We are fortunate to have had our Business and Economics students invited to the annual Working Options Symposium after a four-year hiatus due to the pandemic, this year hosted by Google at their offices in London.
Due to limited spaces available, students were invited to join a formal selection process akin to what they would experience in the employment market where they are competing against other candidates for the opportunity.
Introduced by Chloe Wilkinson, local entrepreneur, Digital Marketing Manager at MJS Media and part of the Bexhill College Alumni, students were asked to apply via a formal letter of intent to express interest in gaining a ticket to the event. The shortlisted students were then given very short notice to produce a three-minute presentation on why they deserve a place at the event, what they can offer and how the networking opportunities, workshops, and keynotes from Sir Clive Woodward and CEO of Google, Matt Britton would add value to their own development, aspirations and future career prospects.
Chloe Wilkinson from MJS Media added “It was a pleasure to deliver this brief and be on the panel for the Google Symposium pitches. Though I knew the students would shine, I didn’t expect them to shine so brightly!”
Each and every one oozed confidence, had a strong work ethic, and ambitions for the future. Their pitches were creative, informative, and educated with special personal touches to really show their personality and why this trip was something they should be considered for.
“I was blown away by their poise and reasoning, making it impossible to only choose 10! I know that all the students I met will go on to thrive, and I have offered work experience opportunities and mentoring to a select few to really set them on the path to success in their already evolving businesses”.
Ben Whittingham, Deputy of Head Section commented “This was first time these students had been through such a formal and competitive selection process. From start to finish they needed to show real drive and enthusiasm to meet the tight deadlines they were set. They had to present to a panel which was a new experience for many and had to do so in a professional and concise manner which is a challenging prospect for all, especially the international students who were selling themselves so brilliantly in a foreign language. This taster of real life is vital for the preparation they need to venture into the workplace. Every one of them is leaving the process more honed, polished, and employable and I have no doubt they will go onto great things armed with the experience they have gained”.
Chiara Saturnino, one of our international students fed back that “This project process helped me in my communication skills development. I found it extremely challenging speaking in front of two people that I look up to. It also was a great experience for my presentation skills as I got to use presentation sites such as Canva and I learnt more about it so I will certainly be more ready and prepared next time I have a possibility to create another presentation”.
Cameron Jones, another of the selected few added “In this process, I learnt how to complete tasks under a tight and strict deadline and still completing them to a good standard. I enhanced my skills in presentation-making and how to convey a speech to others confidently. I believe I completed this process to a very good standard especially as I have come out of it with a business mentor, Chloe Wilkinson, who is helping me further improve my personal business ventures. This opportunity has really proved to me that the world of business is one I can’t wait to involve myself more in. It has shown me the skills I have and helped me gain others which I will definitely be using in the future. From writing a convincing formal letter of intention, to presenting a PowerPoint with a short amount of time to get my point across, I believe this experience has been very worthwhile and would 100% recommend it to anyone else who wants to become an entrepreneur or wants to be in the world of business in the future”.
A massive well done to everyone who applied as well as those who were successful in gaining a place at the event. Of course, thank you to Chloe for making this process true to life and for setting these students on the road to future success.
