Life Beyond Wellington Week 2024

Life Beyond Wellington Week is an integral part of Wellington College’s commitment to preparing students for the complexities of life after school. The programme is designed to bridge the gap between academic life and the ‘real’ world, offering students essential skills and insights that will help them navigate their future with confidence. Through a mix of practical life skills sessions and career-focused workshops, Life Beyond Wellington Week ensures students can make informed decisions about their futures, both during their time at Wellington and beyond.

The week’s programme included a dynamic series of evening guest speakers from a range of industries and backgrounds, including OWs and parents who have forged fascinating careers. These sessions were more than just lectures—they were opportunities for students to hear authentic experiences, ask insightful questions, and explore career paths they might not have previously considered.

Mel Exon, ‘Art and the Algorithm’

Dr Bali Lee (Ap 13) kicked off the week with a fantastic talk on her work within the carbon removals industry, as well as a candid discussion of the challenges and setbacks she endured in her first business. Night two welcomed Andrea Marshall Webb (MD, Credera), with an enthusiastic overview of the consultancy industry and the importance of soft skill development. Andreas Biesinger (Engineering Manager, Mott MacDonald) gave an overview of his career in civil engineering and engineering management on the third night, with his work spanning several countries. Our final speaker was powerhouse Mel Exon (Co-Vice Chair, Media Trust) who delved into the intersection of art and AI, as well as the impact of AI on the advertising industry. An inspirational week, with all talks well attended.

The week culminated with the ever-popular Careers Speed Networking on Saturday morning, with 33 brilliant parent and OW volunteers. Almost 200 pupils attended the session – our best yet! Speed Networking gives current students the opportunity to explore career options, practice their networking skills, and learn more about different careers. Most industries were represented, including STEM, Marketing, Entertainment, Consultancy, Medicine, Finance, Entrepreneurship and more.

“The students I met were engaged, curious and enthusiastic, despite many of them being at a very early stage of their career journey. I was impressed with how thoughtful and informed some of the questions were and I hope the feedback will be valuable as they start considering their future career paths.” – David Costa-D’sa, volunteer

“I found [Careers Speed Networking] inspiring and helpful to understand the breadth of each industry and how all degrees & industries are interconnected.” – Pupil

Thank you to our fantastic parent and OW volunteers who supported LBW Week 2024, and to our pupils for their brilliant engagement.

With a variety of opportunities available throughout the year, including workshops, guest speakers, and networking events, our flagship careers program encourages pupils to explore their interests and aspirations further, as well as providing lifelong careers support and networking opportunities. To learn more about our Life Beyond Wellington program, click HERE or to find out how you can get involved, email: community@wellingtoncollege.org.uk