Higher Education & Career Expo 2025
Friday 7th February
Schedule
8:30 Coffee available for early arrivals
9:00 - 9:10 Opening Session:
Welcome and purpose of the day
Helen Harrison, Head, Fettes College
9:10 - 9:30 Opening Panel Session:
When one thing leads to another?
Two recent students from Fettes College, Mei Jun Tan (Ar 20142019) and Alfie Jeavons-Fellows (Gl 2014-2016), will talk about their journey from school in a Q&A format, led by Victoria Chandler, Head of Sixth Form at Fettes College
9:30 - 9:35 Transition arrangements
Caroline Davies, Head of Higher Education, Fettes College
9:35 - 9:55 Expert Speaker:
Choosing your course in Higher Education
Jack O’Toole, Newcastle University
10:00 - 12:30 Higher Education & Careers Fair
10:00 - 12:20 Meet the Experts
Professionals from a range of careers are available for informal conversation, advice and networking
10:30 - 11:00 Optional Talk:
Considering an International University?
Richard Smith, Head of International University Applications, Fettes College
11:00 - 11:30 Optional Talk:
Considering Oxbridge?
Mike Nicholson, Director of Recruitment, Admissions and Participation, University of Cambridge and Chair of the UCAS Council
12:30 - 13:00 Expert Speaker:
How to make your application to university competitive
Mike Nicholson, Director of Recruitment, Admissions and Participation, University of Cambridge and Chair of the UCAS Council
13.00 Closing Remarks:
Helen Harrison, Head, Fettes College
Theatre Zone
Theatre Zone
Theatre Zone
Theatre Zone
Meet the Experts
Pavilion
(Go to the Meeting Point at 10:20 to walk across)
Pavilion
(Go to the Meeting Point at 10:50 to walk across)
Theatre Zone
Theatre Zone
Speaker Bios
Helen Harrison, Head, Fettes College
Before becoming Head in June 2019, Helen was Deputy Head at Fettes College for the previous 12 years and a Teacher of Geography at Fettes since 1996. Before this, she gained her Geography degree from Jesus College Cambridge, where she rowed for the University and her College, taught EFL in Portugal post-degree and then took up her first teaching post at Clifton College where she was the first female assistant in a boys’ house and Acting Head of Department.
At Fettes Helen has enjoyed immersing herself fully into the life of the community; teaching throughout the school, coaching numerous sports and tutoring in the boarding houses. Helen helped her husband run one of the boys’ boarding houses for six very happy and busy years before taking up the post of Deputy Head where she was responsible for the day-to-day management of the school and successfully led the pastoral care team. Helen is honoured to be the eleventh Head of Fettes College and lead this vibrant community forward.
Victoria Chandler, Teacher / Head of Sixth Form, Fettes College
Victoria Chandler graduated with a degree in English Literature and went on to complete a Master’s in Creative and Critical Writing. During her time at university, she worked for Zara and went on to work for their multinational parent company, Inditex, as part of the buying and trend forecasting department. Rediscovering her passion for English, she trained as a teacher and completed her PGCE in English and Drama at the University of Bristol. She has worked at Fettes College for the past eleven years and is currently the Head of Sixth Form.
Caroline Davies, Teacher / Head of Higher Education and Careers, Fettes College
Caroline graduated with a BA (Hons) in German and English from Goldsmiths College, University of London, followed by a PGCE in Modern Languages from the University of Birmingham. She began her career as a secondary school teacher in Worcestershire and gained diverse teaching experience in both the UK and Germany before joining Fettes in 2006. Currently, she teaches languages, tutors students in a boarding house, and provides guidance to Fettesians on university applications and career planning. Additionally, she serves on the UCAS Adviser Advisory Group who represents the advisers, schools and colleges sector in dialogue with UCAS, focusing on the impact of current and future products, systems and services in the pre-HE sector. She is also a member of the Fettes Academic Leadership Team.
Speaker Bios
Alfie Jeavons-Fellows, Project Manager - Markel International
Alfie Jeavons-Fellows (Gl 2014–2016) pursued a music career after leaving Fettes, performing at iconic venues such as Wembley Arena and the NEC Birmingham Arena. His band supported artists such as Tinie Tempah, Sigala, and Craig David while amassing over 100,000 Spotify streams. In 2020, Alfie transitioned to a career in management consulting and joined PwC’s apprenticeship scheme in London. He learned key skills across a variety of sectors and industries, gaining multiple certifications and promotions before leaving PwC in July 2024 to join global insurance firm, Markel International. Alfie is now a Project Manager supporting the delivery of large-scale initiatives, with years of experience and no university debt. Alfie currently lives in South West London, enjoys playing and watching rugby, going to the gym, and socialising with friends. Alfie is passionate about showcasing the value of apprenticeship schemes and how they can help school leavers kickstart their careers.
