Oxford University Society discusses How University changed my life
Friday 18 May 2012 saw the West Kent Branch of the Oxford University Society present a dinner and discussion entitled How Goingto University Changed My Life.
The speakers were Claire Edwards, who studied Chemical Engineering at St Catherines College, Oxford before going on to work at GlaxoSmithKline PLC, and Paul Campy, who studied PPE at Magdalen College, Oxford and is now a member of the Magdalen Society Committee.
The event was chaired by Major General John Moore-Bick CBE DL, former Master of The Skinners Company and Chairman of The Skinners School in Tunbridge Wells, and it took place at Hadlow Manor Hotel in Kent.
Some of the points raised through the evening were:
- coming from a state school need not be a problem with regards to fitting in at Oxford,
- the positive influence of a mentor school teacher can be very helpful in preparation for university,
- the practice of the college tutorial (which is a formalising of this mentor role) can help students to develop an independent point of view and to be unafraid to ask questions,
- the tutorial can also help build relationships and networks of friends that prove invaluable in life after graduation,
- with the competitiveness in the job market, domestically and internationally, university qualifications are becoming more and more essential.
You can learn more about DPIR Alumni Networks by looking at our page here, or by visiting the Universitys Alumni page. If you are interested in joining the West Kent branch, please contact John Gelling at john.gelling@jgassoc.co.uk.
