Our talented alumnae are a hugely valuable source of careers advice, and this week Dominique Crowley, Jess Barber and Jessie Marshall-Wylde joined us online to chat to Years 12 and 13 about careers in Law and Psychology.
The Career Pathway sessions – which take place several times each term – enable the girls to get first-hand advice on everything from work experience and volunteering to turning challenges, such as an unexpected setback, into opportunities.
First to join us online was Banking and Finance Lawyer Dominique, who advises on corporate lending, restructuring and acquisition finance for top legal firm A & O Shearman. It was refreshing to hear how English graduate Dominique initially tried publishing before settling on a career in law in her mid-twenties, when she did a law conversion course. She reassured the girls that it was completely normal to take time to find the right path, and to be resilient and keep trying if at first they don’t succeed. She also recommended that aspiring lawyers should seek work experience in a variety of legal settings and explore the growing number of apprenticeship schemes available including those at her own firm https://earlycareersuk.aoshearman.com
Next up was Jess Barber, who recently graduated from Cardiff with a BSc in Psychology. Jess had originally planned to study Sports Science but changed at the last minute having really enjoyed her A level Psychology studies. Jess did a three-week placement at a hospital in Zanzibar as part of her degree which she said boosted her confidence and equipped her with new skills. Her advice for the students was to be spontaneous, step outside their comfort zones and embrace new experiences. She now plans to travel and develop her psychology career abroad.
Psychology is a hugely popular A level and degree choice and our third speaker, Trainee Clinical Psychologist Jessie Marshall-Wylde, told how a disappointing A level grade turned into a gap year opportunity to work with vulnerable young people while she waited to re-sit it. That experience, working in special schools and pupil referral units, ultimately led to a Masters in Clinical Forensic Psychology which gave her a useful competitive edge when applying for her current role at Springfield Psychiatric Hospital in Tooting. Jessie talked about the wide variety of fascinating roles within the profession and urged the sixth formers to ‘bank their work experience and volunteering now’ to bolster their CVs and personal statements.
Sincere thanks to Dominique, Jess and Jessie for giving up their time to talk to the students. We wish them continued success in their careers.