Mei Jun Tan, Energy Consultant - Wood Mackenzie
Mei left Fettes in 2019 after which she studied Chemistry at the University of St Andrews. During her time there, she was an active member of the hockey club, taking up committee positions and volunteering as a junior coach on the weekends. As part of her degree, she undertook an industrial placement in Teesside working for DuPont Teijin Films (now Mylar Specialty Films). Outside her degree, she spent summers working in a variety of roles - ranging from a waitress at a burger store, tour guide at Camera Obscura and an energy consulting intern with Wood Mackenzie. In her final year, she undertook her Masters research project on the ‘Catalytic Synthesis of Polyureas and their Applications as Binders in Batteries’ which has since been patented and published.
Upon graduation in 2024, she joined Wood Mackenzie full-time as an energy consultant where she utilises analytic skills from her degree to create bespoke solutions to clients’ queries. In her current role, she has worked on a variety of projects including using modelling software to optimise a power company’s portfolio of assets, and financial modelling of Middle Eastern and African countries amongst other projects.
Speaker Bios
Jack O’Toole, Newcastle University
Jack graduated from the University of Northumbria, Newcastle in 2014 and has since worked in Higher Education. Jack spent 4 years at University of Northumbria working in the Outreach team, building relationships with schools and colleges up and down the country. Jack made the move ‘across the road’ to Newcastle University working in various recruitment and widening access roles. In the last 6 months, Jack has changed direction and is now working as Head of Operations in the Alumni Engagement and Fundraising team. If you’re a Newcastle alum, please do approach Jack for a chat. Outside of work, Jack is a governor at a local school and in his spare time enjoys gyming, cooking and taking his chocolate Labrador for long walks in the countryside.
Richard Smith, Head of International University Liaison, Fettes College
Richard graduated with a BA in Drama & English from Exeter University in 1993 and a PGCE from Heriot-Watt University the following year. He began his Fettes career in 1994 as a Drama & English teacher, before becoming Director of Drama and then Housemaster of Kimmerghame.
Since 2019 Richard has been Head of International University Liaison, working closely with students, teaching colleagues, university admissions teams and educational consultants to support Fettesians applying to global colleges and universities. He is a member of the International Association for College Admission Counseling and holds the UCLA Certificate in College Counseling.
Speaker Bios
Mike Nicholson, Director of Recruitment, Admissions and Participation, University of Cambridge and Chair of the UCAS Council
Mike joined the University of Cambridge in October 2021, having previously worked as Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Outreach at the University of Bath (2014-21) and University of Oxford (2006-2014), and Head of Undergraduate Admissions and Student Recruitment at the University of Essex (1998-2006).
Mike heads the team responsible for supporting undergraduate and postgraduate student admissions, student recruitment and marketing (UK and international), scholarships and funding, and widening access and participation. He also has oversight of the team developing the University Foundation Year for Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, which had the first intake in October 2022. He is also one of four Deputy Heads in the Education Services department, with a particular responsibility for admissions, access and participation. He is also a Fellow of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge.
Mike is Chair of the UCAS Council, the stakeholder advisory group that advises the UCAS Trustee Board on sector issues. He is also a Trustee and Treasurer of the Council of International Schools (Chairing the Finance Committee) and a Trustee of the AQA Exam Board and chairs their Higher Education Advisory Group. He sits on the Sutton Trust’s Education Advisory Board, and the Rethinking Assessment Advisory Board.
Mike graduated in 1990 from the University of Sheffield with a degree in English and History and attended Allegheny College, Pennsylvania for a year as an exchange student. He was the first member of his extended family to go to university, after attending state-funded
Meet the Expert Bios
We are exceptionally grateful to Fettes parents and former students who are with us this morning to offer informal advice to any of our attendees. Please do take a moment to read the bios of those present. Many with one profession can give advice on many others due to their cross sector and industry experience.
