Politics and History have always been popular subjects amongst our students, leading them into relevant University courses and careers. Three OLs joined our recent careers event to discuss their own personal journeys and how these subjects shaped their futures.

🔹Abbas Merali (OL 1994) discussed how his A-Level subject choices laid the foundation for his impressive career - from working in investment banking for 15 years to moving into politics, becoming an MP and now Councillor. Abbas relayed the importance of staying curious, asking questions, and thinking critically. He wrote: "My political journey and ideology began with questions sparked in A-Level classrooms, and it has been shaped ever since by the analytical tools and inspiration those subjects gave me".

🔹Rahul Sindwani (OL 2018) went on to graduate from the University of Bristol with a BA in Politics and Spanish. Continuing his political interests, after graduating Rahul applied to the Speaker's Parliamentary Gateway Programme with the House of Commons securing him a place in the parliamentary office of Alicia Kearns MP, the former Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee. Rahul's passion and interest within the House of Commons grew, along with his career path, working as a select committee assistant for the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, and now as a Petitions Communications and Engagement Manager. 

🔹Vinay Kapoor (OL 2022), former head boy, expressed how his curiosity of Politics whilst at John Lyon was the start of his career path. Whilst in his second year at Warwick, Vinay co-founded the 'Warwick Speak Easy Society' taking his passion for debating and free speech and turning it into something bigger - a place for pupils to promote viewpoints, network and foster an open-minded environment for discussion. Following this success, he slowly made a name for himself within the political circles - stating that if you don't ask, or put yourself out there, you don't get anything in return. 

Students feedback on the event and said:
"I loved hearing about the job roles of former pupils as each was very different"
"I liked what the speakers said about the importance of following your interests and getting involved in lots of clubs"
"I learnt about how the skills in studying history and politics apply to university and work"
" I learnt some useful tips on networking and not being afraid to ask employers for work experience"

Thank you for our OLs for giving up their valuable time to share your insights with our students and parents.