DECEMBER 2023
ISSUE 5
FUTURE FORWARD Welcome to the Autumn Term issue of the Careers newsletter. Its been a busy few months of Careers inspiration across the Senior School with various talks and visits from alumnae who generously came back to share their journey and advice. Another successful evening of Careers talks (this time around Visual Arts industries); Sixth Form Enrichment has included employer talks about CV preparation, the labour market and work experience; and Year 9 students have been looking at CVs and job postings as part of the ‘Step into the NHS’ activity in Form Time. With all the excitement around the School production of SIX it seems appropriate in this issue to showcase different jobs and roles in Theatre. Meanwhile our Careers Prefect Amy tells us about Young Enterprise, we look at pathways from studying Geography; and find out what its like to work at top London hotel, The Savoy, from a Pipers alumna.
TO INFINITY AND BEYOND.....
“NEVER GIVE UP ON WHAT YOU REALLY WANT TO DO. THE PERSON WITH BIG DREAMS IS MORE POWERFUL THAN ONE WITH ALL THE FACTS” ALBERT EINSTEIN
Buckinghamshire students have been given free access to InnovateHer’s new Cyber Security Course before anyone else. Participants will take on the role of an apprentice, and go on a learning journey to understand more about Cyber, how it may affect you in your daily life and jobs in this area .
Did you know that the UK Space hub is based just up the road from us at Westcott Venture Park (near Aylesbury). At this site, a number of innovative Space-related companies are building next generation telescopes, engineering spacecraft, studying the solar system and outer reaches of the cosmos: these are just some of the innovative and exciting roles that could be yours if you choose a career in Space. This is one of the UK’s fastest growing sectors, particularly within the 'Golden Triangle' (Oxfordshire, Cambridge, London), and the Westcott site has 10 years of big development plans underway which are anticipated to create 2,300 highly-skilled jobs in manufacturing and over 1,000 on-site technical apprenticeships. Watch this informative short film to get inspired about the range of career opportunities in this dynamic sector; and read about the UK’s National Space Strategy to find out more.
DECEMBER 2023
ISSUE 05
INSPIRATION FREE UNIVERSITY GUIDE Are you thinking about applying to university but not quite sure where to start? Perhaps you’re wondering if university is the right route for you, but need more information to work it out? Success at School University Guide, sponsored by Liverpool John Moores University, is here to help. This free digital guide will help you and your parents make informed decisions about next steps after school, and is designed to provide you with all the information you need to make a successful application to university. Contents include: Is university right for me? How to choose a university Applying through UCAS Writing a personal statement Student finance Summer Schools (Sutton Trust) Accommodation …and lots more! Get expert advice from a wide range of universities including Exeter, Cambridge, Cardiff, UWE Bristol, Sunderland, Plymouth, Manchester Metropolitan and Greenwich. Also hear from top employers about career opportunities including ACCA and IBM.
Did you know 75% of Bletchley Park’s famous codebreakers were women? During the second half of World War Two, Bletchley Park rapidly increased its multiskilled workforce to meet operational demands. The site expanded hugely to a workforce of 9,000, 75% of whom were women. Staff worked around the clock to supply an ever-growing demand for signals intelligence, converting a mountain of enemy communications into actionable intelligence that would ultimately help win the war. Find out how Bletchley Park operated during this critical time when the outcome of World War Two hung in the balance in this new exhibition, The Intelligence Factory.
Our recent Careers evening featured jobs and commercial pathways in Visual Arts, including Interior Design, Textiles, Fashion, Fine Art and a number of exciting roles in the Film Industry. Huge thanks to our wonderful speakers. Looking ahead the next talks will take place on Tuesday 30 April 2024 and will focus on jobs and pathways in the Green, Environmental and Sustainability sectors.
