The Wings of Hope Children’s Charity Speed Mentoring: Your Path To Success
1st March 2014 at the Royal College of Surgeons
Meet the Mentors
A welcome message from the organisers
Head of the Professionals’ Network, The Wings of Hope
Smruti
Whilst at school I had a real passion for both science and helping people, and so thought medicine would be a great career for me. However with a last minute change to my UCAS, I went on to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Oxford University. I realised that I enjoyed solving problems be it in the commercial or social sphere. Almost six years on and I am now CEO of the Supreme Group which manufactures eco-friendly packaging and products for brands and retailers. We supply all over the world and some key clients include London Fashion Week, Tesco, Topshop, and Nike. Ten years ago, during my gap year, I set up WOHAA with my friends, and am so happy that over 25,000 students have taken part so far. Below are some of the profiles of the mentors I have gathered for you. Enjoy reading about them and we look forward to seeing you on Saturday 1st March!
Senior Mentor
Richard Whitehead, MBE, Paralympic Champion
We are incredibly pleased and excited to announce Richard Whitehead MBE, Paralympic Champion and world record holder, will be present to provide our keynote speech and to offer his advice on careers in the sporting industry. For more information on Richard, visit his website: http://www.marathonchamp.com/
Law: Barrister
Clare
Clare is a barrister at Serjeants’ Inn Chambers, a leading set that specialises in clinical negligence, professional discipline & regulatory law, police law and public law. Clare also has experience of the criminal law and is happy to discuss the pros and cons of both areas
Advertising & Communications
Janelle
Janelle is marketing communications executive with 15+ years experience.
Her path started in NYC and has led to Boston, Milan, Chicago, and now London. Her work focuses on building global brands and currently she is an Executive Vice President working on the Shell business globally for Edelman. Interesting stops on her journey include graduating from Harvard College and Harvard Business School, being the youngest and most junior expat at Leo Burnett, doing research in 15+ countries, working in Europe for 4+ years, piloting the prototype for McCafe in Italy, and creating a marketing strategy for a hotel company in the Caribbean.
TV Presenter & TV Production
Babita
Babita Sharma is a presenter for BBC World News and is the co-host of Newsday, a daily news programme presented live from Singapore & London.
Babita got her first break in television in the UK, working as a student for Thames Valley Television and for BBC Radio Wales. She then moved to Dubai to work in TV and radio presentation for the network broadcaster Channel 4. Following a stint presenting for ITV early morning news, Babita returned to BBC News as a TV producer for the BBC News Channel. Babita joined BBC World News in 2008. She has been at the forefront major stories including the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, UK General Election 2010, the Northern Rock banking crisis, the death of Osama bin Laden, the Royal Wedding and London 2012 Olympics. Babita grew up in Caversham, Berkshire and studied Journalism, Film & Broadcasting at the University of Wales, Cardiff.
Law: Solicitor
Deepak
I studied Law at UCL and spent nearly 5 years in private practice, qualifying as a Litigator. I have recently moved in house as Legal Counsel for a financial institution. This has allowed me to pursue my interest of financial regulation and to learn more of and deal with commercial practical issues faced by FSA authorised firms.
Law: Solicitor
Linzi
I studied Law at Kings College London and have spent nearly 5 years working for the international law firm Clifford Chance. I specialise in Private Equity Mergers and Acquisitions. I spent a year studying in Holland as part of my degree, worked for 6 months in Dubai and spent 7 months travelling around the world during the gap between my studies and starting working, so it goes without saying that I love to travel. My first job was on the Customer Service Desk at my local Tesco.
Engineering
Vivienne
Having left school with Maths and Science A-levels, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do next. The Materials Science and Engineering course that I picked provided a broad enough background to allow specialisation in a variety of different fields. From there I went on to do an MSc in Biomedical Engineering at Imperial College London and have continued onto a PhD in Biomaterials within the same research group, allowing me to combine my Engineering background with an initial interest in Medicine. The group is working on developing new materials which could be used to regenerate and repair bone that has been damaged through injury or disease – this includes making novel polymer-glass hybrid materials, developing and creating nanoparticles and investigating the potential of new 3D printing techniques.
