Urban Synergy held a ‘Top Tips to the Top’ Role Model Seminars at Rangefield Primary School for the pre-transitional students in year 6.
The inspirational seminar, which consisted of a panel session, followed by an open Q&A and speed mentoring was received enthusiastically by the young students.
The panelists, were Greg Wade, Surveyor, Capital Property and Construction Ltd, Mary Martin, Fashion Designer, Paul Wayne Gregory, Chocolatier, Geoffrey Diangana, Product Manager, Thomson Reuters, and Rita Benkyi, Staff Nurse, NHS, who shared with the students details of their career journeys, insights into their jobs and details of how they overcame any challenges along the way.
After an open Q&A where the young students put their hands up enthusiastically and asked an array of open and interesting questions to the panel, the event continued with the exhilarating ‘speed mentoring session’ which gave the students the opportunity to hear from the other role models who were present at the seminar from industries including Banking, fashion, Law, IT, Consultancy and confectionary share their career journeys and challenges faced along the way. This session gave the students the opportunity to meet each role model on rotation and gain valuable insight to a wide variety of professions.
We would like to thank you all for spending your time with us today, here at Rangefield. We had no idea of how many professions there are in the world. you have inspired us and shown us what the qualities are to succeed. You have helped us build confidence and have given us the opportunity to talk with you and answer our questions. You have created an inspiration inside each and every one of us. You have set a good example for all of us Year 6 students. We now know that there are lots more jobs to get because of your valuable experiences and insights. We hope you will come back next year for our upcoming year 6s. Thank you from us all!Assistant Headteacher, Caroline Hussey
Rangfield teachers present at the seminar added:
- “What an informative and engaging format – the speed mentoring idea worked incredibly well and will hopefully motivate the children as they move on to secondary school”
- “The message about hard work and teamwork being the key to success was really important for our children to hear.”
- “What a great variety of careers was showcased today. The session was a great eye-opener for children to look beyond what they already know.”
The ‘Top Tips’ from the panel were
Greg Wade on working as a building surveyor – “No two days are alike, no two days are the same, every day is different”
Mary Martin said, “get your education while you are young”
“I talk a lot, but I do actually work”
“Everything I do is spiritual”
Paul Wayne Gregory talked about being creative, and about battling against dyslexia and autism.
Rita Benkyi said, ”have a positive attitude, work hard and don’t let anyone get in the way of your dreams”
On her motivation for the nursing profession she said “It is about taking care of someone who is sick, being there for them”
“Yesterday I saved a life!”
Geoffrey Diagana, on his motivation to do his job as a Product Manager said “Money, it pays wel but I also enjoy the people I work with, … work with people you enjoy working with – money can’t buy you happiness”
