OM RELATIONS COMMITTEE

At the time of writing, the UK is still in the middle of a global pandemic, last experienced one hundred years ago. Many people, some known to us and particularly from the older generations, have sadly passed before their time. In the coming months, countries may have to endure another dramatic peak in infections. Apart from the obvious effect on peoples’ physical health, the virus has adversely affected mental health, confidence, and the education of our children. It is a period of great uncertainly.

What is certain, however, are the severe economic consequences because of the lockdowns. Many have been or will be made redundant. Furthermore, as companies fight to stay viable, their first loyalty will be to retain their existing employees. As a result, the opportunities from annual recruitment drives by companies from the pools of fresh university graduates and school leavers will diminish. Many Old Millhillians, including those graduating from the school and the university this year have already been affected. At this time, possibly more than any time in the recent past, the Club community can provide support, advice, and opportunities for the benefit of fellow Club members and for the pupils of the school. And one of the great advantages of being part of the Club, where members have both a common professional interest and an abiding affinity with Mill Hill School, is the opportunity to network amongst old friends and to potentially make new friends and contacts.

After the cancellation of much of the 2020 calendar, the following schedule of professional and social networking events, while necessarily provisional, is probably the most ambitious that we have undertaken. We have increased the number of the professions represented and we hope to improve the scope of what is being offered during many of the individual events.

Where possible, more organisers are aiming to engage speakers. For current pupils of the school and undergraduates, who are investigating potential future careers, we hope to provide a question and answer session before the main event. A chance to obtain a better idea of the pros and pitfalls of a profession from people, who really know.

In additional to the excellent programme of events from previous years, we are introducing a series of two or three events covering ‘Entrepreneurship’, which we hope will include some inspirational speakers and provide advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial managers. We have also created two events, ‘Marketing and Media’ and ‘Journalism’ out of a single previous event – recognising the deep interest in these professions.

There are also plans to introduce pop-up events at universities, which in some cases will coincide with regional events. More information about these and all events will be provided by regular email newsletters closer to the date of the events.

This event programme is a work in progress and will only be successful due the hard work of the organisers and good attendance by the members. If anyone has any ideas for new events or any helpful input, we are pleased to hear from you.

We look forward to seeing you again in 2021. Please mark your diaries.