My time at Jeannine Manuel allowed me to develop skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, time management and communication.
Alumni Story!
Emilie, IB Class of 2021
What did you do after graduating from our school?
While studying for the IB I knew I wanted to study some more but I wasn’t entirely sure in which field. I therefore decided to take a gap year to have time to mature, reflect on my future, and experience the world of work through volunteering at Oxfam books. I also completed a digital marketing traineeship and attended some virtual work experience and webinars to prepare for my apprenticeship. I am now doing a degree apprenticeship with IBM and the University of Exeter. This involves working 4 days a week at IBM and studying 1 day a week with the University of Exeter towards a Digital & Technology Solutions degree (a mix of business and computer science). IBM sponsors the degree and apprentices also receive a monthly salary.
What was your favourite subject when you were at school?
Biology was my favourite subject, but I also enjoyed English and French Literature.
How did the school help you make your mind up about your future plans?
The school allowed me to explore different options. I had always thought I would study social science but as I studied biology and maths at a higher level, I started exploring other options which then led me to look into scientific subjects. While I was studying for the IB, I started investigating different options for higher education, including degree apprenticeships.
How has your time at school prepared you for life beyond school?
My time at Jeannine Manuel allowed me to develop skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, time management and communication. These have been incredibly useful during my apprenticeship as I strive to balance my studies and professional work. Jeanine Manuel also offers a really international perspective which helps develop an open mind. In my role at IBM, I participate in a wide range of projects and keeping an open-mind is a key aspect to resolve challenges we can come across.
What did you most enjoy about your time at school?
I enjoyed exploring the different perspectives each of my classmates had. The diverse nationalities and backgrounds allowed for very interesting and enriching discussions and experiences. The internal assessments helped me learn how to work independently as we lead our own explorations. Furthermore, the CAS activities and projects such as the Yearbook project and the Newspaper club allowed me to develop my creativity and problem-solving skills and enabled me to work with students from different classes and year groups.
Any tips for younger students?
Consider the different options for higher education before deciding which one is right for you. This includes doing research and attending university and apprenticeship fairs. You could also reach out to people through social networks like linkedin to get a better understanding of what each option involves. There are also a lot of online events and programmes designed for students to allow them to learn more about different subjects. Students shouldn’t be afraid to reach out to people through platforms like LinkedIn. Most people will be happy to share their experience with students wanting to learn more about a course/industry.
Students should also keep in mind that every school project, extra-curricular activity or assessment allows them to develop and demonstrate a set of skills which they can highlight in their UCAS personal statement and motivation letters.
Students should also keep in mind that every school project, extra-curricular activity or assessment allows them to develop and demonstrate a set of skills which they can highlight in their UCAS personal statement and motivation letters.