Roy Leckie - Investment
Roy is Executive Director, Investment & Client Service at Walter Scott. Since joining the firm in 1995, he has held a range of investment, management, client service and governance responsibilities. Roy was integral to the development of the firm’s emerging market capabilities, and he has played a central role in the stewardship of Walter Scott’s global and international strategies since 2007. Roy joined the firm’s Board in 2008 and is Co-Chair of the Investment Management Committee. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Statistics from the University of Glasgow.
John Hadfield – Advertising Agency CEO
John is an advertising agency CEO. John read Management and Statistics at St. Andrews - learning that he wasn’t as good at maths as he thought he was. In the subsequent 30 years, John has been lucky to work in, and then run, some of the world’s best creative advertising agencies, living in London and Singapore. Actually, his maths’ knowledge was just fine.
James Smith - CEO, TalkTalk Group PLC
James is the Chief Executive of TalkTalk, one of the UK’s largest internet service providers and telecoms network operators, with around 3.5 million customers. Prior to joining TalkTalk, he was the Chief Financial Officer of Cairn Energy PLC, a FTSE 250 energy company with operations in India, Africa, Europe and South America.
James began his career in investment banking, advising companies on raising capital and mergers and acquisitions, working for Rothschild and Bank of America, including stints based in the US and Australia. And before all that, after finishing his A-levels and spending a gap year teaching in East Africa, he studied English at Oxford University.
James is a Fettes parent and lives in Scotland. In his spare time he likes to keep fit with boxing and running. His career mantra is that attitude nearly always trumps aptitude, and he’ll be delighted to talk to anyone about their career thoughts and questions.
Meet the Expert Bios
David Law- Product Design Engineer / Entrepreneur
David is the CEO of Noisy Clan: Building Brands on the Edge. Launched from the Product Design Engineering interdisciplinary course from Glasgow University and the Glasgow School of Art with a First-Class Honors, David has played an active role in designing the future. He started designing injection tools for a Japanese company, generated multiple patents while at the design consultancy IDEO, and co-founded Speck Products. His 25 years in Silicon Valley and internationally has added entrepreneurial depth to that design background. David brings a unique entrepreneurial perspective and experience to all his endeavors. He has bootstrapped and sold several companies and knows the ins and outs of taking ideas from sketch to store shelves. He has founded companies that range from consultancies through product accessories to restaurant and food startups. David helped Target reimagine retail, as their Entrepreneur in Residence. He has failed many times, which brings the most growth and learning. In addition to creating brands David has been involved teaching design and innovation for the last 15 years and is an Honorary Professor at the Glasgow School of Art. He has lectured at California College of Arts, Stanford University and Edinburgh University. For the last couple of years David has been building a small brand portfolio in Scotland. The first to market, Noisy Clan launched in June of 2021 and creates innovative musical accessories.
Kirsty Nicholson - Law
I am a partner at Addleshaw Goddard, which is an international law firm headquartered in London. I lead the Scottish Real Estate Team and I work out of the Edinburgh Office (although as most of my clients are based in London I spend quite a bit of time in our London Office). I am a dual qualified lawyer by which I mean I am able to work throughout the UK and advise on both England and Scottish real estate transactions.
I studied law at the University of Strathclyde (LLB Hons), the University of Leiden (ERASMUS) and the University of Aberdeen (Diploma in Legal Practice). To then qualify as a solicitor I undertook my legal traineeship at a law firm in Glasgow where I also took exams to become English qualified. After that I moved to London and worked as a lawyer at Linklaters which is what is known as one of the ‘Magic Circle’ law firms. It was a very demanding job but I learnt so much and looking back working in the City of London was a great move for me. When I finally decided to move back to Scotland I found I was very much in demand given that experience and was promoted to partner relatively quickly. Which brings me back to present day.
Throughout my career I have had to balance the demands of being a lawyer (it definitely attracts a certain kind of person!) and bringing up a family and I am a strong advocate for ensuring our lawyers have the space and support to progress their careers whilst having children (I have four children, three of which have been/are at Fettes).
Meet the Expert Bios
Craig MacDonald - Investment
Craig has worked for HarbourVest since 2005 and has done so in three offices - Boston (HQ), London and then Dublin in 2019 to serve as head of office.
HarbourVest has been investing in the private markets (private equity,private credit and infrastructure) for over 40 years and now manages over $133Bn. Craig is delighted to talk about private markets and how students can develop a career in the industry.
Craig has spent his career focused on investments in growth equity and buyout transactions, primarily in Europe and has worked on investments including CallCredit, Finanzcheck, ViroClinics, Nordax CSL, Moonpig and Raisin. Since 2024 he has also taken on fund management responsibilities for HarbourVest’s $1.4Bn evergreen fund, HGPS.
