How to use your time in Sixth Form to get ahead in your career

There are many ways to get your career going in the right direction whilst in the Sixth Form at Redmaids’ High. Below are the top 5 ways to use your time give yourself an advantage in the job market.

1) Networking events 

In Years 12 and 13 there are numerous chances to meet with people from all occupations to help you narrow down your career interests. A particular highlight are our Networking Evenings, where students mix with industry professionals and get real insight into working in these areas. At our most recent event we had guests from RBS, Deloittes, Royal Navy, the BBC, Burges Salmon, and the MOD to name but a few! Their jobs covered everything from doctors and surgeons, to actors and journalists, lawyers and politicians, engineers and architects! We even had people from the field of cyber security.  

2) Lighthouse mentoring 

Our Lighthouse Mentoring scheme connects current students to alumnae that have gone onto relevant further education pathways or careers. This is to help you get a better understanding of what certain jobs are really like, as well as make decisions about which universities to choose. Our alumnae forge top careers in conventional areas like law, medicine or engineering, as well as in creative industries such as the performing arts, fashion or museum curation. Many have launched their own successful businesses and they are an extremely knowledgeable group who make excellent mentors. 

3) Lighthouse programme 

Our Lighthouse programme is designed to enhance the sixth form experience and to prepare you for life beyond school. It is delivered through timetabled lessons, tutor times, assemblies and in activities week. As well as covering topics like drugs awareness, budget planning and self-defense, there are many elements that are directly aimed at providing you with career support. This might be looking at personal branding and how you present yourself, to critical thinking and turning your ambitions into actions. 

4) Work experience 

Work experience is an important way to learn about career options, and for some vocational degrees, it is essential. Here, we will work with you to secure worthwhile work experience and will support you in matching you to an industry that suits you. We have contacts across the board and are able to guide you in what you might need for your next steps after school. 

5) Interview practice 

The art of the interview is one that can require some time and practice to perfect. Here, you’ll naturally learn these skills through the critical thinking, debate and discussions encouraged in class, and through the delivery of presentations to your peers. You will also have the opportunity to take part in practice interviews with people in a profession that interests you, gaining real insight into what answers make an impact and what topics might get covered. 

And before you even get to Sixth Form... 

Here at Redmaids’ we believe it is never too early to start discussing the future. You are likely to think through many options in your lifetime before making decisions and we are here to help you start that process. In Year 9 we have an Employability and Enterprise Skills Day; in Year 10 we host a ‘Women in Careers’ conference and every student will have a guidance mentor, assigned to them in Year 10, to talk through ideas and start making proactive choices to shape their next steps after school. 

To find out how Redmaids' High Sixth Form could benefit you, why not book onto our Sixth Form Information Evening.