SPEED DATING
On a warm and sunny evening, twenty-eight parents, Old Verlucians and friends of the School arrived for 'Speed Date a Mentor'. Year 12 pupils were looking forward to discovering more about their career aspirations.
An evening that was not just full of merriment but full of practical advice then ensued. The pupils were not only able to speak to experts in a career area of interest to them, but to also speak to others from a wide variety of different career areas. This is always a good idea as it can sometimes offer up careers they would not otherwise have known about or considered. That lightbulb moment! The pupils were able to practise their soft skills like communication, presentation, and insight when steering a conversation; whilst asking and responding to questions about themselves, their career aspirations and their interests.
The networking opportunity at the end was well received and Mentors were extremely impressed with the pupil’s planning and research prior to the event. This format of mentoring is proving to be a popular way of Mentors and pupils meeting and forming on-going relationships. Following the event many pupils have been in touch with a Mentor to arrange another discussion or some support for their career area in the form of a visit to their work area or for some work experience opportunity over the summer holidays.
A HUGE thank you to John Winchcombe, the OV’S and ALL the Mentors!
Terri Wilcox, Head of Co-Curricular and Head of Careers