PROFESSIONALS from many different careers, came together with Year 11 pupils during a mock interview day at Harlow Study Centre.

With university or job applications just a short time away, pupils were put through their paces by a professional from their chosen careers field, in order to gain experience of writing CVs, applications and finally facing an interview.

St Marks would like to thank the following individuals for giving up their time to support our pupils:

K. Kenworthy, Director, Engagement and Change Management, GSK Medicines Research Centre B. Court, Project Development Co-ordinator, Harlow Council
C. Firth, Assistant Manager, Akhter Early Learning Centre
A. Dawson, Science Technology Engineering and Maths Ambassador, Retired
J. Welsh, Science Technology Engineering and Maths Ambassador, Ford Motor Company Limited
K. McLean, Course Leader BA (Hons) Fashion Design, South Essex College of Further & Higher Education A. Welbourn-Davies, Branch Manager, NatWest Harlow
L. Bondy, Learning & Development Coordinator, Raytheon UK
H. Harmer, Assistant Academy Manager, Harlow College
I. Barral, IT Manager, Raytheon UK
W. Mata, Reporter, Herts and Essex News
C. Sheridan, Solicitor, Barnes & Partners
J. Finch, Employment Law Consultant, J Finch and Associates
S. Harding, Quality Control Microbiologist, East and North Herts NHS Trust
C. Salvador Castro, Associate Director, Takeda Pharmaceuticals
S. Zuberi, Clinical Medical Pupil, Imperial College London
N. Carney, Psychodynamic Counsellor, Self Employed
B. Robertson, Science Technology Engineering and Maths Ambassador, Director, MER Associates
E. Wingate, Sport and Physical Activity Assistant, Active Essex
J. Cornaby, HR Manager, Harlow & District Sports Trust
R. Lowry, Teacher, Retired

Lou Moon, St Mark’s careers coordinator and event organiser, said: “The purpose was for the pupils to experience an interview with someone they do not know; to be able to present themselves; and conduct themselves in a way appropriate for a formal interview. It could be they take this experience forward into other arenas. This is a safe place for them to learn about the whole process.”

The sessions, often related to their previous work experience placements, lasted for approximately half an hour and included questions about their experience and skills; while interviewers also had the chance to comment on the pupil’s CV and offer guidance.

Mrs Moon added afterwards: “I feel really proud of the pupils. On their way out many said it was a really positive experience.”

Rebecca Wilson, a pupil who is considering writing or journalism as a career option, said: “It prepared me for the future. If it was not for this I would not have known what to expect from an interview until the day.”