St Mary's and St John's CofE School

In your Gap Year, did you complete any work experience/Internships? I worked for three months for an NGO (Non-Government Organisation) in India, teaching English to middle school students. I also completed a Finance Internship in Bangalore with Trident Advisors. I also did some travelling around my home country of India. What are you doing now? I have just started my first year of university! What did/do you get involved with at university? I am only two days into my studies, but I am interested in getting involved in writing for the college journal ‘Cheese Grater,’ as well as joining the dance, philosophy, and debate societies. What did you find most valuable about your experiences at SMSJ? I loved the small class sizes and the quality teaching – there were lots of 1-1 interactions and opportunities to ask questions. I particularly enjoyed taking part (and winning) the SMSJ RS Essay Writing Competition. The research I undertook for my EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) in Indian economic history has been invaluable in preparing for university. What advice would you give to other students wishing to follow a similar career/course to yours? Believe in yourself and your ability, even when others might doubt it. How did SMSJ help you reach your goals? My teachers were harsh markers, but gave great feedback, which helped me to develop analytical skills significantly.

What are you doing now? Studying an undergraduate degree in Marine Biology and starting my journey in the army as a junior officer. What did/will you get involved with at university? UOTC (university officer training corp), water sports society and volunteer work with local animal shelters. What did you find most valuable about your experiences at SMSJ? Advice and guidance from careers advisors as well as from outside speakers and programs that helped with higher academia, professional/ scientific writing and plans for future career opportunities and education. What advice would you give to other students wishing to follow a similar career/course to yours? Stick to the path that you’re hoping to follow as there are numerous opportunities to get into the field that you desire, even if you don’t achieve this on your first attempt. Much of the time you will end up somewhere you didn’t expect or necessarily hope for, but in this instance it can turn out to be greatly in your favour, as it will open a window of opportunities that you didn’t expect nor originally consider. How did SMSJ help you reach your goals? SMSJ provided opportunities to network with people in your interests and gain career and academic advice to help you greater understand and pursue your interests, while providing a range of opportunities, from work experience to mentoring.

What did/do you get involved with at university? I joined different societies that catered to my interests such as the Politics Society and the ACS (African Caribbean Society) which I became part of the committee as the Welfare Officer. I also joined the Netball Team, where I was co-captain then became captain of a campus league team. What did you find most valuable about your experiences at SMSJ? The support system made up of friends and staff. What advice would you give to other students wishing to follow a similar career/course to yours? If you want to study International Relations (IR), you'll love it. Definitely get into the habit of going through lengthy readings, engage with everything within the news as it more or less all links to International Relations, be open to new opinions and changing perspectives, and also connect by talking with seminar tutors, lecturers and people within your course or people that share an interest in IR. This will help you develop ideas for your assignments/exams and open up opportunities. International relations is so diverse with so many modules you can choose from that the hardest thing will be deciding which to pick! How did SMSJ help you reach your goals? By providing opportunities, such as programmes, to refine skills and build a network.