“It transitioned me from being pretty hopeless to having a real chance.”
Trent College recently hosted a careers event called What’s My Line?, welcoming back 24 former pupils who are now thriving in a wide range of careers. All the delegates were Trent alumni, returning to share their personal journeys and career insights with current pupils.
During the event, Year 10s had the opportunity to speak to each delegate for five minutes, trying to work out what their job was, and how they got there. It was a fast-paced, engaging way to learn just how varied and surprising the world of work can be.
Among the Old Tridents returning to Trent were a Platoon Commander, Detective Constable, Freelance Illustrator, and several business owners and founders, showcasing the extraordinary range of paths taken after leaving Trent College.
We spoke in more depth to five of these delegates; a Criminal Barrister, a retired Forensic Podiatrist, a Core Network Planner at Virgin Media O2, a Corporate Finance Analyst and Legal Assistant, each offering a unique perspective on their career journey and how their time at Trent helped shape it. Watch a video of our delegates at the bottom of the page.
Advice for Current Year 10s
A clear message emerged from all five we spoke to: you don’t need to have everything figured out yet.
Anthony Cheung (class of 2012), now a Criminal Barrister, advised students to take full advantage of the opportunities at Trent. “It’s about how much you can take, not about there not being enough,” he said. “And don’t stress if you’re unsure about the future, paths can change, and that’s okay.”
Helena Wong (class of 2017), now a Core Network Planner at Virgin Media O2, echoed this idea. “Don’t let your A-levels or GCSEs limit you. There are careers out there you haven’t even heard of yet.”
Sophie Shaw, a Corporate Finance Analyst and Ellie Glover, a Legal Assistant, (both class of 2019) encouraged students to keep an open mind. “Say yes to everything,” said Sophie. “You’ll always learn something.” Ellie added, “Do what you love, even if you’re not sure, it will work out.”
Professor Wesley Vernon OBE (class of 1977), a retired Forensic Podiatrist, kept it simple: “Never go into something you don’t enjoy.”
One Thing You Learned at Trent That You Still Use in Your Job Today
When asked what lessons from Trent College still guide them today, each speaker shared something personal and lasting:
- Anthony Cheung: Teamwork and empathy – key for working in sensitive legal cases.
- Helena Wong: Courage to try new things – developed after joining the computer science world with no prior experience.
- Sophie Shaw: Communication skills – essential in finance and client work.
- Ellie Glover: Grabbing opportunities – a habit that continues to open doors.
- Professor Wesley Vernon OBE: Work ethic – Trent taught me how to apply myself and be conscientious.
Summarise Your Time at Trent in One Word
Each delegate captured their Trent experience in a single word:
- Anthony Chung: Wonderful
- Helena Wong: Eventful
- Sophie Shaw: Fun
- Ellie Glover: Eventful
- Professor Wesley Vernon OBE: Transition — It transitioned me from being pretty hopeless to having a real chance.
Pupil Reflections
Year 10 pupils offered thoughtful reflections on how the event broadened their thinking about future careers.
Alyssa found the format engaging and was surprised by how interesting she found the corporate finance session: “I’m not really sure what I want to do yet, but this has helped me think more about what direction I might take.”
Katherine said hearing from science graduates encouraged her to revisit that subject: “I always liked science. Now I think if I put in the work, I could actually do something in that field.” She’s even exploring MI6 profiling.
Aston appreciated the variety of careers on show: “It gives you more ideas about what you want to do in the future.” He particularly enjoyed learning about business roles like wealth management and found it motivating to speak with former Trent students: “It’s good to see where your education can take you.”
Jeffrey valued the clarity the event gave him: “It helps you think about what to study for A-levels and uni. It’s useful.”
Students repeatedly noted how valuable it was to speak to people who had once sat where they are now, and how the sessions challenged them to think differently about their next steps.
Final Thoughts
The What’s My Line? event was more than a careers fair, it was a reunion of past and present, showing students that the hallways they walk today have been the starting point for some incredible journeys.
Whether in law, tech, finance, science, or creative industries, these former pupils reminded us that success comes in many forms, and it often begins with curiosity, confidence, and saying “yes” to what comes next.
Based in our dedicated Careers Hub at the heart of Trent College, our experienced full-time team supports and inspires every pupil from Year 7 onwards, helping them explore future possibilities and navigate the world of work with purpose.