take you. Alice has a particular interest in neuro and stroke rehabilitation, and emphasised the importance of work experience for vocational courses.
Elizabeth Wood Bowyer (2015) joined us from her office at Williams Formula 1 in Oxford, having recently returned from Bahrain in her job as Performance Engineer, to speak to Year 12 student Kirsten. Elizabeth reminisced about her roots in the School's Combined Cadet Force (CCF), which ignited her passion for engineering. After her Masters in Aeronautical Engineering at Imperial College London, Elizabeth has travelled the world working trackside, most recently with racing driver Logan Sergeant, being responsible for extracting those vital milliseconds required to win!
These encounters exemplify the profound impact of alumni connections. Beyond providing insights into specific industries and professions, alumni serve as living proof of the possibilities awaiting ambitious students. Their journeys, filled with challenges and triumphs, offer invaluable lessons and inspiration to those planning for further education or employment.
At Queen's, fostering such alumni relationships isn't just a tradition; it's a cornerstone of career development. By bridging the gap between past and present, these connections not only illuminate the path forward but also instill a sense of pride and belonging in the School community. As students embark on their own professional journeys, they do so armed not only with knowledge but with a network of support and mentorship forged through the bonds of shared experience.
