“Try not to rule things out and limit yourself- you are capable of so many things, and can create your own opportunities”
Your Loughborough Story
Can you tell us about your memories of your time at Loughborough High School?
I started in 1997, in UIIIS, and our form room was upstairs in the Charles Block. Daily assemblies featured a race to comfortably sit cross-legged on the floor! Miss Harvatt was a formidable Headmistress, and somehow knew everyone’s name from the first day of term. I loved English lessons with Miss Cortazzi and later Mrs Meadows (particularly reading Pride and Prejudice out loud!), History lessons with Mrs Armstrong, Classics with Mrs Kent (a Greek tragedy star!) and Music with Miss Weaver. Victorian Day was very memorable, when we celebrated 150 years of LHS by dressing up and having lessons as we would have done in 1850!
I also enjoyed being part of the Girl Guide unit run by Miss Todd, Concert Band and Big Band (with LGS) and having some wonderful opportunities to travel to Italy and Cyprus with them.
If not answered above, what is your fondest memory from School?
I always loved taking part in House Drama and House Music competitions (flying the flag for Burton!) and was really proud to co-direct our leavers’ musical, Guys and Dolls, with a friend from LGS. We put the show together in a week after finishing our A Levels, and it was such a wonderful way to bring everyone together and say farewell.
How did your time at Loughborough High School influence your life and career?
LHS always provided a supportive environment, and the teachers always had time to listen and help us share ideas. I felt that there were always opportunities to explore my own interests alongside my studies, which helped form the basis for my career choices and give me the confidence to believe in my abilities. My involvement in music and drama throughout my 7 years at school made me value the arts and the contribution they make, especially the importance of having a creative outlet.
What do you wish you had known when you were in Sixth Form?
That those A level results weren’t going to define me for the rest of my life. They can obviously help a lot with the direction you take straight out of school, but sometimes the best opportunities come along when something doesn’t work out quite as you planned.
How would you describe Loughborough High School in three words?
Nurturing, supportive and dynamic.
Are you still in touch with any of your school friends or teachers today? If so, who?
Yes, I keep in touch with several school friends and we meet up regularly, either in London or the Midlands. I am still in touch with Mrs Meadows, who taught me English, and have met others at a couple of reunions over the years.
Alumni Career Wisdom
What led you to choose your career path/how did you get into your current role?
I always had a passion for theatre, and realised I wanted to pursue that as a career during 6th form, so my higher education was definitely planned with that intention. I did a Drama Foundation course immediately after leaving school, which I saw advertised on a noticeboard in the English block! I then went on to university, and applied for drama school in my final year. After doing a postgraduate course at drama school, I moved to London to pursue acting work. After a couple of years of auditioning with some paid work, I found myself doing other jobs to pay the rent, and some other opportunities appeared. Choosing to explore a different career was a big decision, but it felt like the right moment to do so. I worked at a very high-end cake shop, selling beautiful wedding cakes and working with big hotels and venues for almost 3 years before realising that my skills could be developed more elsewhere, and I then worked as a Personal Assistant in a Merchant Bank. I was then recommended for an interview at Clarence House to join the Household of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall. I was offered a job as a PA there in 2015, and I have worked for the Royal Household ever since- moving to Buckingham Palace when The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall became King and Queen.
Could you provide an outline of your job role?
I am Executive Assistant to the Deputy Private Secretary to The Queen and Programme Officer. I support Her Majesty’s Deputy Private Secretary in her day-to-day work, including diary management, event support and correspondence, and also manage internal events that The Queen hosts within a Royal Residence. This includes Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, Windsor Castle and St James’s Palace. My office is in Buckingham Palace primarily, but I work across those sites, which is really exciting- I never tire of the view from my window, particularly during Changing of the Guard!
What are your career highlights?
