Looking back at our Future Self Breakfast Series

From marketing to medicine, banking to interior design, Old Waconians and current parents have been coming in before the start of the School day to talk about their career path and offer advice to Senior School pupils. 

The Future Self Breakfast series was introduced in September and started with Marketing Leader at Verint, Belinda Walmsley. Pupils gathered in The Underpass to listen to Belinda discuss her career path since leaving CHS in 1994 and what a typical day at Verint looks like. Belinda answered pupils' questions and offered advice to those who are considering a career in Marketing. 

Zoe Clarke, Class of 2002, was the next industry professional to walk through the Green Door and tell pupils how a degree in Japanese led her to a career in PR. She was swiftly followed by James Higgins, Class of 1998. James discussed his route into Medicine, offering advice, based on his own experience, of the University application process and his current role as a GP in Greater Manchester. Gemma Schofield, Class of 1996, joined our cohort of Old Waconians imparting their professional wisdom on current pupils. Gemma, who owns and manages the interior design company, Lifestyle Interiors, came in to explain the intricacies of the interior design process. Michael Wild, Class of 2013, was the final Old Waconian to host a Future Self Breakfast in the Autumn Term, he answered questions on Quality Assurance and explained what a normal day at work looks like for him. 

Current parents have also been eager to share stories of their career paths. Laura Smethurst, told pupils how a degree in Chemistry and her passion for empowering women in STEM and careers in technology led her to pursue a career as Chief Information Officer for Barclays. David Bradley also discussed his journey from a Masters in Engineering to a career in IT Consultancy, and how his job has taken him all over the world, including a four year stint in Sydney Australia. 

In the new year a whole host of Old Waconians and Parents who were welcomed back to CHS to host a Future Self Breakfast. From Architecture to Orthodontics, Law to Bridging Fianance, Waconians have been hearing weekly from industry professionals.This series is set to continue with parents and Old Waconians offering to host breakfasts every week. It would not be possible without the help of the CHS Community and everyone at CHS is incredibly grateful to those parents and Old Waconians who have offered their time to advise and guide pupils. If you would like to host a Future Self Breakfast, please email er@chschool.co.uk.