As university applications, interviews and the hunt for apprenticeships commence, Michaelmas term can be daunting for sixth formers. To offer some reassurance, some of our recent alumni were invited back to the School for the second Employability and Entrepreneurism Networking Dinner. While the teachers and careers team are always on hand to give specialist advice to the  students throughout the year, there is no better way to learn about starting your career than hearing the success stories of those who were in the same position a few years ago. 

The night started with networking and beverages as sixth formers, OBs and teachers mingled. Although the evening had just started, students wasted no time in asking the OBs for career advice. “It isn’t easy securing your first grad job, what advice would you give to make the process easier?” asked a Year 13. The OBs gave varying suggestions, offering tips like “know the company’s values” to “get as much experience as you can while you’re at university”. 

Soon after, the students and OBs took their seats. Each table had at least one OB who eagerly offered their advice to the students. As introductions were shared and starters were devoured, students took Mr Cale's advice to “ask as many open questions as you possibly can!” 

While enjoying a three-course meal and chatting, some interesting conversations emerged about careers and job interviews. “What do you do if a job interviewer throws you a curveball question?” asked one Year 12 to which keeping calm and asking the interviewer to clarify was the answer. 

Throughout the evening, OBs gave inspiring speeches. Students heard from Adam Nickless (School, 2007), Alex Nisbet (2019), Will Barnes (2020), Helen Richardson (2012), Lawrence Campbell (2006).  

The event was a great success, when asked about their evening, sixth formers said: 

“It’s so important that we get to have these conversations with really successful people”. 

“I now want to attend more events like these where I can network with inspiring people, it has been really helpful”. 

A huge thank you to all the OBs who attended this year's event: Adam Nickless ( 2007), Alex Nisbet (2019), Will Barnes (2020), Joe Tang (2010), William Birch (2012), Callum Miles (2014), Helen Richardson (2012), Lawrence Campbell (2006), Esme Dollow (2012). It was greatly appreciated by the sixth formers who left feeling reassured and excited about the professional world that lies ahead. 

A huge thanks also to those OBs who attended the first OB Employability and Entrepreneurism Networking Dinner in 2023: Adam Nickless (2007), Alex Nisbet (2019), Liv Dryden (2009), Will Barnes (2020), Joe Tang (2010), Bo O'Neill (2017), Jack Groves (2015), James Boulter (2006), Ziyi Zhu (2015).