Craig joined the Firm from Morgan Stanley in New York where he was an analyst focusing on consumer finance. Craig’s prior experience also includes investment banking analyst positions with Citigroup Global Markets in New York and London.
Craig left Fettes in 1997 and went onto receive a BA in Political Science and Information Systems (with honors and distinction) from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 2001, where he was a Morehead Scholar.
Dr Zoe Kelion - Medicine
After graduating from Nottingham Medical School in 2000, Zoe did her initial junior house jobs in Derby and Taunton before embarking on the 3 year GP vocational training scheme in Chelsea, London. She stayed on at her training practice post-qualification as a salaried GP for a few years before moving to Scotland with her husband and children in 2010, and for the past 9 years has enjoyed practicing at an NHS surgery in Portobello as well as doing 1 day a week of private work for BUPA. 5 years ago she also qualified as a GP trainer and has since been teaching, assessing and mentoring GP trainees alongside her usual GP work.
Rob Taylor - Education
I am about to retire as the Head Teacher of an independent preparatory school. I have run two prep schools in the UK as well as manging admissions for a senior boarding school just outside London and teaching English and being a Housemaster at a senior boarding school in Berkshire. I probably got into teaching through wanting to coach hockey but can give advice on routes into teaching.
I studied English at the University of Durham, undertook Officer Training in the Royal Marines and completed a PGCE (teacher training) at the University of Cambridge. I took a temporary job working in a prep school while I trained for Royal Marines selection but swore I wasn’t going to be a teacher….
Having helped to manage university choices for about 60 boys during my time as a housemaster, as well as having gone through processes for exploring roles in Accountancy, Law, Merchant Banking, the Armed Services and Journalism, I might be able to offer a reassuring word to those who don’t have a clear career path in mind.
Meet the Expert Bios
Julianne Hughes-Jennett – Lawyer
Julianne is a Partner and Head of Business and Human Rights in the London office of US law firm, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP. She specializes in high value commercial litigation including securities litigation, group claims and ESG. She studied law at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University and holds a Human Rights LLM. Julianne is also a Trustee Board member in both London and New York for The Schools Consent Project. The Schools Consent Project sends lawyers into school to teach 11-18 year-olds about consent and key sexual offences (including, increasingly, the impact of the online world: AI, sextortion, deepfakes, etc). Its founding principle is that education is prevention: by introducing consent-literacy at school, young people are more likely to make informed, ethical decisions and less likely to experience or perpetrate sexual violence in later life.
Kirsty Desson - Investment
I am an Investment Director at abrdn. I manage the Global Smaller Companies funds, which invest in companies with an average mkt cap of US$1.5bn, and lead discussions on global small cap stock selection. As well as this, I have analyst responsibilities for small and mid cap stocks in Asia, including Japan, and Emerging Markets. My job allows me travel, meet exceptional people, and utilise a broad skill set to find and recommend companies, which I believe have the potential to outperform the index over the long term. I graduated with a MA (Hons) in French from the University of St Andrews, before joining the industry as a graduate in October 2000 and gaining my professional exams. After a career break to have my family, I moved to abrdn in September 2012.
Amanda Young – Sustainable Investment
Amanda is currently an independent sustainability professional, providing strategy, consultancy and advisory services, with over 27 years in financial services. Her last executive role was as the Chief Sustainability Officer for abrdn Investments, where she led the sustainable investment strategy for the wider firm and led the Investment Sustainability department. Before that she held positions at Newton Investment Management, CCLA Investment Management and Rabobank International. Amanda graduated from Lancaster University with a BSc in Psychology and completed the University of Edinburgh Business School’s Executive Women’s Leadership Programme.
Jonathan Ross – Eye Surgeon
Jonathan grew up between London and Edinburgh, and graduated from medical school in 1998. He trained as an eye surgeon then as a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in London 2009-10. His first consultant post was rebuilding a collapsed NHS eye surgery centre in New Zealand, before returning to work in Edinburgh. In 2013 he founded Laser Vision Scotland with the aim to build the biggest and best provider of eye care in Scotland during his lifetime. This was later rebranded to Vision Scotland, and now has five eye hospitals across Scotland, employs 150 staff and 30 surgeons, and is currently the main sponsor of Edinburgh Rugby. Vision Scotland is the only provider in Scotland of free access to immediate eye surgery for individuals who have suffered devastating treatable loss of vision, who do not have the means to fund their own care and cannot wait prolonged periods for NHS access. Vision Scotland’s executive Board is developing a five year plan to expand services further across Scotland, and has opened its first eye centre in England, in Manchester. Jonathan has four children, all of whom are Fettesians.
