HT16 Wk 4 Ed.3
E T O N A M O S FR R O T I D E E TH Welcome back Pembroke! We hope your Hilary hasn't been too tough so far and while the Christmas vac might seem like years ago we thought we'd hark back and get some accounts of what the visiting students got up to in "YUR-UP". After a successful hust by Lily Begg - our first ever female Pink Panther! (sorry Gui, but I mean THAT rap..) we thought we'd delve into the Pink Panther archives (Facebook is a wonderful thing) to show you the various ups and downs of the job - good luck on your quest Lily! With us second years reaching the halfway point the thought of leaving the Oxford bubble is daunting to say the least so we got some career tips from a whole host of experts and If you missed the 'Employable Me' talk in 3rd week this is the perfect opportunity to catch up. Seeing as it's February and romance is in the air, we've documented the love stories of all the lucky freshers that have managed to secure a spouse for next year - if you're still single get some inspiration and step on it! As well as that there's all the usual stuff; top of the bops, charitable chaps, the quiz and much more! If you'd like to get involved or have any comments whatsoever please don't hesitate to give us a holler! Chillie Love xoxox i tor s r ed u o “Y face t ’ n d l cou era ca m e h t time t hi s d” roun
Millie McLuskie & Charlotte Lanning
CONTENTS: Top of the Bops Employ Me, Please? Charitable Chaps PMB Big-Dogs in Pictures YUR-UP and beyond The Pink Panther Chronicles Engagement Announcements Quiz - which Hall meal are you? cover image: Beatrice Egid
p3 p4 p5 p5 p6 p8 p10 p12
"renouncing men" - preach it sistas -
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Jeng - 2016’s wannabe-BNOC
"JAMIE STOP!!"
DJ Mikey Hard-Groove
s ’t a n s i 16 ... 0 p 2 o e is b op h h t s ’s ya let s s me
EMPLOY ME, PLEASE?
Anyone will tell you that university flies by and “The Real World” is just around the corner… To help us on our way, we went to the “Employable Me?” panel to hear about life after Pembroke. (Thanks for the question mark…)
THE PANELLISTS: Andrew Jowett Geography; Pembroke Charities Usha Kakaria-Cayaux Commerce; Queens, Canada Regional Vice-President & Human Resources, Estee Lauder Companies Rachel Morgan English; Pembroke Commissioning Editor, BBC Bobby Prasad MBA; Pembroke Global Chief Medical Officer, Abraaj Group Guy Seeger French + German; Pembroke Tax Partner, Deloitte The job market is tough. And the good jobs are even harder to get. When you send off that CV to the big companies, you’re one of thousands, literally. So how do you stand out?
“Do what you love and love what you do – you’ll spend most of your life doing it” Your CV and cover letter are one thing, but the real deciding factor is how you perform in interviews. If there was one thing that all the panellists agreed on, it was that across the board, 4
interpersonal skills and having the ability to get along with your coworkers and clients, was essential. Guy (Deloitte) commented that one interviewee he came across had done a phenomenal amount of research; “he was teaching me things I never knew about tax, but it was all learnt by rote and he wasn’t engaging with us. He didn’t build up any rapport - you didn’t want to have a conversation with him.” Being employable isn't just about what you know, it's about who you are. So here are some tips we gleaned from our panellists on how to make people really want to give you a job.
Lesson number one: don’t CV chase – we’re looking for your
attributes. Employers w a n t people who can digest v a s t amounts of data, creative minds, drive and determination, and we want team players.
“I got a B at GCSE Maths – now I work for Deloitte”
Lesson number two: be authentic
– you can pretend all you like in a cover letter, hiding behind the paper/ email. But when it comes to an interview, those sat opposite you can tell if you're just blagging. And if you’re faking it, you probably aren’t right for the job anyway. Employers only want someone who is genuinely enthusiastic about the job and who can stay keen even when the interview process is at its most gruelling.
Lesson number three: have an opinion – be bold in your interview. Say what you actually think, not just what you think they want to hear. They are going to be working with you, they want someone dynamic who can
actually bring something to the table. If they wanted a minion, that would be in the job description.
Lesson number four: don’t rush –
our generation will be working until we’re at least 70 (unless we make our millions in our 30s). We don’t need to have our dream job five minutes after leaving university. Who knows what their dream job even is? Take risks, go abroad, try out anything and everything. Expose yourself to new things and new places.