Link to our research is here
Engineering
Ali
I completed my undergrad in Chemical Engineering at UCL which was a very interesting course and an extremely fun university to be at. I jumped straight into the Oil and Gas Industry, where I worked at Shell for 3 years in Qatar (and Holland/ Malaysia on occasion). Work was extremely dynamic; we commissioned the largest and highest profile Gas to Liquid plant in the world. I then changed my career path to academia where I did an MSc in Biomedical Engineering and now a PhD in Biomaterial Sciences for Tissue Engineering applications at Imperial College London.
Fashion/ Design
Aimee
After high school I studied accountancy for a year before deciding to follow my real dream – fashion design. I completed my Diploma in Textiles, Clothing and Footwear before going on to study for a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design. After graduating, I worked for various fashion labels in Australia as a Design Assistant and later as a Production Co-ordinator. On moving to London in 2011, I was lucky enough to become part of the Lazy Oaf team. My job sees me travel to Hong Kong and China twice a year for range development and factory visits as well as fabric sourcing in Hong Kong (always an adventure!).
Economics
Sagar
I studied economics at Oxford and the LSE, and now work as a professional economist. I currently work for a consultancy called Frontier Economics, where I advise clients on competition and regulatory matters. I previously worked on dealing with bank failures at the Bank of England and on the economics of happiness at a think tank called the neweconomics foundation.
Investment Banking
Carl
I studied Genetics at UCL and have spent 3 years working in Equity Research at an Investment Bank. Prior to this I spent some time working on my own start-up business, so have a relatively broad background in terms of education and experience.
Investment Banking
Jerome
I studied economics and management after leaving university 4 years ago, I joined an American investment bank within their equities department, advising institutional investors (hedge funds, pension funds, mutual funds, sovereign wealth funds) which shares to buy and sell with the UK and European stock market. When I was young I wanted to be a rock star…which clearly didn’t happen but do at least go to lots of concerts!
Investment Banking
Ian
I studied Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Oxford University from 2005-2008. Upon graduating I joined Goldman Sachs within the Investment Banking Division where I’ve worked for the last 6 years. I was initially part of the Healthcare team, although more recently have changed focus to Real Estate and Leisure. I’m a keen sailor, and last year successfully completed an 800 mile doubled handed race to the Fastnet Rock and back.
Investment Banking
Mayan
Mayan has spent over 4 years working in M&A and Equity Research at an Investment Bank. Mayan completed a MSc in Finance at the University of St Andrews. Prior to that, he graduated with a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Oxford. Mayan enjoys cycling and has a strong interest in architecture and design.
Accountancy/ Business
Baafour
Baafour studied Chemical Engineering for his undergraduate degree at Imperial College London. From there he went on to benefit from a range of internship opportunities in America, Ghana and China, before finally coming to work at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu in London where he recently attained ACA qualification. Baafour is also one of the founders of Career Journey Africa which provides internship placements to students within one of the world’s fastest growing economies – enabling them to stand out and develop an international skill set at an early stage in their career.
Accountancy
Sona
Following a summer internship at PwC during my penultimate year at the London School of Economics, I accepted a place on their graduate programme. I started my career in audit where I qualified as a Chartered Accountant after 3 years of exams and training. I then moved into the world of business valuations, helping clients understand the value of their business, shares and assets. More recently I wanted to experience life from a client’s perspective, so I decided to take on an in-house valuations role at Vodafone where I am currently working. Outside of work I love to travel, from climbing the Great Wall of China to exploring the legendary ruins of Machu Picchu.
Corporate Banking, Sales Management
Edit Laszlo
She was born and raised in Hungary and graduated with 1st in Economics. Edit moved to London in 2006 and has been working in different industries (hospitality, management consultancy, banking). Recognising her desire to support British economy she completed a full-time Masters degree in International Management at King’s College London while worked full-time. After graduation she joined Royal Bank of Scotland in 2011. She has a real passion for supporting communities and those who are less fortunate therefore Edit drives the Corporate Social Responsibility agenda within RBS and externally sit on a school governor board as well as she is the Chair of the Finance Committee.
