On Friday 18 March the Sixth Form enjoyed a highly interactive Careers Day at the College. In spite of being struck down with Covid, Mr Sumner orchestrated the event through his lap-top from his study at home, whilst Tim Hamilton was working assiduously in the background to ensure the event went ahead smoothly in the circumstances.

Giles Fuchs (OP-1983) and Georgia Misson (OP-2012) kindly offered to give inspiring and informative keynote speeches in the first session in Chapel.  Giles utilised some autobiographical reminiscences tracing the route to how he is where he is today. Giles is CEO of “Office Space in Town” and has the Burgh Island Hotel and the launching of trade-marked non-alcoholic cocktail ‘Gunner’ in his current portfolio. The secret of Giles' success, he claims, lies in sound family values and working harder than the competition. Georgia Misson was briefed to talk to the students about the world of work they are going into. One theme of the day that came through strongly in her talk was the need to be adaptable and flexible in our expectations of where our careers may take us, and also to be ‘interested and interesting’ for those we meet in life.

The students were then given the opportunity to experience a "Shortlister" video interview tailored to their industry sector of most interest. This gives the students a chance to practise being interviewed for online work experience or internships. The recorded video responses will be reviewed by tutors and valuable feedback will be given on how they did using the STAR system. 

After lunch, (and Giles Fuchs’ noisy departure in his beautiful E-type Jag!) the students were treated to a session in Chapel where five panellists (Georgia Misson, Larry Howard, Kristy Heatton, Neil Walne and Lt.-Col Mike Wade Smith) were responding to the question "Things I wish I knew before I left school". This provided some interesting insight and key takeaway points for them to consider on their journey. Key amongst the advice was the need to accept and embrace failure as a learning tool as well as one panellist plugging the importance of listening to Bammo’s thoughts for today’; there was further encouragement to be ‘interested and interesting’ and not to shrink from taking up opportunities when they are offered. 

The day finished with a more ‘sector specific’ online video panel where OPs were able to share their insights and expertise regarding their own roles and their best advice on work experience and preparation in order to progress within that sector. The College would like to record a big thank you to all the panellists and friends of Pangbourne who gave up their valuable time to make this event such a success.

Those that participated are listed below:

Keynotes:
Giles Fuchs
Georgia Misson

‘What I wish I knew when I left school’ panellists:
Georgia Misson
Kristy Heaton
Neil Walne
Mike Wade-Smith
Larry Howard

Online Panellists:

OPs:
Peter Rowlins
Colin Howard
Tim Hurman
Alp Kostem
Peter Ribbens
Keith Townson
Michael Askwith
Ed Harper-Masters
Charlie Shillito
Davina Cavallero
Chris Miles
Andrew Rostron
Nick Pearmine
Quinn Stainfield-Bruce
Will Freebairn

Parents:
Ilona Bryant
Paul Bryant
Elizabeth Bowden
Marianne Young

Friends of the College / Staff:
Emma Sumner
Molly Walker
David Joshua
Johanna Makin
Chris Spedding
Joe Sumner