ISSUE 05
DECEMBER 2023
GET AHEAD Want to get your first experience of work and start earning some money? For many young people, their first job is babysitting for neighbours and this can start to develop your employability skills in communication, responsibility reliability and negotiation. If you don’t feel confident getting started, a new course has been designed for students aged 13 years+ who want to get into babysitting. It also gives a great insight into what to expect from Freckles Junior & Ski Nanny courses. The course will cover pre-work to think about (CVs, taking bookings, setting rates), how to advertise yourself; what questions to ask to give you confidence going into jobs, and the key roles and responsibilities to expect as a babysitter. It will also provide guidance into how to exceed expectations and become THE go-to babysitter; and how to protect yourself in difficult situations. Certificates are provided on successful completion. Complete this in your own time online, offering great flexibility, and we have been offered a special Pipers rate - quote PIPERSCORNER10 (valid until 17 December)
SHOWCASE YOUR TALENT & BOOST YOUR CV Every year, thousands of students across the country take part in youth competitions because, much like any other extra curricular activity, they offer a chance to explore a particular interest and provide a platform to showcase talent. Feeling up to the challenge? Imagine how good your CV or application to higher education would look if it featured some of these prestigious awards…
The Canterbury Tales Writing Competition Think you can write like Geoffrey Chaucer? Now in its seventh year, the theme of 2023/24’s competition is ‘Being Part of a Group’, so grab a pen and draft a poem or story that invokes the spirit of England’s greatest medieval poet in under 500 words. For: 5-18-year-olds Deadline: 29 February 2024 Prize: Up to £1,000
Rotary Young Chef Competition Organised by Rotary International, the Young Chef Competition is on the hunt for the next Jamie Oliver. Each of the four stages of competition will see entrants learn how to cook healthy meals, develop food presentation skills, consider food hygiene issues and develop planning skills. Sign up at your local Rotary Club. For: 12-16-year-olds Deadline: Various / Prize: To be confirmed
Sony World Photography Awards: Youth Competition
Northeastern University London Essay Writing Competition If you have strong opinions on the ‘societal risks and rewards associated with generative AI’ or ‘how empires throughout history have shaped the societies we live in today’ and other topical technology, social science and humanities issues, check out Northeastern University London’s Essay Writing Competition. For: Year 12 students / Deadline: 31 December 2023 Prize: Up to £1,000
The Big Bang Competition Attention problem solvers! Your ideas could earn you up to £1,000, courtesy of The Big Bank UK Young Scientists & Engineers Competition. Better yet, you don’t have to be an expert to take part as The Big Bang challenge provides a free step-by-step guide through the stages of STEM project work. For: 11-19 year olds Deadline: 27 March 2024 / Prize: Up to £1,000
This competition invites passionate young photographers to respond to the brief, ‘Through Your Eyes’. Whatever the genre, technique or subject matter, embrace your unique view of the world for the chance to win the Youth Photographer of the Year title. For: Under 19-year-olds Deadline: 5 January 2024 Prize: Sony digital imaging equipment
ISSUE 05
WORK IT LIKE A
EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS
Today’s employers are increasingly emphasising the need for applicants who can problem solve, so let’s look at 5 things you can do to improve your problem solving skills: 1. Get moving! Studies show that dancing, playing football and even listening to music can help you with problem solving. Read more about the science behind this here, but in short it’s to do with how these activities get you using your brain. When we play sports like football we are asking our brain to assess all of the activities taking place and we have to think about how we need to respond as an individual and as a team. 2. Play games! Sudoku, crosswords, logic and brain training games help you develop your problem solving skills. These games get you thinking and your brain ready to start thinking differently when an obstacle is out in front of you. If you are getting bored of one type of game you can always try another or think about coming up with your own.
A great way to gain employability skills and learn about different roles in industry is to take part in activities like YOUNG ENTERPRISE which our Sixth Formers can get involved in during Year 12. Our Careers Prefect, Amy, tells us more about what‘s involved, and her own experiences developing a range of upmarket, sustainable sleep accessories........
“I was a part of one of our 2022-23 Pipers Young Enterprise teams, Sleepsential, which strived to get sustainable and high quality sleep accessories to our customers. I was focused on my roles of finance director and vice MD but from the experience of being in a business and working in a team I was able to see how every role in a business is necessary for it to run smoothly. Through Young Enterprise I experienced how success comes from using everybody's strengths to our collective benefit whether it be leadership, critical thinking, creative flair or organisation. It has been an amazing opportunity which I highly recommend to any students looking to further their business studies or simply get a taste for a successful future in the workplace”.
3. Use Mind Maps to Help Visualise the Problem A visual snapshot of a problem and its possible solutions can help focus the mind, stimulate the brain, increase the capacity for creative thinking, and generate more ideas for solutions. 4. Play detective! Read up on problem solving skills, seek out cryptic challenge tasks and read detective books, or play detective computer games 5. Be inquisitive and learn about new things. Start questioning the reasons behind things, and when a problem or a topic you know little about comes up make it your mission to find out more. Managers look for inspiration and learning from sports teams, science, music and art. Fashion designers look to history, nature and new technology to influence the way they work too. Keeping an open mind and exploring new subjects is one way to prepare yourself no matter what comes your way.
