On International Women’s Day during Choc Lunch the girls had a choice of two Careers Week zoom presentations from Old Scholars who live abroad.
Olivia Hanson (2008), who is based in Berlin, enjoyed a career in advertising and teaching before opting to study a postgraduate Masters in human rights, specialising in intercultural conflict management. After leaving The Mount, Olivia read her BA (English Language and Literature) at Jesus College, University of Oxford and her postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) at Canterbury Christ Church University.
Whilst teaching in London, Olivia was also co-cordinator with the Refugee Community Kitchen in East London.
Primrose Adjepong (2012) grew up in Ghana, came to The Mount for College and is currently based in Nigeria with the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab, specialising in programmes that promote girls’ education in African nations. After leaving The Mount, she took a gap year to attend the African Leadership Academy in Johannesburg before reading MA International Relations at St Andrews. At the University of Hong Kong, Primrose studied International Relations and Affairs and went on to read MA Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. She is an Associate Fellow of the Royal Commonwealth Society.
Isla asked which GCSEs and A-Levels Primrose had studied, and Rosie asked Primrose for any advice she might have for girls to prepare steps after university.
Primrose encouraged the girls to be involved in public policy. “If you’re dissatisfied about issues in your community, such as social justice, get involved. You can make a difference. If enough young people get involved in impacting policy decisions, those policies will be better for young people. Don’t think you’re too young or not enough. Maybe you are the one we policy makers have been waiting for.”
During lunch, Ellie Bilton (2006) spoke with girls about public relations and being a rugby referee (she is North Yorkshire’s only women rugby referee). Ellie read Theology and Philosophy at University of Leeds. Having graduated during the 2009 recession, she worked in a law firm and studied a partial law conversion before delving into the world of marketing and public relations. “I love helping people get their stories out into the world,” she said. She was part of the team that launched York’s very own Cycle Heaven and is now with The Partners Group. Ellie’s presentation was also attended by Mrs Moore, The Mount’s former Head of Religious Studies, who very much enjoyed hearing about Ellie’s career and progress. Reflecting afterwards, Ellie said, “The Mount’s Quaker values of equality and respecting and valuing others, encourages empathy. Being empathetic helps you embrace learning styles and thinking styles of others, which may be different to your own. That’s so important when collaborating. That’s when you can make a real difference.”
What a brilliant way to celebrate International Women’s Day!
Discover more about the Careers Week Activities the pupils have enjoyed so far:
Careers Week Blog – Day 2
Careers Week Blog – Day 1