Oxford and Cambridge University
Karishma
I read Modern History and Politics at Oxford where I had a brilliant time getting involved in everything college life had to offer from Junior Common Room Committees to playing a wide range of sports for my college and to organising commemoration balls. After university I converted to law and then trained and qualified as a commercial and technology lawyer at the international law firm Clifford Chance. I have since moved to the smaller firm, RPC, which specialises in commercial and media law and provides friendlier working hours. Outside work I now spend much of my time trying as many restaurants in London as possible, attending cooking courses and bikram yoga lessons!
Cambridge University
Ritika
I studied Mechanical Engineering at Downing College in Cambridge, qualifying with a Master’s Degree in Engineering. After graduating in 2008, I took a few months off to travel and explore before starting to work full-time. I joined my dad in our family business in the mining industry in 2009, where I worked for 4 years. More recently, I decided to pursue my passion and qualified as a yoga teacher, which is what I am currently doing.
Entrepreneur
Tom
I am CEO of a fast-growing technology company, Raising IT, making a difference to the world by powering charity websites to raise more money. We have over 100 clients including some of the largest charities such as Guide Dogs, RSPB and the RSPCA. I’m a graduate in English Literature from Oxford. Follow me @tomlatchford
Medicine
Lucy
Having studied at both Oxford University & University College London, I finally qualified as a doctor in 2010. Since then, the realm of medicine has been a whirlwind of opportunity; I’ve been lucky enough to work abroad in Nepal and I am currently specialising in General Practice. I also work on occasion as a social therapist on an acute psychiatric ward, and am involved in innovative projects focussing on integrating art and mental health.
Medicine
Mandy
I qualified from Imperial College School of Medicine in 2009 having completed a 5 year medical degree with an intercalated BsC in Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Fast forward 5 years and I’ve worked in A&E, Intensive Care, Gastroenterology, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Paediatrics and finally where I want to be – as a registrar in General Practice. Medicine is hard work but extremely fulfilling and has endless opportunities to suit every personality! Outside Medicine I devote time to the other love of my life – food!!
Medicine
Joey
I studied Social and Political Sciences at Cambridge (now called Politics, Psychology and Sociology), and was totally confused about what to do next. I was two months into a Masters degree, with a place at law school and a job offer at a Technology start-up in Silicon Valley when I finally realised that I wanted to be… a doctor! I’m now three years into Medicine at Manchester, and absolutely loving it!
Medicine
Melvinder
I qualified from Imperial College School of Medicine in 2010 after a 5 year medical degree and 1 year science course in Surgery.
I love risky, adventurous activities and grew up racing mountain bikes. I enjoy being under pressure and having to make lots of decisions in a short space of time.
My perfect job combines adventure, risk, deep thought/concentration and working with my hands.
…Thus I became a Surgeon. I am happiest in the operating theatre, or failing that, out mountain biking.
Publishing
Kris
I’m an editor at a book publishing company called Picador. I’ve been there for nearly five years. Last year, I edited books by Carol Ann Duffy, Mark Kermode, Jon Ronson and Richard House, whose novel The Kills was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize, which was pretty cool. The best part of my job is getting to work with such talented and interesting writers on such a range of different projects. You can follow Picador on Twitter @picadorbooks
Marketing/ Advertising/ Market Research
Kate
I studied Modern History at Oxford University and, following a masters degree in Architectural History and a stint in museums and curating, decided to swap buildings for brands and move into Market Research. I now work as a Research Executive at Basis Research Ltd, focusing on the Qualitative side. At Basis I’ve worked on some great projects, both in the UK and internationally, for brands such as Boots, Discovery, Disney and Tesco. I think that Qualitative Research is a great career for anyone who’s interested in brands and wants to combine an academic background with a general nosiness about people and their behaviour.
Pilot
Loraine
I am a captain for British Airways currently flying the Boeing 777 .I fly all over the world, the USA, South America,the Caribbean, China, India, Japan Australia, Africa……..
I joined them 26 years ago as a first officer(co-pilot) flying short haul. I have flown both long haul and short haul as a first officer and captain.
I currently work part time and have done since my son was young.
I love my job as i enjoy travelling and seeing the world. My favourite at the moment is the Caribbean as the sun is always shining there!!
