It’s incredibly inspiring when staff and students at QE catch up with former students and learn about the fascinating careers they’ve gone on to pursue since completing their A Levels. Anna Tupling studied Health and Social Care, Geology and Law at QE before taking a gap year and then reading Disaster, Reconstruction and Development with a year in industry at Coventry University. Reflecting upon her two years at College, Anna explains: ‘QE was a great place to learn, with enthusiastic teachers and excellent resources. The Higher Education and Careers Advisers really helped in guiding me towards my chosen career and even during my gap year, they were able to advise me on university choices. I also enjoyed the social aspect; I was part of a number of sports teams which allowed me to improve my skills and fitness, and I still play them ten years later’.
Anna now works for Plan International, a large INGO (International Non-Government Organisation), as a procurement officer; however, she has also held roles in programming, disaster risk management, supply chains and operations. ‘My role is to support over 70 country offices and our partners in the field to ensure a timely, effective programme delivery and emergency response to disasters. I occasionally travel to programming countries and also represent the organisation on a global level at events and on numerous other platforms’.
Anna’s advice for current students is: ‘Work hard but don’t be afraid to ask for support when needed. QE really prepares you for higher education and full-time employment by teaching you how to be self-sufficient, study independently and research effectively, all whilst having the guidance of your teachers. All the staff at QE are there to help and they all want you to succeed’.
If you are a former student and have a story to share, we would love to hear from you. If you could email qe@qeliz.ac.uk with your details, a member of staff will be in touch.