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Old Millfieldian Careers Convention 2011
Paul Kelly, Head of Higher Education and Careers
The highly successful fourth Lower Sixth Old Millfieldian Careers Convention took place in June with the participation of some 30 Old Millfieldians who had generously given up their weekend to return to give presentations on a whole range of careers.
The students were able to choose from such diverse areas as Architecture and Estate Agency led by William Hulbert (1971*-77; Day) and Jack Holman (2003-5; Keen’s Elm), Engineering explained by Elizabeth Fielder (1986-92; Johnson’s) and Matthew Frampton (1994*-05; Day), Diplomacy demystified by Harriet King (née Lewis) (1992-97; Warner), Psychiatry illuminated by Gianetta Rands (1971-73; Day), and the uses of IT considered by Chris Meads (1999-04; Shapwick) and Graham Stoddart-Stones (1962-67; Walton), who made his fourth successive appearance. The OMs imparted a little of their valuable experience in imaginative ways: Piers Doggart (1983-87; Millfield), also making his fourth appearance and using his trade mark Jaffa Cakes to explain a VAT ruling, was assisted in Law this year by Nicholas Ames (1997-02; Orchards). Oliver Thomas (1997*-04; Day) and Emma Berryman (1999-04; Day) invited potential medical students to guess the possible uses of a range of tubes. Sarah Gibbings (1972-74; Great House) surprised budding journalists by the modest salaries on offer, whilst their attempts to write copy on ‘phoning chimps’ was subject to professional criticism. In one art studio Ruth Pell (née Posnett) (1981-83; Kernick) invited a group of students to try their hand at designing body wear, whilst Anthony Dickens (1984*-93; Keen’s Elm) showed the varying uses of materials and their association in another. Laura Zaky (1977*-83; Oaklands) demonstrated the commercial uses of photography and creative careers were completed by Harry Cowell (1973-76; Butleigh) and Sandy Strallen (1969-71; St Anne’s) describing the realities of the music business and dance.
The importance of hard work and self-belief were stressed by David Ruthven-Stuart (1974-79; Shapwick). Peter Jewell (1962-66; Portway) and Chris Lord Smith (1966-73; Old Rectory High Ham) fielded questions on the value of a degree and the usefulness of different subjects. John Mallett (1983-88; Orchards) stressed the importance of an agent and a comprehensive contract in professional sport, whilst Ben Little (1995-2000; Shapwick) offered some valuable work experience in his advertising and marketing consultancy. Other aspects of marketing were considered by Patrick Jordan (1975*-85; Day), with Duncan Wilde (1988*-99; Holmcroft) and Beth Morgan (1986-91; Portway) demonstrating life in the media. Daniel Driscoll (1997-01; Day) gave an overview of the financial world whilst entrepreneurs Andrew Foyle (1984-89; Keen’s Elm) and Michael Hayman (1983-88; Joan’s Kitchen) inspired students to seize any opportunity they find.
The enthusiasm of the OMs for this event and their desire to give something back to Millfield is striking. The chance meeting with Rory Chaplin (1995-2000; Joan’s Kitchen) in an Oxford pub and his agreement to give a presentation on Event Management is an illustration of the way in which this convention has developed. I am grateful for all the offers made and have thoroughly enjoyed meeting all the OMs over the past four years. It is something I shall miss as I took up a new post at Wycombe Abbey in September. Gary Shayler will be running next year’s convention which will be on Saturday 16th June. Please contact him at gts@millfieldschool.com or 01458 444338 if you are interested in taking part.