On Thursday, January 9th, Warwick Academy held its first ever Career Day.

Career Day was geared towards guiding the students in their future educational choices with a view to which career they wish to pursue. A wide variety of professionals visited the school and spoke about their fields of expertise. The day was organised by Mrs. Sarah Taylor, Warwick Academy Guidance Counsellor in Career and Learning Support, and was aimed at educating the students on the different professions available to them in Bermuda as well as various opportunities abroad.

Guest speakers were chosen based on their qualifications, experience, and enthusiasm for their occupation. A total of fifty five professionals attended Career Day, including engineers, journalists, restaurant managers, commercial bankers, retailing directors, architects, doctors, graphic designers, artists, psychologists, insurance brokers, chefs, accountants, golfers, mapping analysts, teachers, physical trainers, and actuaries.

Career Day was open to Warwick Academy’s Year 10, 11, and 12 students. The students travelled between rooms to listen to and talk with the presenting professionals. Each student was provided with a folder which included their schedule for the afternoon, a brief biography of each guest speaker, and the presenters’ contact information for future reference.

In each of the designated rooms, five professionals spoke in turn, giving six minute presentations in which they shared with the students insight into their respective careers, the qualifications required for their positions and relevant opportunities available to students interested in pursuing a similar path. The students were enthusiastic participants in Career Day, taking detailed notes and making enquiries as to the specific qualifications required for certain fields and the school subjects they needed to focus on for a particular career.

One of the many noteworthy speakers was Mr. Philip Barnett, President of Island Restaurant Group Ltd. since 2002. During his tenure he has overseen the opening or rebranding of three restaurants, the purchase of an additional restaurant and brewery, and the start-up of a catering operation. In his presentation, Mr. Barnett mainly spoke about how he had to work his way up through each successive position in the restaurant industry. He worked in every position from pot washer to Head of the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Barnett’s message to the student body was: choose a profession you love, work hard, and be patient.

Mrs. Taylor received very positive feedback regarding Career Day. The informative speakers expertly engaged the students and better prepared them for their future educational and professional endeavours. It was a very useful exercise which opened the students’ minds to possible careers and opportunities that they may not have otherwise considered. According to one Year 10 student, “Prior to Career Day I was planning on going into engineering. After hearing from Mr. Bror Muller, a Senior Solutions Architect, I am seriously considering pursuing his same path.”

Due to the overwhelming success of Warwick Academy’s first Career Day, Mrs. Taylor is planning to make Career Day an annual event.

“I think it is important for students to have as many opportunities as possible and to explore different career paths while in school,” she said. “Having participated in Career Day, the Warwick Academy students are certainly better prepared to explore the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in their future academic and professional lives.”