Igniting Ambitions… Abbey College Cambridge Hosts Inspiring Careers Event
16th February 26
On Thursday 29th February we welcomed an impressive line-up of industry leaders, academics and creative professionals for a vibrant Careers Event designed to broaden students’ horizons and explore the pathways open to them beyond their A Levels.
Held at Abbey College Cambridge the afternoon brought real-world experience directly into the classroom, offering students practical insights into a wide range of future pathways. Through a trio of themed sessions running simultaneously, speakers shared personal journeys, industry knowledge and honest reflections on the wide variety of routes into successful academic, creative and professional careers.
In the Success in Education Pathways session, students exploring academic and research careers gained insight from speakers working at the forefront of higher education, equality and inclusion, and the sciences. Manaz Javid, Committee Chair, Board Member and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion professional, spoke about building inclusive environments and supporting positive institutional change. Thomas Banbury, a PhD researcher at the University of Cambridge’s History and Philosophy of Science Department, offered a candid perspective on academic life, research pathways and the importance of intellectual curiosity. Professor Neil Mathur, Professor of Materials Physics and APS Fellow, shared with students a glimpse into his career in advanced scientific research, reflecting on his academic journey through Cambridge and the world of materials science. By the end of the session, students had developed a clearer understanding of how education can unlock opportunities for impactful professional futures.
The Pursuing Passions session celebrated creative and unconventional routes to success, demonstrating how passion can evolve into thriving professions. Veteran gamer Ed Bradley explored the rapid rise of gaming culture and the growing opportunities within the gaming and digital entertainment sectors. Professional sports photographer Cat Goryn shared stories from behind the lens capturing world-class sporting moments and turning artistic interest into a successful career. Rebecca Dunning, an experienced events manager, offered students a behind-the-scenes look at organising England Football match days, highlighting the fast-paced world of sports event management. Throughout the session, students were encouraged to see how creativity and personal drive can lead to rewarding and exciting professional opportunities.
In Preparing for the Future, speakers explored key skills and mindsets essential for navigating future industries and higher education. Shareena Howley, Learning Designer at Cambridge Judge Business School and PhD researcher in Diversity, discussed personal development and preparing for a changing professional landscape. Stem Cell Biologist and Scientific Support Scientist Julie Watson, provided insight into the rapidly evolving world of scientific research and the importance of adaptability, resilience and lifelong learning. Students left inspired to evaluate their next steps, from academic pursuits.
The afternoon received positive feedback from students. Some of the comments highlighted below are:
Holly in Year 10 Commented: “I really enjoyed the careers speakers event and found the session I attended both interesting and insightful. It gave me a clearer understanding of different pathways into certain professions and the skills required, which has been really beneficial in helping me think about my own future goals. It was inspiring to hear about real experiences and advice from people working in the field I am interested in.”
Pragati in Year 9 added “I found the session by Shareena Howley about learning designing, interactive, and eye – opening. During this session I learned that I can always have a job that has all the subjects I love in it. One thing that stood out to me was how I could change my careers as many times as I like to find the one I love and no one will judge me for it. Overall, I felt that even though computer science isn’t my strongest subject I learned so many things that could help me in the future. I would like to thank Shareena one more time for teaching me so much about my future.“
Grace in Year 13 said “I was deeply inspired by listening to Cat Goryn’s talk; I heard many interesting things relating to her real-life experiences during her sports photography career. I was able to understand the equipment and technical skills needed to succeed in this type of profession.”
Charles in Year 9 attended the Business and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) talk with Manaz Javaid. He commented that “It was a really insightful talk and what I learnt from this is that you should always expect the unexpected. It’s a great reminder of how important being adaptable is for not just business and EDI but also in any workplace. It was also really empowering to understand that diversity is not just a social issue but rather a business opportunity for development. It’s a good feeling to understand the significance of embracing EDI, and to be in the business of EDI, you need to be in it for the right reasons. Not for yourself but for the collective feeling of inclusion and representation. What really stood out to me was the fluidity of her job. It requires constant communication and movement across the business. However, at the same time, it’s a really exciting field to be working in.”
Principal Dr Elena Hesse added: “Our Careers Event was an inspiring and impactful afternoon, offering immense value to all who attended. From equality and inclusion to physics, gaming, sports photography, stem cell science and business innovation, the event showcased the remarkable breadth of opportunities available today. Each speaker brought a unique perspective, demonstrating that success can come through many routes – academic, creative, or professional. We are incredibly grateful to all our speakers for sharing their time, expertise and passion with our community. Events like this do more than inform – they ignite ambition, spark curiosity and empower our students to explore bold and embrace the limitless possibilities ahead.”