Lesson number five: work that network – it’s all about the people
you know, and when you’re battling away with thousands of anonymous names for one place on that internship, finding a way to jump the queue is i nv a lu a b le. “ I f I g et a p er s o n a l recommendation, that person goes straight to the top of the pile.” Network, name-drop, give your email address to everyone, chase people down, don’t let someone forget about you. That’s how you’ll get in.
Lesson number six: make Pembroke count – there’s no substitute for working hard and doing well while we’re here. An Oxford education definitely looks good on a CV, but you do need to leave with a good grade too .
"work hard, play hard” Nevertheless, the most important lesson is probably 'don't sweat it' Guy from Deloitte got a B in GCSE Maths, and he's doing just fine. Most importanty, do something you enjoy, because it's what you will spend most of your life doing.
CHARITABLE CHAPS JUSTICE CLIMATIQUE On the morning of December 6
th
2015
one hundred and thirty keen environmentalists gathered in Brixton; as we fixed flags bearing messages such as ‘pedal power, not dirty power’ to the back of our bikes, our breath formed clouds in the cool morning mist. The task was to cycle to Paris and the cause was to join the Cop21 mobilizations. Two hundred miles, five days, and very l i t t l e s l e e p l ay b e f o re u s b u t t h e atmosphere was electric. Being surrounded by over a hundred others who shared your passion in a world where environmental concerns often appear marginalised was an incredible feeling.
The hills and the rain did not stop us on that first 60 mile stint, and we were further spurred on by the wonderful people of Balcombe who provided a pit-stop fit with a lunch and a conversation about fracking. Balcombe village’s pensioners have successfully resisted the efforts of large
chanting ‘nous sommes à
fracking companies to destroy the land in
justice climatique’.
search of the lucrative shale oil that was buried beneath our feet. They were inspirational, despite their unconventional dreadlocks.
Paris pour la
It was an incredible feeling, however as all protests had been banned following the Paris attacks it was not long before twenty or so police officers surrounded us, took
The next four days consisted of cycling
us off the road and detained us for twenty
through rolling French countryside,
minutes. It was clear we weren’t a threat,
evenings of yoga and lots of French wine,
and so they escorted us slightly out of the
but the climactic entrance to Paris was the
centre as we sang and chanted on.
evening that stands out in memory.
Though the cycle had ended our
Organised and orchestrated by Pembroke’s
mobilization had only just begun. The
very own Sam Dennis, 130 of us cycled up
weekend that followed held meetings,
the road toward the Arc De Triumph,
mobilizations and protests, and concluded
intending to circle it and continue down the
with a promising agreement between the
Champs Elise. While some stayed behind to
world leaders. We’ve got a long road ahead
block off the entrances to the infamously
towards climate justice, but it feels like it’s
dangerous roundabout the rest cycled on,
a journey we’ve finally begun.
Emily Qureshi-Hurst
images: Emily Qureshi-Hurst
PMB BIG-DOGS IN PICTURES - Guess the Name -
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Answers revealed on Pembroke Pointless Posts in 5th week!
2. 3.
4. by Joseph McShane (Yes, your President really does have this much free time)
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YUR-UP AND BEYOND For many of us, the vac is just a chance to go home and catch up on sleep. As this doesn't make for the most interesting page-filler, we asked around Pembroke's visiting students to see what the more adventurous got up to.
Nimarta Narang I think the way I’ve come to plan winter break trips is to travel to places that are significantly warmer and more shorts-friendly than where I spend my university years, either in Boston or Oxford. This, however, is not a difficult goal to achieve seeing as I’m based in Thailand and the temperature, in Celsius, is higher than my age. For this year’s break, the extended family and I decided to pack our bags and travel to Dubai for a week’s stay. It was as if we were living out an overly produced Bollywood saga of a dramafilled family trip but in the presence of beautiful settings and sightseeing locations such as the Burj Khalifa, the Gold souks (markets), the miracle gardens, dessert safari, and the palm islands. And as if that weren’t enough time spent together, the same crew and I headed to Hua Hin, one of the less touristy beaches in Thailand, to celebrate New Year. Nothing welcomes 2016 like a dip in the ocean- a literal cleanse for the year to come.