Meet the Expert Bios
Ifeyinwa Dada (Ify) AIEMA AIOSH - Entrepreneur
Ify is the Chief Executive of SUMMIT.g, an Edinburgh Makeup Brand & Urban Summit Apartments.
SUMMIT.g is a makeup brand that has been featured in Vogue UK and The Sun, with several products achieving the ‘Amazon Choice’. Ify has also spent two decades in Estate & Property Management: Short and long stay accommodation with Urban Summit Apartments in Aberdeen, UK. Achieving Excellent ratings on online Travel channels.
Ify has a Double Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Biology & Education and a Post graduate Diploma in Occupational & Environmental Health and Safety management (University of Portsmouth). She is an expert in turning her ‘Passions into Profit’ and brings key lessons learnt from her experience in starting, growing and scaling diverse small businesses in multicultural communities acquired during two decades Expat journey in three countries. Ify has 25 years of purchasing and supplychain management experience in markets such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, and Turkey. She specializes in identifying high-potential products, international sourcing, and ensuring compliance with import standards.
In addition to her entrepreneurial businesses, she is passionate about youth development, Ify dedicates her time to mentoring and coaching teenagers, empowering them to reach their full potential. She also serves as a Sunday school teacher and teen mentor at her local church.
Dotun Ayeni – Human Resource Management and Education
Dr Dotun Ayeni is a passionate educator, researcher, and management consultant, currently a Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Human Resource Management at the Business School, Edinburgh Napier University (ENU).
She received her bachelor’s degree with honours in European Studies from Nigeria’s Premier University- the University of Ibadan, before pursuing a master’s in Managerial Psychology at the University of Lagos. In 2017, she relocated with her family to Edinburgh, where she completed a second master’s degree in International Human Resource Management (with distinction) and a PhD in Management (with no recommended corrections), both at the University of Edinburgh Business School.
With a career spanning industry and academia, Dotun has held various leadership roles, such as Talent Director at the global communications consulting firm BHM and Principal Consultant at F316, where she helped businesses navigate leadership development, internationalisation strategies, workforce planning, and talent attraction and acquisition challenges.
Dotun’s research explores the evolving world of work, focusing on flexible work arrangements, employee wellbeing, and how AI and automation shape workplace practices. Her insights have been featured on international platforms like the CIPD UK and the Academy of Management and in major publications such as Business Day and The Guardian.
Beyond her professional life, Dotun enjoys swimming, touring historical sites, and spending quality time with her two daughters, who attend Fettes (Prep School & College). She’s a Chartered Member of the CIPD UK and the CIPM Nigeria, a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and a proud advocate for empowering the next generation of professionals to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Meet the Expert Bios
Christine Beliveau - Accountancy
I work as a Forensic Accountant and have CPA (US and Canada) and ACA designations. Once I graduated from Concordia University in Montreal, Canada with a Bachelor of Commerce and Graduate Degree in Accountancy, I joined Arthur Andersen LLP, an international audit firm. After a few years I moved to their Silicon Valley office. Having decided to step away from professional services, I joined Levi’s Strauss as a Director of Financial Planning & Analysis. This resulted in the purchase of many pairs of Levi’s at wholesale cost and a desire to move back into professional services. This was the beginning of my Forensic Accounting career. I was a Senior Managing Director role (equivalent to a Partner) at FTI Consulting and eventually joined Morrison & Foerster LLP, a law firm, to provide forensic accounting services to their attorneys. I now work as a consultant from my home in Edinburgh. Forensic accounting is a broad practice area that includes investigations, valuations and expert testimony. It allows me to draw upon my varied work experience to date, each project is different, and many of the projects are straight from the news headlines.
Liwei Marshall - Veterinary Medicine
I Graduated from Royal Dick vet college in Edinburgh in 2006, spent first year of work in Nicaragua setting up an animal wildlife rescue and rehab sanctuary collaborating with local entrepreneurs and the capital’s zoo.
