At a recent Middle School careers event, our girls were privileged to meet inspiring alumnae who have excelled across various professions since leaving St Margaret’s College. Although many of our Middle Schoolers will still be unsure of their future paths, the event was designed to broaden their horizons and demonstrate the variety of fulfilling career paths available to them.
Eileen Skinley, Year 9 2007, now the operations manager for a successful logistics company, Partly, kicked off the event. As a coach and problem solver, she is dedicated to ensuring that employees love where they work. With experience spanning 57 countries, Eileen has collaborated with thousands of people, proving that you can pursue a rewarding career in STEM without a technical background. She encouraged students to think of STEM not only as technical roles but also as people-focused positions essential to the smooth running of businesses.
Lucy Jenkins, Year 9 2014, a professional rugby player and one of just 40 full-time Black Ferns, shared her journey to becoming an elite athlete. Lucy emphasised that her personal growth, both on and off the field, has been her top priority. She encouraged students to make growth one of their core values as well, highlighting that the journey of personal development can be as rewarding as reaching one’s professional goals.
Monique Graham, Year 9 2017, a builder, offered her perspective to students interested in hands-on work. Describing her role as physically demanding but deeply satisfying, she shared her passion for construction and spoke of her current project: building her own tiny house. Outside work, Monique trains for the challenging Coast to Coast multisport race, showing students that it’s possible to balance a demanding job with personal passions. She reassured the students, saying, “Don’t worry if you make mistakes; they’re part of the learning process.”
In a different sphere, Becky White, Year 9 2011, a marketing consultant at The Mark, spoke about her role as the bridge between clients and designers. Having worked for a top agency in London, she shared amusing stories from her time handling a major chocolate client – including having the key to the office’s coveted chocolate cupboard. Becky’s journey illustrated how a marketing role can be both creative and collaborative.
Emily Adams, Year 9 2011, a midwife, captivated students with stories from her career. Originally aspiring to be an actress, Emily now feels she’s at the centre of real-life drama. Witnessing someone’s first breath each shift, she’s reminded of the profound impact of her profession, in one of the world’s oldest and most meaningful roles.
Lastly, Claudia Inch, Year 9 2011, a police constable, shared that her initial dream was to become a PE teacher. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, she now tackles a mentally, physically, and emotionally challenging job that can require her to carry a taser, pepper spray, and a firearm. Her career in law enforcement opened students’ eyes to the diverse demands and responsibilities of serving the community.
Thank you to all of our inspiring SMC Alumni for inspiring our current girls to dream big, embrace new challenges, and remain open-minded about their future paths. To learn more about Lucy Jenkins and her role as a Black Fern, watch this video by the St Margaret’s College Foundation here.
