Abbey College Cambridge Hosts Inspiring Careers Event for Students
3rd February 26
Last week, Abbey College Cambridge hosted a vibrant and inspiring Careers Event, bringing together an exceptional group of industry professionals and academics to help students explore the many pathways open to them beyond their A Levels. The afternoon provided a unique opportunity for students to hear real‑world insights, uncover new ambitions, and better understand how diverse experiences and passions can shape rewarding futures.
Across the school, three themed sessions ran simultaneously, each designed to broaden horizons and highlight the wide variety of routes into successful academic, creative, and professional careers.
Session 1: Success in Education Pathways
In this session, students heard from speakers whose work and research span higher education, equality and inclusion, and the sciences.
- Manaz Javaid, Committee Chair, Board Member and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion professional, shared her expertise in building inclusive environments and supporting positive institutional change.
- Thomas Banbury, PhD researcher at the University of Cambridge’s History and Philosophy of Science Department, spoke about academic life, research pathways and the importance of intellectual curiosity.
- Professor Neil Mathur, Professor of Materials Physics and APS Fellow, offered students a glimpse into his career in advanced scientific research, reflecting on his academic journey through Cambridge and the world of materials science.
Students left with a clearer understanding of how education can unlock opportunities and open doors to impactful and intellectually fulfilling careers.
Session 2: Pursuing Passions
Celebrating creativity, individuality and unconventional pathways, this session showed students how passion can become profession.
- Ed Bradley, veteran gamer, explained the rise of gaming culture and the growing opportunities within the gaming and digital entertainment industries.
- Cat Goryn, professional sports photographer, spoke about capturing world‑class sporting moments and turning artistic interest into a successful career.
- Rebecca Dunning, Events Manager at the FA (joining online), shared her experiences organising England Football match days and discussed the fast‑paced world of sports events management.
This session emphasised that passion, creativity and personal drive can lead to rewarding and exciting professional opportunities.
Session 3: Preparing for the Future
In the Library, students 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, offered advice on personal development and preparing for a changing professional landscape.
- Julie Watson, stem cell biologist and Scientific Support Scientist, provided insight into the rapidly evolving world of scientific research and the importance of adaptability, resilience and lifelong learning.
Students were encouraged to reflect on their next steps – whether towards university, employment, or new and emerging industries.
A Valuable and Inspiring Afternoon
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.
A huge thank‑you to our wonderful staff for organising and helping to lead the event, and to everyone involved for creating such an inspiring and impactful afternoon.
Events like this not only inform our students, but truly inspire them to think ambitiously, explore boldly, and embrace the many possibilities ahead.