Strategy Consultancy
Toral
I currently work for Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children as an Improvement Manager, which involves advising clinical and executive teams on how they can improve their hospital processes in order to improve patient care. I was always drawn to healthcare as an industry and I love solving problems, working with people and learning about complex processes. I graduated from the London School of Economics and my degree was a BSc in Business Mathematics and Statistics. It is always hard to figure out what you want to do; I completed 10 different work experiences before deciding to work within the healthcare industry as an internal management consultant. The best piece of advice I got was the following; ‘Choosing a career is like choosing your favourite chocolate – you never know which one you will like the most until you try a few.’
Public Sector Consultancy
Katy
I work as a public sector consultant – helping public services such as the NHS and central government departments to deliver services more effectively. Before I started this job I studied psychology and physiology at university, took a year out to work and travel and then did a Master’s in Educational Research.
Dentist
Sachin
I qualified from Guys, Kings and St Thomas dental school in 2009. After graduation, I worked in London as a vocational trainee and then returned to Guys Dental Hospital as an SHO in Restorative and Paediatric Dentistry. I went back to general practice as an associate in and have recently become a Practice owner having acquired a dental practice in Cockfosters. As a Principal dentist, my time is split between general dentistry and managing a business.
Dentist
Aniksha
I studied dentistry at Barts & the London for 5 years, followed by 2 years of dental foundation training(DF1 & DF2) in Oxford. I currently work in general dental practice and I have special interests in Botox and dermal fillers as well as implant dentistry.
Human Resources
Nana
I am a Human Resources professional with 10 years experience in people management and development. I currently Head the Human Resources function for a great company called Cass Art which specialises in Art and creative products. No two days are ever the same in my job, I work on people strategy, organisational development, recruitment, career development and training. I studied Law at Brunel University, and left University having absolutely no idea about what I wanted to do career wise. Various voluntary and paid work experience in different industries lead me to becoming the HR professional I am today. My first job was working as a junior in a hair salon on Saturdays, and I never imagined then that I would be doing what I am doing now. I live by the mantra that if you aim high and work hard, anything is possible
Public Relations/ Events
Ryan
Having studied Marketing and Media at London South Bank University, I began my career in PR via a short stint in advertising. Four years ago I joined Brand, Edelman’s consumer arm where I am now an Account Manager, prior to that I spent three years at specialist B2B technology agency. Since joining the Brand team I’ve had the pleasure of working on some amazing accounts such as Motorola, London 2012, Xbox EMEA and PokerStars. In March, I will be heading off to work out of our Beijing office for a year. If you’re interested in following my journey I’ll be blogging on Edelman’s website here
Follow on Twitter: @Ryan_Whelan
PR/ Events Management
Isabelle
I read Politics at Durham University and began my career at specialist Hotel Investment Firm, Cedar Capital Partners as junior support on Mergers and Acquisitions before going on to work with Investor Relations liaising with clients such as Morgan’s Hotel Group. I joined Edelman in February 2012 working across a range of consumer accounts particularly in the lifestyle sector including Johnson and Johnson, Starbucks, Unilever, Tough Mudder, Shell, Heineken and GSK. My expertise lie in media relations, working closely with UK media to gain widespread consumer coverage for my clients. I’ve also worked on an array of conferences/events both large and small for a number of clients.
Consultancy
Amit
I work for British Airways as an operational research consultant. I currently work with network development helping to decide where to fly, how often and at what times. Being able to work on the most important projects, influence and set the strategic direction of the airline is what I love most about my job. The travel discounts you get working for an airline are pretty handy too.
Music Production
James
I’m in a band called The Insomniax and we’re signed to a record label called Earnest Endeavours. I songwrite/produce and consult for other artists. We are currently performing in and around London music from our EP “Love She Wants” and will be touring next year. I’m lucky enough to be doing exactly what I dreamed of doing when I was little.
Follow on Twitter: @SydneyVelvet
Civil Service/ Policy
Chris
I graduated in politics from Nottingham university, worked for an Investment Bank. Got bored. Worked for the UK Government. Did not get bored. Injected £37 billion into UK banks. Did not get bored. Met some amazing people from every country in Europe. Did not get bored. Tried to help people in the Middle East find food, energy and self-government….. Have you got where this is going yet?… I did not get bored. The Civil Service is a passport to anywhere. Want never to get bored? Let’s talk.