I moved back to the UK and worked in small animal practice for a couple of years in London. I moved to Singapore in 2009 and spent many years working as an exotics and companion animal vet. In the past 3 years I also took on emergency and critical care roles at a specialist hospital. I have nearly 20 years of clinical experience in various fields of veterinary medicine. My special interest is soft tissue surgery and wildlife rehabilitation. I have also spent time volunteering and gaining experience on the African continent (Namibia and South America ) working with cheetah conservation fund, and head vet of Kruger national park.
Joel Coverdale - Investment
I am currently a full-time, self-employed financial trader, trading global markets with a focus on crypto currencies. I also have extensive experience as a business leader and strategic advisor in the field of financial technology and investment analytics, as well as being an entrepreneur and early stage investor with a focus on technology companies. I spent 10 years with BlackRock in a number of senior risk management roles and most recently I was Managing Director, Head of Asia Pacific for Axioma Inc (now part of SimCorp). I have travelled extensively, working in Asia for 15 years in Hong Kong, via Tokyo and Seoul. I grew up in the UK and graduated from St. Andrews University with an MA (Hons) degree in Economics. I established my own consultancy, Eight Isle Limited, in 2015 with a mission to empower superior investment decision-making through effective risk management. I am also a CFA® charterholder.
Meet the Expert Bios
Mary Thomson - Chartered Arbitrator, Barrister (England & Wales, Hong Kong), Mediator and Adjudicator, Former Solicitor (England & Wales, Hong Kong)
Pacific Chambers, Hong Kong
36 Stone Chambers, London & Singapore
After qualifying as a barrister in Lincoln’s Inn, London, in 1983, I worked in the transport and insurance industry in the city of London before returning to private practice and requalifying as a solicitor. I have practiced at solicitors’ firms in London and Hong Kong for 25 years focusing on commercial dispute resolution for the financial and commercial sectors. Appointed arbitrator since 1996 mainly in international commercial disputes. In 2013, I joined the Hong Kong Bar and rejoined the English Bar to focus on full time practice as an international arbitrator and mediator. I regularly sit in arbitrations in London, Hong Kong and Singapore as sole and presiding arbitrator. I am on the panel of arbitrators of many international institutions in Asia, London, USA and the Middle East and can therefore be arbitrating anywhere in the world. I have also mediated commercial disputes in Hong Kong, London, Singapore and Shanghai. I speak at international conferences and regularly teach international arbitration in the Asia Pacific region as well as other cities including Edinburgh.
James Thomson - Barrister, Arbitrator and Mediator
I was called to the Bar of England and Wales in 1983 and practised in Chambers in London until 1992 when I was admitted to the HK Bar after moving to Hong Kong. My practice included a broad range of commercial litigation and dispute resolution work. I also taught evidence and equity and trusts at the University of Hong Kong in my early years in HK and, in later years, taught International Commercial Arbitration at City University.
Since moving to Edinburgh in 2019, I have taught International Commercial Arbitration and International Trade Law on a part time basis at Edinburgh University.
James Ramirez - Engineering Leader
Graduating with a BSc in Computer Science from the University of Sussex in 2001, James joined Barclays Capital as a Software Engineer having completed a successful internship during his degree in the summer of 2000. He worked there for sixteen years in increasingly senior roles in London, Singapore and then London again, working on client-facing technologies, building teams and communities within the investment bank, and coaching and mentoring engineers. In 2015 he became the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at a behavioural finance startup, Essentia Analytics, leading the business through key stages of growth and funding, together with international security accreditations. Following that he has continued to work at early stage startups - Bobsled, focused on data sharing in the cloud, and presently Jaid, an AI-first support tool for operations staff - where he was building teams and tackling novel engineering problems. He is a Chartered Engineer and a Chartered IT Practitioner. Alongside his career, James has two children at Fettes and enjoys fencing and creative writing. He believes that working in engineering is a rewarding mix of rigorous thinking and curiosity, requiring creative empathetic people to help make a meaningful impact.
