“I am so grateful for the invaluable support and inspiration I received at Dame Allan's."

My time at Dame Allan’s is filled with great memories, with the most significant ones deeply rooted by the strength of the friendships I formed. These bonds were not only established quickly but were also nurtured and strengthened through the numerous opportunities the school provided. Whether participating in various co-curricular activities, collaborating on academic projects, or simply sharing everyday experiences, these moments allowed us to grow closer as a year group and build a true sense of community.

A memorable highlight was the sports tour to South Africa in 2018. This trip was not only an incredible adventure but also an opportunity to deepen our friendships and create lasting memories. The experiences we shared on that tour, from the challenging matches to exploring a new culture together was one of a kind. 

As a schoolgirl, my time was predominantly occupied by two passions: sports and creative pursuits. From the moment I joined the school, I eagerly became a member of the netball and hockey teams. I thoroughly enjoyed playing sports, fulfilling my competitive side and engaging with friends away from the classroom.

Academically, my favourite subjects without a doubt were art, and design & technology. I adored the creative freedom and hands-on approach these subjects offered. Frequently, I found myself spending countless hours during lunch breaks and after-school sessions immersed in design projects and art activities. It was never a case of ‘just another subject’; it was very much a hobby and passion.

Dame Allan’s definitely played a pivotal role in shaping my career ambitions, thanks to the influence of exceptional teachers, insightful talks and career fairs that broadened my perspective on the world of work.

Firstly, Economics with Mr McFall instilled in me a strong sense of commercial awareness. His engaging teaching style and insightful lessons helped me understand the complexities of the business world, sparking my interest in pursuing a career at a multinational corporation. The practical knowledge I gained in his class has been invaluable in my current internship at Cadbury, where commercial acumen is crucial.

Secondly, Design and Technology with Mr. Sweeney encouraged me to develop a creative mindset. His innovative approach to teaching and emphasis on creative problem-solving inspired me to think outside the box and approach challenges with a fresh perspective. This creativity is essential in marketing for driving innovative ideas and solutions. 

Together, the guidance from my teachers and the exposure to diverse career perspectives at Dame Allan’s equipped me with a strong foundation, directly influencing my decision to pursue a career in brand marketing. I am so grateful for the invaluable support and inspiration I received throughout my time at Dame Allan’s.

Working within the Christmas brand team at Cadbury has been such an amazing experience. One of the most exciting aspects of my role is the design development of new products for release in the coming years. From the initial stages of conceptualisation to consumer testing, seeing the first production runs at the factory and finally, the products coming to life on the shelf, every step of the process is truly thrilling.

I may be a little biased as a member of the Christmas team, but my top pick among Cadbury products is definitely Cadbury Chocolate Coins. Being part of the team that brought them back to the UK shelves last Christmas after almost a decade was magical. These playful and nostalgic treats play such a special role in the holiday season, and for me, no Christmas stocking would be complete without them!

For current Dame Allan’s pupils interested in a career in marketing, my advice would be to embrace every opportunity to learn and grow. Take advantage of internships, workshops, and networking events to gain hands-on experience and insights into the industry. Stay curious and keep up with the latest trends, marketing campaigns and technologies driving this dynamic industry forward.