Alumni Support across the Foundation

Throughout November, the Foundation has seen the return of five alumni, all of whom volunteered their time to provide insightful careers talks to the current pupils.

We are so grateful to have such a vibrant alumni community and excited that so many of you are willing to offer your career advice and wisdom.

Dr Jennifer Waghorn (LHS 2008)

As part of the LHS in the Arts event, organised by the pupils at Loughborough High School. Jennifer volunteered to speak to the girls about her career in the art sector.

Jennifer is a Lecturer in Shakespeare Studies at The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. Her role involves sharing knowledge of Shakespeare’s life, works and times with school, university and leisure learners, and developing the Learning team’s digital presence. She also researches, composes and performs theater music and has advised on historical music at the Royal Shakespeare Company and composed a musical for the Arcola Theatre.

She gave such an interesting talk that the pupils and parents enjoyed listening to.

Hannah Pountain (nee Sarafan) (LHS 2005)

Hannah is Director of Merchandising (clothing) at Sainsburys. She came to Loughborough High School to talk to the current pupils about what it takes to be in merchandising, how to get into the career and general career advice. After LHS, Hannah went to university to study Chemistry, however, wasn’t sure what she wanted to do from there. She took on some work placements, where she got some experience at Jack Wills in the merchandising department, and from there she started her current career.

Hannahs top tips are don’t compare yourself to others, don’t worry if you don’t know what you want to do and don’t be afraid to take side or backwards steps to follow the career you want.

Her favourite quote: ‘If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life’.

Emily Anderson (LHS 1998)

Emily is a senior reporter for BBC East Midlands Today and she spoke to the current pupils about her exciting career as a journalist, how it has changed since Covid and what it’s like working at the BBC. Emily explained how she enjoyed English, performing and being ‘nosy’ whilst at LHS, so her careers advisor suggested journalism as a career.