Meet the Expert Bios
Ben Mlambo – Sustainability & Entrepreneurship
Ben Mlambo is a sustainability executive, chemical engineer, and sustainable fashion brand owner who has forged an innovative career at the intersection of climate change, asset management, and technology. After earning a Master’s in Sustainable Chemical Engineering from the University of Bath Center for Sustainable Engineering, she went on to complete an MBA in Finance and Strategy at Bath as well. She is currently expanding her expertise at the University of Edinburgh Law School, where she researches Environmental Law as National Security. Her professional journey began in chemical manufacturing, focusing on eco-friendly processes for pharmaceutical production. During this period, she contributed to the British Pharmacopoeia, an official compendium of drug standards. Ben also worked as an Oil and Gas Supply Chain Manager at Schlumberger before transitioning into roles at Aegon, HSBC, and Lloyds Banking Group, where she handled compliance initiatives. Combining her multifaceted background, Ben founded WaterSangoma, a venture that connects climate-resilient infrastructure projects, such as flood-proof transport systems and renewable energy solutions with impact-driven investors and climate-competent suppliers. Outside of leading her company, she serves as an ambassador for the National Oceanographic Centre, advocating for climate adaptation and championing the preservation of our planet’s ocean resources. Additionally, Ben has taught more than 700 professionals how to use AI for business innovation through a program she spearheaded in partnership with the University of Helsinki. Whether she’s launching a sustainable fashion brand or collaborating on forwardthinking environmental projects and aseet managerd, Ben remains committed to uniting scientific insight, financial strategy, and a passion for protecting our planet’s future.
For those seeking a career that melds science, sustainability, and business impact, Ben Mlambo is a remarkable resource and mentor.
Mairi Mickel – Business, Coaching & Consultancy
Mairi set up her coaching and consultancy Business in 2012 - Business Families. She specialises in supporting generational and business transitions for Family Enterprises through a blend of coaching, mediating and advising.
Previously a main board director, she continues to be an active 4th generation owner of her 100 year old Scottish construction family firm, Mactaggart & Mickel Group Ltd. She is a Faculty member and Fellow of the Family Firm Institute (FFI), participates as an Non Executive Director on a 2nd Generation Family business in Colorado, and as a Board Trustee with Foundation Scotland (Scotland’s biggest community grant giver) and is a Visiting Professor in Family Business at the Strathclyde University Business School. You can find her at www. businessfamilies.co.uk or mairi@businessfamilies.co.uk
Gleb Sokolovski – Tech
Gleb graduated from Fettes in 2020 and pursued a degree in Computer Science and Mathematics at the University of Edinburgh. Alongside his studies, he worked as a full-stack developer for a leading UK EdTech company, where he designed software to assist school students in crafting personal statements and connecting with tutors for tailored guidance.
After leaving the company three years later, Gleb co-founded a platform aimed at helping students build their community at university. After a successful MVP launch, the platform is gearing up for full-scale deployment. Gleb continues to expand his expertise as he undertakes a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Edinburgh.
Meet the Expert Bios
Jacob Babumba – Finance & Entrepreneurship
Jacob is an Graduate Investment Analyst at abrdn, holding a First-Class MA in International Relations and International Law from the University of Edinburgh.
In addition to his career in investment, Jacob is the co-founder of Uni-Chat, an innovative platform that simplifies university communication by connecting students, societies, and groups through a streamlined, AIdriven approach.
He is happy to speak to students about navigating university life, and exploring diverse career paths in the financial and startup sectors.
Jeremy Kilpatrick - Finance
Jeremy has had a 30 year career as a City of London and Wall Street stockbroker. He is currently the head of equity sales at Jefferies, the world’s largest independent investment bank. He runs a team of 45 salespeople selling stock ideas across Europe and the US. His team are spread across London, Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, Zurich, Stockholm, Dublin, Dubai, New York, Boston, Chicago and LA.
Jeremy gained a Geography degree from Glasgow University and was a graduate hire at NatWest Markets in London. He worked in various research and sales roles before moving to New York with Deutsche Bank in 2004 to sell European investment ideas to US investors. In 2015 he joined Jefferies to run their European equity sales team in the US and last year returned to London to run the full European equity sales team.
The role of an equity salesperson is to promote stock ideas to professional money manners, help raise capital for companies through underwriting and IPOs, and be a conduit for listed companies who are seeking new shareholders. Jeremy spends much of his time with the CEOs of many of the UK’s and Europe’s largest companies. He regularly recruits graduates looking to make a career in investment banking.
Tanya Murray – Law
Tanya is a Commercial Solicitor for the Scottish Government Legal Directorate.
Tanya is qualified in Scotland in civil, commercial, and criminal litigation. She has extensive experience in litigation and appears in Courts throughout Scotland and in cross-border jurisdictions. She is qualified to provide advice and representation to public, private and insurer clients on a wide range of diverse and complex civil and commercial, and criminal legal matters.
She currently works for the Scottish Government Legal Directorate, providing legal advice and representation to the Scottish Ministers and wider Scottish Government Departments in the areas of Commercial and Contract Law.