Public Policy
Rosamund
After studying Archaeology and Anthropology at Oxford University I went to work in the Houses of Parliament as an advisor to an MP. I have recently moved to a management consultancy, specialising in public sector reform.
Science/ Research
James
After school, I took a gap year to Canada (where I learned to ski) and to Madrid (where I studied Spanish). I did a four year undergraduate masters in Biochemistry at Oxford before going on to do a PhD in Genetics at Cambridge. My main extra-curricular activity at University was singing – I’ve performed in front of thousands of people across the UK and the East Coast of the USA in a cappella, jazz, funk and big bands. Since graduating, I have worked with a few tech start-up companies, sampled the pharmaceutical industry and created my own mobile app! My University funk band has re-formed in London and we’re already performing again at bars and events all over town.
Architecture
Manan
I studied Architecture at the University of Westminster and the University of Nottingham, and have recently completed qualification as an Architect. My key interest is in Classical Architecture and I am working in a small firm in central London specialising in Classical design.
I have previously worked on a variety of projects, ranging from residential extensions and large new-builds, to schools and football club sports facilities.
Music/ Business
Nikhil
Nikhil is Cofounder of online radio platform Mixcloud. Over the past 5 years he has helped lead the growth of the company from a couple of guys in a warehouse in Wembley to the world’s biggest community of DJs and music curators, reaching 10 million people a month.
Nikhil sits on the Internet Advertising Bureau UK Audio Council, the Advisory Group for the Branded Content Marketing Association and the Board of iconic London venue and theatre The Hackney Empire.
He is also a DJ and runs electronic music record label ManMakeMusic.
Tech/ Startup
Maya
Maya works at GoCardless, one of Wired’s Hottest Startups of 2013. There she manages business development, and is currently overseeing the company’s expansion into Europe. Maya joined the payments company in its early stages, and has seen the company grow to process $200m a year for UK businesses.
Pharmacy
Sarita
I studied Pharmacy at UCL, and was lucky enough to own my pharmacy straight after doing my pre-registration exam. Pharmacy is constantly evolving and it is important to keep up with the changing times and do something that is different to your peers. Therefore, I came up with the idea of a one stop health and beauty centre. Now my pharmacy deals not only with prescriptions, but beauty treatments, ranging from chemical peels, botox, derma-rolling, acupuncture and other specialised treatments.
Pharmacy
Ekta
Having studied pharmacy at King’s College London, I am now the head pharmacist in a community pharmacy based in Hayes. The profession requires you not only to be an expert in medicines but also to provide as many services as possible to your patients including Smoking Cessation, Emergency Contraception and Flu Vaccinations to name a few. I have chosen the community path in pharmacy but I will also discuss the other options available when graduating with a degree in Pharmacy.
Stylist (Makeup)/ Sales
Polly
I began studying for a BSc in psychology at Sussex University, before realising it wasn’t all I’d thought it would be and perhaps wasn’t for me. I left the option open to return to studying and focused my attention on my long-standing love of beauty and makeup, and the idea that it could become more than just a hobby. I studied fashion, photographic and media makeup at the London School of Beauty and Makeup, learning everything from the basics to high fashion catwalk looks to special effects for film, along with a diploma in dressing hair. On completing the course I worked freelance for clients such as the dance troupe Diversity and London nightclub Mahiki, along with weddings, charity fashion shows and photo shoots. I then worked at ScreenFace, a small professional make up shop frequented by the likes of Adele, Naomi Campbell and ex-Bond girl Honor Blackman. The store was highly respected within the industry, supplying to the BBC, BAFTAs and TV shows such as Game of Thrones and Downton Abbey.
Teaching
Rosie
I studied history at the University of Bristol and graduated in 2013. In my last year I signed up to be a part time Teaching Assistant in a local school in Bristol. It was this which drove me to become a teacher and apply for Teach First: a two year graduate scheme where, after six weeks training, you become a full time teacher. I am almost two terms into my first year. I teach history at a school in Leeds called John Smeaton Academy and so far it is challenging but extremely rewarding.
Business
Krishna
I manage the container conversions division at Bell Container.
