On Friday 22nd February, we were delighted to welcome an impressive group of remarkable women to St Mary’s 
Calne who took part in our LVI Form Careers Conference: Inspiring Women, which was chaired superbly by Lynne Copp, an expert on women in leadership.
Representatives of the Engineering Industry – Dr Linda Ashton, Media and Fashion – Susie Forbes, Government and Law – Tricia Howse CBE, Marketing and Charity – Clare Mullen, and Finance and Banking – Alison Robb, all shared their experiences of women in the workplace and their hopes of a fairer representation of women in senior roles. Read more
As well as a panel session on The World of Work, where our guests talked frankly about their own careers and the choices they had to make along the way, the girls were able to attend two breakout sessions in which they were able to ask further questions in more intimate groups.
These included: ‘Careers in Science and Technology’, ‘Magazines: what lies beneath’, ‘Law: one discipline, many options’, ‘Leadership, Marketing & Charity’ and ‘Breadth of opportunities in banking’, allowing our guests to provide more specific advice on their own particular fields. Lynne’s session, ‘I haven’t a clue about my future career – what are the options?’
was also well received, giving the girls a wider perspective of the different careers available. Everyone enjoyed a delicious sit down lunch and a chance to chat informally before our Young Enterprise Company, Got it Covered, gave a series of impressive presentations about their products and ambitions for the future.
This was received most enthusiastically and was followed by some serious questioning from our panel of experts together with some useful feedback.
With the day rapidly drawing to a conclusion, the day ended with a discussion on Getting into Work, which also featured Gillian Black, who talked about her difficulties of finding work and making some big life changes in order to gain a coveted place on Nationwide’s Graduate Scheme.
The girls have kindly provided some feedback:
• ‘As someone with no idea what career path to follow, I approached the LVI Form Careers Conference: Inspiring Women not knowing exactly what to expect. While each woman was incredibly successful in her job, I couldn’t see myself in some of their roles.
However, within the first five minutes, it became clear that the advice they had to offer was relevant to anyone entering the workplace. They discussed everything from interview tactics and CV writing tips, to their personal opinion on achieving a work-life balance.
I found the whole day very enjoyable and everyone was grateful that these inspirational women took the time out of their busy lives to come and talk to us.’ (Jessica F)
• ‘I enjoyed the small group discussions because it enabled me to personally ask the speakers questions regarding their careers and their field of work.’ (Leonora)
• ‘I particularly enjoyed the panel on The World of Work with all six women. Each one had a different experience with their chosen career and progression to success.’ (Teo)
• ‘I found the conference day very helpful for getting to know how to get a job and the workplace environment – especially the need for us to be proactive!’ (Hannah)
• ‘Very few schools would offer such an insightful and inspiring day.’ (Mariella)
• ‘The learning’s in the wobbling.’ (Olivia M)
• ‘The conference gave me an insight into my future career and helped me narrow down my choices.’ (Holly)
• ‘Inspirational and ultimately fascinating.’ (Isabella)
• ‘The best piece of advice that I gained from the conference was to do what you love and love what you do; that way, you will never have to work a day in your life.’ (Suzanna)