She holds a Master of Laws specialising in Criminal Law and a Master of Laws in Legal Research & Philosophy. She currently tutors Contract and Commercial Law on the LLB at the University of Edinburgh, her specialist research field is Contract Law.
Meet the Expert Bios
Carrie Armstrong - Lawyer,UK Real Estate (note,
with us until 11.30am only)
Carrie Armstrong graduated with a MA Hons degree in Modern History from St Andrews University in 1996, an LLB and Legal Diploma from Edinburgh University in 1999 and is qualified as a solicitor in Scotland, England and Wales. She is a partner in the Real Estate division at international law firm, Addleshaw Goddard which operates in over 90 countries and has 21 international offices. She has been an elected member of the Firm’s Global Managing Board since 2023. She is a member of the Scottish LandAid board which is a charity working to end youth homelessness across the UK. Carrie has worked at the same firm since starting as a trainee in 1999, she has a multi-sector practice with a focus on new opportunities in the markets of ports, transport and energy both in the UK and internationally. Carrie was Head of Graduate Recruitment for Scotland for 7 years and remains actively involved in the firm’s infrastructure for spotting and retaining talent, as chair of the firm’s Promotion Committee. She is an accredited coach with the Institute of Leadership and coaches a number of individuals across the international business. She has 3 children aged 14, 17 and 19 (Izzy DA, Ollie MO and Harry who is going to be reading history at Glasgow Uni from September 2025).
Gregor Carle - Investment
Gregor Carle is a Managing Director and is a member of BlackRock’s fundamental fixed income platform, he sits on the Fixed Income Executive Committee. He is Head of Fixed Income Product Strategy for EMEA and APAC. Prior to his current role, he was Investment Director for the fixed income team at Fidelity International based in Hong Kong. Gregor has over 30 years of experience in the fixed income sector, 20 years of which were in Asia. He joined BlackRock in 2015. Prior to moving to Asia, he worked in investment banking with Bankers Trust before joining Fidelity, both in London. Gregor earned a BA degree (Honours) from the Robert Gordon University in Scotland and holds an Investment Management Certificate.
Marc Cochrane - Chemical and Process Engineering
In 1985 I graduated as a Chemical and Process Engineer from the University of Strathclyde. For the first 5 years of my career, I worked in the dipolar industries of the manufacture of fertilisers and the production of pharmaceuticals. I then transitioned into the Oil and Gas sector where I spent sector 30 years, mainly working for Total. I worked in the UK, Middle East and Africa in various roles associated with production and projects management. During this period, I developed a passion for energy efficiency and alternative energies. After retiring from Total, I now study with The Open University where I am researching for a PhD in the maritime transport hydrogen in bulk.
Meet the Expert Bios
Colonel Simon West - British Army / UN
Simon West was commissioned into the British Army at Sandhurst in 1985. He has served with the Army across the world operationally in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and with the United Nations in Georgia, Democratic Republic of Congo and currently Somalia. On leaving the Army in 2020 he has continued service with the UN in Somalia where, as a Senior Political Affairs Officer, he has been involved in security sector reform, coordination of international security assistance and crisis management. He spent a considerable amount of his time with the Army in various parts of Africa, including Sierra Leone, Kenya and sub-Sharan Africa where he ran a training team building host nation capacities, including in setting up and running counter-poaching projects in Malawi and Gabon. Simon’s three sons have all been to Fettes (Glencorse) and he has a daughter still at the school.
Gordon Morris: Consulting Engineer - Mechanical & Electrical Engineering
After graduation from the Heriot-Watt University in mechanical engineering, Gordon was appointed as the assist group fleet engineer for a major brewery looking after the maintenance of a fleet of over 2,000 vehicles. Prior to starting his own consulting engineering practice, he held the appointment of design and production manager for a commercial vehicle manufacturing company which won the Queens Award for Export. Gordon has run his own consulting engineering practice for forty years providing clients with professional services in engineering design and development. His work includes the design of machinery, electrical systems, heating, ventilation and air conditioning in buildings, scientific instrument design and commercial vehicle design. For the last 22 years, he has also carried out work as an expert witness in legal disputes, health and safety prosecutions, personal injury claims and fatal accident enquiries. This work involves investigations into allegations and the forensic examination of different types of equipment as well as consideration of contractual matters in construction related disputes. He is qualified as an arbitrator and has given evidence in the Court of Session, Sheriff Courts and at international arbitrations.
