It was delightful to once again welcome back our alumni, this year from the Class of 2017, to reflect on their early careers with the current Sixth Form. Their stories and experiences of the world of work were interesting and entertaining in equal parts. All had overcome hurdles or unexpected changes to their plans and stressed the importance of embracing change while not being frightened to try something new.
On the panel, we had an Army Officer to share her insight into joining the Armed Forces as a young officer. Another alumnus took a completely different path away from the academic route and went straight into the world of work. He is now travelling the world as a Director for the start-up he joined as an intern. All experienced the harsh realities of the pandemic with one working in intensive care at the Royal Berks. We had Bradfieldians from Knight Frank to discuss Real Estate, a disability analyst working at Atos and one former pupil working as a consultant at IBM.
All the panelists stressed how much their communication skills helped with their careers, particularly with networking and job interviews. They highlighted the importance of making the right choice for you and not just choosing what friends are doing. They also encouraged pupils to make the most of the work ready/soft skills workshops while still in school, stating: “You’ll never know who you will impress with your ability to get up in front of a room of professionals to give a presentation.”
Our alumni reinforced to our current pupils that perceived failures are always opportunities to learn and that it is fine to change direction, a decision that many of our panelists have already made. The former pupils urged those attending to take any and every opportunity and to be open to trying all new things that come their way. We are already looking forward to inviting the Class of 2018 leavers back next year.
