Another successful careers event, 3rd March, 2004

This year's WOBS careers presentation to Worth's Year 12 had an unintended media bias - not that that should matter.

A last minute 'pull-out' by one speaker who had to rush oversees, meant yours truly had to step into the breach. Having already lined up a lawyer working for OfCom (which regulates broadcast media among other things), and a TV production scheduler, a journalist working in agriculture as a replacement for City finance, rather tipped the balance.

Nonetheless, all speakers were well received, and despite a slightly stilted Q & A session (it’s amazing how one year-group varies from the next), the post-session drinks were as always an excellent opportunity to talk to the boys one-to-one. Indeed, I was approached by one boy who did want to be a journalist but didn’t want to put his hand up in front of his peers earlier in the day! Surely we’re not that bad…are we?

WOBS Careers Event March 2004: Julian Gairdner, Angus Gairdner, Mark Collini, Edward Robinson, Nick Butterworth

Having heard how writing about farming keeps me occupied week to week, Mark Collini followed with an excellent presentation about law. Although his interests are broadcast related, his talk was a comprehensive overview of the legal profession, much valued by the boys who listened intently.

Angus Gairdner explained his career on the production side of television with Sky. Having done an unrelated degree at university, he demonstrated how work experience and desire got him a start with one of the most influential broadcasters in the world, and what that company had to offer.

Edward Robinson, despite his threat to turn up as David Brent Mk II, delivered a well-rehearsed and very informative talk on chartered surveying. Having just made a switch to Estate Agency (he’s recently set up his own practice), he explained to the boys how he was rising to the new challenge. But he also demonstrated the wide-ranging career opportunities that exist under the chartered surveying umbrella.

Rounding up the presentations was Simon Albert, recently returned from active service in the Gulf. The boys listened keenly as Simon explained the virtues of a career in the army, his experiences of fighting for real, and also some of the 'leisure' pursuits he's taken part in. Most impressive was how at ease he was with presentation - a valuable asset, and something rated highly by the Armed Forces.

The one resounding theme that came through from all the speakers was the increasing diversity and flexibility of the working environment - many of us have changed tack part-way through careers, and no longer is working for the same employer for 30 years, the norm. The boys were interested to hear this. Which is why we impressed on them the importance of post-school qualifications, and the competitiveness of the market place they will shortly enter.

As always, the event was not only a valuable opportunity to help boys in the school (an important 'raison d'etre' of the society), but also a good PR exercise too. I was grateful to Nick Butterworth for attending the event and for making a short presentation to Year 12 about WOBS.

They will, after all, be one of us one day.

Volunteers for speakers for Spring 2005 please to me, Julian Gairdner.

Careers Event March 2004: Simon Albert