On Thursday 18 June, Year 12 students at New Hall School in Chelmsford took part in a Careers Day. Each student had the opportunity to speak to a range of business professionals, work on a business proposal and experience mock job interviews.

Students engaged in a range of scenarios, each challenging and building their problem solving, critical thinking, and teamworking skills, whilst broadening their awareness of the labour market. Structured workshops developed students’ interviewing abilities, before putting them to a test in one-to-one interviews with a professional in their field of interest.

Year 12 student Orla Broderick interviewed with a representative from RSM UK, a leading audit, tax, and consulting adviser. “I feel much more confident in my communication abilities following my mock interview. I especially enjoyed the group activity of creating our own product pitch for a food company, as part of the day’s innovation workshops.”

Orla’s skills acquired at the Careers Day are being put to use within a real setting, having secured summer work experience in New Hall’s Communications Department, ahead of her application to study marketing at university. The New Hall Careers programme provides options for in-school opportunities such as this one, as well as supporting all students in gaining this experience externally. The School’s Year 11 Work Experience Programme comprises a series of workshops, including sessions on self-reflection, financial management, presentation skills, and personal branding, followed by two days of gaining valuable experience within departments across the School and visits to external employers.

“We were particularly impressed by the enthusiasm, professionalism and positive attitude shown by our students throughout the year. Their engagement in workshops, willingness to learn, and commitment during their placements were commendable. We are grateful to business professionals who volunteer and contribute so generously to making this a meaningful and inspiring Careers programme for our students,” said Mrs Hilliker, Head of Careers and Vocations at New Hall School.

At New Hall, students are supported and encouraged to consider every pathway for life after school, including higher education, apprenticeships, gap year options, and employment. New Hall’s annual Careers Convention features representatives from over 50 sectors, with specialised talks and opportunities to network with industry professionals at exhibition stalls. Throughout the year, New Hall organises university open day trips for those considering higher education, as well as UCAS exhibitions showcasing universities on offer.