What is your favourite memory of Malvern College?
Looking back, I have so many fond memories of my time at the college and it is difficult to pick out a single one. I hugely enjoyed my time with the chapel prefects, the boys in the house as well as the academic and co-curricular life. If I have to choose one memory, I would highlight the extraordinary sense of togetherness and community that is embodied by the students and the school. The spirit – One House – One School – One Malvern College, undoubtedly marked my time and can still be experienced amongst Old Malvernians many years after graduating.
What attracted you to your particular field of study and what do you enjoy most about it?
After leaving Malvern College I completed my Austrian Military Service and went on to study Business Administration at the University of St.Gallen in Switzerland. My interest in Economics and Business was not only sparked by the IB-Curriculum but it also provided me with a solid foundation and the necessary skill-set to immerse myself and play an active role in the academic life at university.
I am fascinated by the versatile and diverse nature of the business-world and differences one can experience on a day-to-day basis.
What part did Malvern College play in giving you the necessary skills for your chosen path?
Malvern College played an integral part in my choice of career. The breadth of academic support and co-curricular activities really helped me to explore different career opportunities. Malvern’s academic life and excellent staff always nudged me to go beyond my comfort zone, to further improve and grow intellectually. The close contact with teachers, small class sizes and amazing tutoring provided me with a healthy drive to not only continuously work on the skills necessary to get into my university of choice but also to acquire the ability to excel beyond Malvern. Close relationships with class teachers and my tutor that have lasted beyond my time at the College and allowed me to gain mentors for life.
What are your ambitions?
It is my personal ambition to use my skills, academic background and interest in business to engage in work that has a meaningful impact on planet, people and productivity.
What advice would you give to current pupils contemplating studying in your field?
Engage with your teachers and speak about topics of your personal interest to find out what you are passionate about. The Economics Department and its incredible staff are always there to help you go beyond the material covered in class, to prepare you for university and never fail to guide you when taking the next step in your academic life or career path.
It is important that you try your hardest in achieving the best grades for your respective ability – both effort and quality grades matter and effort always pays off! Try to get involved in different activities that are related to your degree, be it essay competitions, societies or debating. Anything that allows you to build up a solid knowledge base, speaking skills and ability to construct arguments is invaluable.
Finally, be mindful when choosing your subjects for sixth form as some university courses might have specific subject requirements.
What advice would you give to current pupils about making the most of their time at the school?
My first piece of advice is to make the most of the co-curricular offering at Malvern College. Get engaged in different societies and clubs and make sure to diversify between the academics, sports, and the arts. There are so many different opportunities to get involved, the important thing is that you just do it and stick to it. Be it the choir, the philosophy society, speech & drama lessons or tennis, use the extraordinary offering and enjoy while you’re at it.