We often say that our alumnae are our superpower and at our Careers in STEAM event we were delighted to welcome back some incredible alumnae working in a range of industries in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. The six alumnae speakers enjoyed a tour around the school for old times’ sake before taking to the stage to share their career journeys to date with our pupils and parents.

We heard from Lizzie Hard (Class of 2009) who enjoyed studying for an economics degree at the University of Bath. After some time working in the financial services industry, Lizzie decided a change of career was needed. She resigned from her job, took a risk, completed a coding bootcamp and has never looked back! 

Computer Science and coding is such a popular subject here at NGHS and it was great to hear Lizzie dispel myths about working in coding, as a Front-End Developer for Lego. Lizzie’s advice about taking risks has really paid off for her.

Selena Deng (Class of 2014) enjoyed catching up with teachers Mrs Halse and Mrs Pilling before the event. During her talk she shared the importance of her industrial placements as part of her master’s degree in engineering at Cambridge University. It was great to hear how influential those experiences have been, and Selena has now had a career change and is working as a Senior Consultant at Q5.

 

 

We were thrilled to welcome Jane Birkett (Class of 1995) back to school. Last time Jane came to NGHS was for her 20-year school reunion in 2015. Jane told us about her career journey at the National Crime Agency (NCA). She has always had a passion for the subject of Psychology and went on to study both an undergraduate degree and a master’s degree specialising in Forensic Psychology.  Jane talked about the many roles and opportunities offered by the NCA, which was fascinating to hear. After listening to Jane talk about her role with the NCA, a Year 9 pupil said:

“It really opened my mind; I had no idea there were so many roles in the NCA. Hearing from Jane at this event has changed what I want to do in the future.”

Ellie Willetts (Class of 2010) is a familiar face to NGHS and it was lovely to see and hear how her career with Jaguar Land Rover is progressing. Ellie now works in the Business and Strategy Department. She shared her story and passion for working in automotive engineering, a change from her childhood dream of working in space, however, she wouldn’t look back now.

Hayley Jackson (Class of 2014) continues to share her enthusiasm for working in the Civil Engineering Industry. Hayley studied for a master’s degree in engineering at the University of Nottingham and highlighted the value of being on a degree sponsored by Taylor Woodrow. Hayley is now a Section Engineer working on HS2 and she loves how varied her working day is. It was great to see all aspects of  her job, including the orange high vis!

 

 

After finishing at NGHS, Graihagh Goode (Class of 2012) went on to the University of Bristol to study history. Not being quite sure about what she wanted to do, she enjoyed making the most of internships and found Marketing the perfect blend for her passion for writing and creativity. Graihagh is now a Marketing Executive for the BBC. She spoke about the importance of networking and connections and finished by saying:

 “There is no such thing as a linear career trajectory – feel comfortable in side-stepping or doing something different.”

 

 

Thank you so much to all of our speakers. It was great to hear what they have been up to since leaving NGHS. We are grateful for their time and sharing their wisdom about life after NGHS –  what would you tell your school self now?