We convert shipping containers for a wide range of uses – serving our clients’ storage and on-site accommodation requirements.
In 2013, I launched Pop-up Containers which focusses on customising shipping containers into pop-up’ spaces, including for use as cafés, retail units, bars and for brand and product marketing.
Whilst at university, my brother and I also developed the BBQ TOWERTM (a multi-level charcoal barbecue) which we launched into the UK market in 2010.
Prior to entering the world of business, I practiced corporate law at the City law firm, Slaughter and May.
Journalist
Serena
Serena Chaudhry is a broadcast journalist currently working for BBC World TV in London. She was Reuters correspondent in Baghdad from 2010-2012, where she covered the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq amongst other political, economic and social stories. She started her career in journalism as a writer for Reuters in Johannesburg, where some of the top stories she covered included Jacob Zuma’s inauguration as South African president, the political crises in Zimbabwe and Madagascar, and elections in South Africa and Botswana. Serena has also reported from Pakistan and Senegal. She was recently back in South Africa to cover the passing of Nelson Mandela for BBC World. Serena grew up in London and Johannesburg, and studied for a Bachelor of Journalism at Rhodes University in South Africa. She is very passionate about news and wanted to be a journalist from the age of seven.
Legal Specialist
Ellie
I studied History at King’s College London because I loved the subject, but I had no idea where it would lead. After attending a career fair during my second year, I decided law would be a rewarding career path. I currently work as a legal specialist at an international law firm. This involves drafting materials to market the firm, pitching for new work and assisting with business development. The area of law I specialise in (financial regulation) is an ever-changing landscape, and it’s part of my job to stay on top of the latest developments so I can advise others. I enjoy the fast-pace and diversity of my role- no two days are ever the same.
Investment Banking
Arvind
Having studied Biochemistry, I swapped my lab coat and goggles for a suit and tie at NM Rothschild & Sons in London. I have been there for almost 5 years in the Real Estate & Leisure team, so hopefully will be able to answer some of your questions about working in the City. Hobbies include travelling, surfing and a bit of DIY in my flat!
Asset management / Actuary
Nikesh
Nikesh is a Vice President within BlackRock, the biggest investor in the world with over $4 trillion in directly controlled assets and overseeing another $11 trillion. Nikesh works with the largest UK institutional investors sized ￡2bn to ￡40bn across the full range of traditional asset classes as well as sophisticated derivatives based strategies and alternative investments. He started his career in 2007 with Mercer as a consultant undertaking technical research and modelling, advising a portfolio of clients including pension schemes, insurers and sovereign wealth funds. Nikesh graduated from the LSE in 2007 and subsequently qualified as a Fellow of the Institute & Faculty of Actuaries with a specialist focus on investments in 2012 and then as a Chartered Enterprise Risk Actuary in 2013.
Technology/ Media/ Business
Sheena
Sheena studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Oxford University before joining Summit Partners, a venture capital and private equity firm with a capital base of over £10 billion. At Summit, she was responsible for investing in high-growth European companies in the technology sector. Sheena now works at Virgin Media and leads the company’s business development efforts ranging from acquisitions and strategic partnerships to new product launches. She is passionate about entrepreneurship and started her own business, UniVentures, whilst a student at Oxford. She also sits on the Board of Trustees of Young Enterprise, the UK’s leading enterprise education charity that helps young people learn first-hand what it means to be an entrepreneur.
Veterinary Medicine
Emily
I graduated from Durham University in 2012 with a degree in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. I then went straight into an undergrad degree in Veterinary Medicine at Bristol University. I’m currently in my second year and cannot wait to start practising!
Sports/ Fitness
Rupal
I studied Business Management at Cass Business School then did a Law conversion at BPP Law school doing the GDL and LPC. I’m a professional dancer/dance teacher. I currently run my own dance lessons and have built up my own Zumba school, teaching dance classes every evening around London. Since I was little I’ve always wanted to be a dancer and have my own dance school. Getting there now. Advice I wish I had been given at school: you don’t have to make one choice, or take one path in your career. It’ll always be changing, you’ll always be able to do more than one thing so don’t feel you have to stick to the choices you make as a teenager.
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