This Wednesday the Sixth Form attended a fascinating talk from FHS alumna Beatrice Petitbon, a Financial Times Business Analyst. Beatrice told us about her study of International Relations and Business which led her to become a Financial Times Analyst. She discussed her day-to-day life in the workplace and the ability to balance this with her home life. Although COVID slowed things down, it did not prevent her from flourishing in the world of work, such as going back to school to complete her Master’s which all helped to inspire us on our grit and determination.  

Beatrice emphasised the importance of not being afraid to switch between professions and her experience of returning to studying after setting up her own business is truly admirable. As a student facing a daunting time, where important decisions about careers and the future are constantly being made, the difference between the subject she chose at university and her current career is extremely settling and highlights that no matter what you decide to go into, there is always an opportunity to broaden your knowledge and search for other possible subjects that interest you. Beatrice explained that although you may not always be equipped with all the knowledge for a subject, there are always ways to explore your options and, in her experience, experimenting with different types of work experience was an extremely useful way to indicate what profession intrigued her most, this is one of the key things that I took away from this talk and believe is especially useful.

Beatrice delivered an exceptional talk and covered the subject matter in great depth with great answers for our many questions. Her guidance and reassurance about the unsettling journey we are currently experiencing was incredibly helpful and seeing someone who has achieved so much and is currently working in such a phenomenal job was commendable. 

By Violet Yonge and Arizona Gunn, Lower Sixth

Below: alumna Beatrice Petitbon