I have been incredibly lucky to have attended some really amazing events, many of which have been part of history- Trooping the Colour, The Garter Service, Platinum Jubilee Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral, The Coronation Concert at Windsor, State Opening of Parliament and Queen Elizabeth’s Lying in State at Westminster Hall to name but a few. I was personally presented with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal by The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall at Clarence House, and am also proud to have received a Coronation Medal too. I always feel incredibly fortunate to be part of the Royal Household as we support Their Majesties in their work, and it is a real privilege to feel that our work can make a real difference to individuals, charities, organisations and have a global impact.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I have the opportunity to meet lots of interesting people from all walks of life. I love being part of an historic institution, and working within incredible buildings that are full of treasures and moments in history.
What does your average day in the office entail?
Each morning, I go through The Queen’s Bag, which she sends back to the team after reviewing her correspondence, memos and any other paperwork. I process any correspondence that has been signed and ensure it is sent out via the Court Post Office (yes, Buckingham Palace has its own Post Office!). Her Majesty also requests various replies to letters to be prepared, so I also do this alongside the Deputy Private Secretary. I am usually working on several events at any one time. This involves designing the event, structuring it, producing guest lists and briefing material for The Queen. We have regular team meetings where we can discuss plans for Her Majesty, requests from her Patronages and any other business. At the end of each day I collate any post, documents, and memos and put them in The Queen’s Bag, which is sent to wherever she is that evening.
Is it difficult getting a job like yours within the Royal Household?
I have been pleased to see how many opportunities there are within the Royal Household- this is because there are so many departments you can work in- Private Secretaries’ Office, Events, Ceremonial, Personal Staff (domestic roles like Footmen, Chefs, Valets), Finance and HR. This makes the Royal Household a really diverse workforce, with all jobs advertised on the Royal website or LinkedIn- so it’s always worth having a look!
As part of your role do you regularly communicate and meet with high profile individuals? Have you had any pinch me moments where you’ve met someone really famous?
I have spoken to and met various Members of the Royal Family over the years, which can be a little bit nerve-wracking, but it’s obviously part of the job! I liaise with a lot of external contacts, including The Queen’s Patronages and affiliated organisations, and the events I am involved with often have very high-profile guests. I am very excited to meet actors, writers and theatrical people through my job, and some of those I’ve met include Mark Rylance, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Imelda Staunton, James Corden, Andrew Garfield, Cate Blanchett, Harriet Walter, Leslie Manville, Simon Russell-Beale and Philippa Gregory.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to current pupils thinking about entering a similar role to yourself?
Being interested and engaged in the organisation you are working for is so important- so do your research and be passionate. As a Personal or Executive Assistant, you are trusted with information, so discretion is key. If you are able to build a strong relationship with your boss, by understanding what they need and how you can help them, you can really become a lynchpin and succeed together.
What job search tips would you give to pupils looking for a career in your industry?
Executive Support and Private Office work is often found through agencies or through contacts you may have- so exploring opportunities via LinkedIn or agency websites can be a good starting point. You can also consider the type of people you may be interested in working for- perhaps a specific industry appeals most, so that can be a good way to narrow down your options. The people around you make all the difference, so it’s important to get a good sense of the team you will be part of, and their style.
What are the key skills you need for your job role/to work in your industry?
Personal organisation, attention to detail, an interest in people, willingness to learn institutional knowledge and computer skills.
Final notes
What ambitions would you still like to realise?
I have a 3 year old son who keeps me entertained when I’m not at work, and who I’m incredibly proud of. I feel that I have been lucky enough to work in a very special organisation for the last decade, but it would be fun to work in the theatre industry again!
Do you have any advice for current pupils/graduates who don’t know what career path to follow?
Try not to rule things out and limit yourself- you are capable of so many things, and can create your own opportunities. Follow your passions, talk to people and trust your instincts. If things don’t work out as you hope, there are always alternatives, and you may discover something you never knew you could do!
Do you have any hobbies that keep you busy in your spare time?
I am involved in my local amateur dramatics group, and have performed and directed over the years in my spare time, and I love going to the theatre. I am also in the Royal Household Choir!
