St Mary's Calne
On Thursday 8th of February, the LVI attended the 2024 Inspiring Futures Conference and listened to a wide variety of talented speakers, many of whom are Calne Alumnae, about their professional journeys.
Our panel included Helena Boase (2016 Leaver, Art & Marketing), Tilly Jacobs (2014 Leaver, Law), Susannah Gill (2003 Leaver, Corporate Affairs), Kate Covil (1988 Leaver, Renewable Energy), Paula Harsley (Finance), Emily Parsons (2014 Leaver, Chemical Engineering), Rosali Pretorius (Law), Camilla Wadham (2001 Leaver, Lactation Consultant), Dr Sophie Wallace (2008 Leaver, Medicine),and Sarah Webster (1983 Leaver, Computer Systems), who all enjoyed meeting the girls and shared the following thoughts afterwards:
'They were all universally very impressive – polite, engaged and clearly giving their futures proper thought, but then you’d expect nothing else from Calne girls,' Susannah Gill.
'It was fantastic to meet so many girls and to hear about their aspirations for the future,' Sarah Webster.
Thank you to all our guest speakers for giving their valuable time, sharing their work experiences and imparting sincere and thoughtful words of guidance.
Here, Bea T and Ruby (both LVI) report on their experience of the day:
The day started with the LVI being introduced to www.calneconnected.org, an online careers portal for us to access alumnae and other school contacts with the aim of networking. We then headed to the Lumi Library to meet the panel of 10 women. The women were a mix of alumnae and friends of the school. We then had an opportunity to ask them questions about a range of topics from work experience to job applications and beyond, before splitting into smaller groups for more personal questions and conversations. We each got to meet with 4 speakers that we had selected to suit our interests and aims. The speakers ranged from careers in forensic pathology to law to environmental activism which gave us a breadth of experience to learn from. We all thoroughly enjoyed the day and especially the delicious lunch we got to share with the speakers afterwards.
'I enjoyed being able to ask about CV’s and work experience as these are current things I am thinking about. I also enjoyed being able to learn about the wide range of careers that are available to me as well as the excellent resources available to me once I leave St Mary’s. The speakers were all extremely open and informative and it was a privilege to be able to gain advice and knowledge from them.' Bea T (LVI)
'I particularly enjoyed listening to Dr Sophie Wallace (forensic pathologist) as it was interesting hearing about such a competitive and selective field. Although the other speakers were equally engaging and helpful regarding advice on being a woman in the workplace. Something that enhanced the experience for me was how lovely and approachable all the speakers were.' Ruby (LVI)
Thank you to Mrs Paddock and the Sixth Form team for creating such a wonderful day for the entire LVI!
Bea T and Ruby. LVI