“Young Enterprise is a national charity that works alongside many schools in the UK to provide a foundation for students to develop and run their own businesses. Student teams compete with other schools at selling events for a range of awards such as sustainability and teamwork. This programme is an excellent way of ‘learning by doing’ in which students gain valuable skills and lessons from their successes and mistakes and pick up new knowledge and experiences in different business roles, which future employers look for and admire. Pipers has been particularly successful in their past endeavours in the business programme, and in 2022-23 our sister team, Seedlings, reached the national finals, taking the Runners-Up prize.”
ISSUE 05
DECEMBER 2023
THEATRE
SECTOR INSIGHT With so much excitement and enthusiasm around the recent production of SIX, it is clear that many students here at Pipers love the Performing Arts and aspire to a future career in the exciting world of Theatre and Stage. There are many different types of jobs in theatre and knowing where to start in your theatre career search can be difficult. Whether you want to be in the creative team (e.g. actor, director, developing music, lighting or sets), work in production (e.g. casting, wardrobe, technical team operating lights and equipment) or in one of the many supporting roles (e.g. theatre manager, marketing, front of house) this list is a great starting point to learn what role in theatre would best suit you. Here, we shine the spotlight on four different roles for inspiration! Your role: the Company Manager works on a variety of different jobs within the theatre. They work closely with all levels of cast and production staff and act as a link between the Theatre Manager, the production company and the rest of the company. As well as negotiating contracts, rehearsal schedules and dealing with health and safety issues, you will ensure all staff, cast and crew know who is in that day and who will be performing if someone is ill or on holiday Qualifications/Training: you don’t need any formal qualifications to be a Company Manager, however there are a number of qualifications you can get in different areas which may help you gain skills for the position and make you an ideal candidate for the job, such as Management, Theatre production/Professional practice, Drama and Theatre Studies and English. There are a number of different ways you can become a Company Manager, for example beginning as part of the admin team and work your way up, or shadowing someone already in the job. Key skills: good management skills including time management, organisation, problem solving, patience, and being a good listener! Salary: A general rate for a Company Manager is roughly between £25K and £28K
Your role: A Lighting Designer will work with the Director, Artistic Director and/or Lighting Technicians to create the visuals for lighting, lasers, strobes, spots and sometimes video screens for a performance Qualifications/Training: While you do not need a degree for this role, there are some useful subjects and courses that you can study to gain knowledge and experience. At school, this might include Drama, Art & Design, Product Design or Photography. At college you could take a Technical Theatre or Lighting Design course. You might start out as Crew or an assistant stage manager before gaining experience and moving into a lighting specific role. Key skills: technical skills, ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines, and a good communicator Salary: most Lighting Designers are employed on a freelance basis (i.e. self-employed). In bigger theatres, some employ a resident Lighting Designer which pays an annual salary, however this is rare. As a junior freelancer, you might receive around £100 a day, but more experienced designers can expect over £200 per day.
Depending on the size of the production and the requirements of the show, there may be separate positions for Hair and Make-Up Designers, or they may be a combined role. Wigs, Hair and Make-Up Designers also work in film, live music, photoshoots, television and more. Your role: Working with the director to understand their vision, and with the costumer designer to create the overall looks for the characters Qualifications/Training: often academic qualifications are not as important as creative and practical skills. It’s possible to get into this area without a degree, and you can often complete traineeships and freelance work within the industry to gain experience. Qualifications or courses in hairdressing, wigs, make-up and design may be useful Key skills: technical wigs, hair and make-up knowledge; Attention to detail; creativity and collaboration Salary: A trainee may only earn the national minimum wage but more experienced designers may earn between £21,000 - £50,000 per year
ISSUE 05
DECEMBER 2023
THEATRE
SECTOR INSIGHT Want to find out more? A theatre Outreach Manager is responsible for the planning of engagement within the wider community. They will work with theatre practitioners, venues, schools and local authorities to build relationships and development between the community and the theatre. Your role: To reach out to the community by planning events, courses and meetings and create opportunities for people to come into the theatre. You will also manage freelance staff for individual projects. Qualifications/Training: whilst there are no specific qualifications needed for a Theatre Outreach Manager, these are some undergraduate and postgraduate courses that can be useful in gaining experience for the role including Theatre Education, Applied Theatre and Community Theatre. You can start in an Administration role or another role within a project for the theatre to gain experience before moving into a theatre Outreach role. Key skills: communication, project management, planning and teamwork Salary: pay can be between £24k - £50k, depending on the theatre, project and what is expected of you
