![Careers Convention 2022]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1652880102/canfordcom/npbpyvgddk2nt99v0ial/CareersConvention2022-4.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1652880102/canfordcom/npbpyvgddk2nt99v0ial/CareersConvention2022-4.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1652880102/canfordcom/npbpyvgddk2nt99v0ial/CareersConvention2022-4.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1652880102/canfordcom/npbpyvgddk2nt99v0ial/CareersConvention2022-4.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1652880102/canfordcom/npbpyvgddk2nt99v0ial/CareersConvention2022-4.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1652880102/canfordcom/npbpyvgddk2nt99v0ial/CareersConvention2022-4.jpg","width":1723}])
While we were pleased to be able to continue our annual Careers Convention virtually last year during the pandemic, it was wonderful to be able to once again invite Old Canfordians and parents back to Canford to meet and talk with our Lower Sixth pupils face to face at the 2022 event.
The aim of the Convention is to enable our Sixth Formers to learn more about career paths beyond school from parents and OCs and to build connections which could lead to mentoring or even work experience opportunities. This year we were very grateful to the 55 volunteers representing 35 different industries including Business Management, Entrepreneurship, Environmental, Human Resources and the Third Sector. The day started with pupils and volunteers in a conference style setting with Canford parent Simon Phillips as our keynote speaker. As part of his presentation, he encouraged pupils to understand their own personal skills, follow their passions and understand that decisions they make in the next few years are not for life. In the 21st century job market, career paths will undoubtedly change and morph over time. Simon encouraged recent OCs to share their experiences in the world of work since leaving Canford and university and it was fantastic to see OCs represented who left as recently as 2019 volunteering.
Two sessions of industry panels followed in the afternoon where more detailed questions could be asked and explored. The day concluded with the ever popular ‘speed-dating’ style networking session allowing Canfordians to talk one-to-one in particular areas of interest, either in person or to the 10 OCs and parents who made themselves available online.
After the event, OCs and parents involved joined for a well earned drink in the new Library Rathbone Room.
Michael Doherty, Head of Careers, commented:
Canfordians are fortunate in that there are today so many different avenues and opportunities open to them after they leave school, but conversely this can be extremely daunting. Hearing from those connected to Canford who have experience in such a wide variety of fields helps to demystify industries and career paths and our annual Convention is a fantastic way to learn a great deal in just one day. I am sure it will have helped all our Lower Sixth pupils as they begin considering higher education applications and the world of work and am very grateful to all those involved in making it happen.”
