Hundreds Flock to King’s Careers Extravaganza

Our Careers Extravaganza welcomed over 500 pupils and their families from across the county over two afternoons this week. This is the second year running that this exciting and informative event has taken place and it proved even more popular this time around. 

On Monday afternoon the focus was on careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, the all-important “STEM” subjects which will help to move our country forward in the next generation.  We welcomed a wide range of businesses and professionals from the local area and beyond, including the Haresfield and Kempsey Surgery, Bio-Diagnostics, The British Army, Bryer Consulting, who are Structural Engineers, Specsavers Opticians, West Mercia Police, The Stocks Veterinary Practice and St Richard’s Hospice.

On Tuesday afternoon attention switched to business and the creative industries, with representatives from Britannic Place Financial Management, Eva Capital, Make More Noise, Tate and Lyle, Grant Thornton, Media House, Prime Property, Thomas Franks, and HSBC. 

Jessica Doodes, Marketing and Partnership Manager for the King’s Foundation explained, 

“Building upon the success of last year’s event, we are delighted with the phenomenal response and growth we received this year, testament to the strong King’s community. It is clear that those attending gained a huge amount, which we are sure will benefit them as they carve out their careers.” 

A total of 60 businesses and professionals were represented, inspiring pupils from Year Six upwards at King’s and from the wider Worcestershire community. Among those taking part were a number of current parents, several Old Vigornians (OVs), and some specialists in their fields of employment with no previous connection to King’s. The School is most grateful to them all for their advice and insights. 

Our Keynote Speaker on Monday was OV Sqn Ldr Dr Bonnie Posselt (Cr 98-03), a consultant in Aviation and Space Medicine for the Royal Air Force. She is one of Britain’s first ever “space doctors”, helping to prepare astronauts for voyages into space, and has a PhD in Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance. 

On Tuesday, Daniel Maguire presented the Keynote Speech; he is Global Head of the London Stock Exchange Group’s (LSEG) Post Trade Division, and Chief Strategy Officer for the Group, as well as CEO of clearing house the LCH Group. After gaining an undergraduate degree in Politics and Economics, Daniel has spent most of his career at the clearing house, which became part of LSEG in 2013, joining LCH in 1999 as an analyst. After a stint at JP Morgan in 2005, he rejoined LCH in September 2008 as Global Head of SwapClear, LCH’s swap-clearing business, two weeks before the collapse of Lehman Brothers. He played an integral role in winding down Lehman’s repo and swaps portfolio.  

The fundamental theme and key message which emerged from both speakers was completely in tune with the School’s vision: whatever direction your education and career may take you, never stop being curious! That was clearly the case for the pupils who took part, engaging our visitors with questions and exploring the options which lie before them. 

One of the contributors, Julie Darling of Fort Veritas Wealth, commented, “I would just like to say how wonderful and inspiring your pupils are. I truly enjoyed the conversations that I had and felt that the questions they asked were both valid and thought provoking. Your pupils are confident, articulate and a real credit to you. It was such an honour to attend.”