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OQs' Career Advice
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Claire and Helen with Mrs Janet Kilsby (Careers)
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Old Queenswoodians Claire McConnell and Helen Wheeler delighted girls in Years 10 and 11 with an insightful account of their progress since leaving Queenswood in the Year 2000. Their endeavours have included first degrees in Meteorology at Reading and Engineering at Cambridge. These were followed by a PhD at Imperial College and work in the City in the world of Investment Banking, respectively.
While there was much to say about their time at university, which included the opportunity to fly into tornados in the Americas and dust storms in Africa, as well as a little known alternative boat race at Cambridge, where the aim seems to be to sink the boat in front, the most fascinating aspect of the talk was the sharing of thought processes when choosing each step in their already rich careers. Claire and Helen spoke candidly with regard to making choices not always straightforward or recommended by advisers, yet, looking back over nine hectic and stimulating years, the common thread was the importance of choosing the path one would enjoy the most. The role of post A Level work experience and degree taster courses was highlighted as being helpful to them.
Both Helen and Claire are passionate about their work, as well as seeing the importance of a balanced approach to life. They are excellent role models for Queenswood and for promoting female success in traditionally male environments.
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