TheatreCraft is the UK’s largest free careers event for anyone aged 1630 seeking offstage roles in theatre London Theatre resources, advice and information Get into Theatre website offers information and opportunities to help you pursue a career in theatre, including how to prepare for a Drama school audition and guidance about different types of work experience
DECEMBER 2023
ISSUE 05
ALUMNAE SPOTLIGHT:
EMMA WIGGLESWORTH EVENT MANAGER, THE SAVOY What years where you at Pipers? I studied at Pipers between 2012 and 2014 for Sixth Form. What subjects did you study at A Level? Hospitality & Catering BTEC, Business Studies, Dance as A Levels, and an AS in Psychology. What did you do after you left school? I took a gap year after A levels which started with completing World Challenge in Uganda with Pipers. I spent the winter months of the year working in a chalet in the French Alps, and in my local pub during the summer gaining experience. I then went on to study International Hospitality Management at Oxford Brookes University. What are you doing now? I am currently Event Planning Manager at The Savoy Hotel in London, a role which I thoroughly enjoy! What kinds of skills does your job involve? Teamwork and communication are key especially with the many departments throughout the hotel. We work very closely with the event operations team which requires a detail orientated approach to provide them with the accurate information to make our guests‘ events a success! What do you enjoy most about your job? We plan everything from a wedding for 2 people up to a gala dinner or conference for 400 people. Every day is a different task and challenge which keeps you on your toes and you are never bored. My favourite moment of any event is the 2 minutes before the call to dinner where the event space is ready and you can feel the tension before the guests come in. The buzz is infectious! Was there any particular inspiration that led you to this career? I had a real interest in food, practical business and people. These combined were the driving decision behind my choice of university degree. When writing my personal statement at Pipers, my opening line was that I wanted to have a career that turns moments into memories. Coincidently, the tagline for the place I now work! How did you get started on your career journey? I joined The Savoy on their graduate program where I spent the first six months in the event operation team. It was real insight into what goes into an event and where my love of events began. What advice would you give to current students interested in a career in Events? Experience, experience and experience! The events world is a fast-paced, hardworking industry and there is nothing better than getting any time in hospitality whether that be a pub, hotel or restaurant. Be Bold and Open minded! There are so many different companies and roles within this sector, events can take you anywhere.
DECEMBER 2023
ISSUE 05
SUBJECT SPOTLIGHT:
GEOGRAPHY
Studying Geography can provide you with a holistic understanding of our planet and its systems. Geography has been called "the mother of all sciences" - it was one of the first fields of study and academic disciplines developed as humans sought to find out what was on the other side of the mountain or across the sea. Exploration led to the discovery of our planet and its amazing resources. Physical Geographers study the landscapes, landforms, and the terrain of our planet while cultural Geographers study out cities, our transportation networks, and our ways of life. Geography is a fascinating discipline that combines knowledge of many fields to help scientists and researchers better understand this amazing planet we live on. There are many potential careers for Geography students. While job titles don't often include the word "Geographer," studying Geography teaches young people a wide range of useful skills for the marketplace, including investigation, research, and analytical talents that translate well to the workforce. Some more obvious jobs include town planner, climatologist, working in the property sector or an environment manager; but other roles might include Foreign Office civil servant, demographer or disaster relief emergency manager. So many benefits for broadening your horizons!
"Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it." Maya Angelou, Author & actor
FAMOUS GEOGRAPHY STUDENTS Prince William, studied Geography at St Andrews University and then used his navigational skills in the RAF Ellie Harrison, TV presenter on Countryfile Michael Jordan, Basketball legend Mother Theresa, taught Geography in schools before founding her mission Theresa May, MP and former UK Prime Minister
Useful websites for more info: Royal Geographic Association Geographical Association National Geographic Pipers GeogSoc
START PLANING YOUR OWN FUTURE The best way to get ahead is to do your research! There are lots of really useful information sites out there for you to find out more about different jobs and industries and work out what you need to do to get to there. Try some of these: BBC Bitesize/Careers Prospects Morrisby Creative Careers Bucks Skills Hub You can also arrange a one to one advice meeting with the school Careers Advisor (visit the Careers Centre to book a session) or ask your form tutor to arrange a meeting for you.