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image: Nimarta Narang
Julia Wu
Given this is my first time in Europe, I took the opportunity to travel during this past holiday with my friends. I started my journey in Switzerland (Zurich, Bern, Interlaken, and Lucerne) where we hiked up the Alps and were blown away by the tranquil and beautiful nature. Then we went to Salzburg, Austria to escape the cold (and the expensive Francs). After, we went to Munich, Germany where we feasted on lots of good beer (I would recommend Augustiner), sausages, sour kraut, and apple struddle. Next we travelled to Prague, Czech Republic, attended an opera in Vienna, Austria, and partied in ruin bars in Budapest, Hungary. After stopping home in America for 10 days, I couldn’t wait to get back to celebrate New Year's Eve in London. The second half of my travels was a week in Italy. The weather was beautiful and the pizza, gelato, and pasta certainly did not disappoint. We travelled to Venice, which is a quaint town with winding roads that I could spend hours exploring. In Tuscany, we went to Florence and San Gimignano, a small town surrounded completely by its original castle wall. We also went horseback riding through the Tuscany villages, followed by a marvellous home cooked three course lunch and a wine tasting session. Afterwards, we traveled to Naples and explored Pompeii, Ercalano (also known as Herculaneum), and climbed Mt. Vesuvius, which is the volcano that destroyed both those Roman cities. We ended in Rome, where the Pantheon took my breath away. Through my travels, I’ve learned that we travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.
images: Jian Xiong Lim
Jian Xiong (J.X.) Lim Going Solo One of the most amazing things about being a visiting student in Oxford is how well placed we are to explore the rest of the UK and Europe. Although spending a year in Oxford trying to finish one’s essays in time for the next tutorial is radically different from the typical American college student’s idea of “study abroad”, the sixweek long breaks between terms do offer a great window for us to do some travelling. The winter vacation was great: three trips, five countries, and nine cities later, I still cannot stop raving about how awe-inspiring each place I went to was. Standing in front of Neuschwanstein Castle, the Berlin Wall, even Da Vinci’s "The Last Supper", I began to understand a little more about why it is that we travel. What made my journey even more interesting as well was how for days at a time, I was wandering alone in a country where I spoke not a single word of their language. But there is a certain allure to being on the road alone, allowing yourself to meet new friends and get lost in a foreign land. I, for one, highly recommend it. (*Owing to unfortunate circumstances which meant that my would-be companion could not join me for a large part of our originally planned trip. Bit of a shame really.)
image: Julia Wu
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The Pink Panther Chronicles
A key feature of the Pembroke sports scene and ever-present in college promotional material, the Pink Panther has been instrumental to keeping up morale in tough times and helping celebrate the numerous wins scored by Pembroke. We got in touch with the past 5 Pink Panthers to find out their highs, their lows, and how being a mascot boosts that CV.
2011-2012
We asked each of the PPs 5 questions: 1) What was your most memorable PP event? 2) What was your worst PP moment? 3) Why did you want to be PP? 4) What is your dream team to be a mascot for? 5) Do you put PP on your CV?
Rob MacIntosh
Rob studied French and graduated in 2014. 1. My most memorable event was probably when I crashed the Teddy Hall Syndicates' dance routine one year at Summer VIIIs. I ran on, rugby tackled a 22 stone 6ft 2 blue got turned upside-down and dropped, then danced in front of them all after a few too many pints of Pimms! 2. Any time I had to put on the sodden, Isis river water soaked, never-washed costume (this was before the new costume was bought) 3. The other guy who husted rusticated...so I got it by default 4. If I weren't playing. PCRFC of course!! I once lent the costume to Sam Dennis who wore it to our Plate Final win in 2012 as I needed its support! 5. I haven't put it on my CV but I have mentioned it in a fair few interviews!
2012-2013
Mike Smith
Mike studied Maths and graduated in 2015 but is still hanging on to PMB and is doing his PGCE here. 1. Torpids 2012. Double headship, triple friendship 2. Watching helpless from the bank as M1 were bumped by Christ Church in 2012 Summer Eights 3. Honour, passion, respect. I wanted to stand for everything Pembroke and their esteemed oarspeople stand for. 4. PCBC (What more could a guy want) 5. I'm currently training to be a Maths teacher, so I usually teach particularly "boring" topics in costume to engage the little tykes.
2013-2014
Hugo Kent-Egan
4th year Chemist 1. Torpids 2013, my first and best event as Pink Panther! Pembroke M1 successfully rowed over to claim Head of the River, the boat included my senior tutor who I subsequently professed my love for on arrival back at the boat club. 2. Torpids 2013, yes it was a rollercoaster ride! Following the triumphant rendition of "We are the Champions" by the entirety of the boat club, as tradition dictates I was unceremoniously flung into the balmy, mid-February Isis (losing my favourite pink bandana in the process). Having changed into dry garms I realised that the sheer volume of Pimms consumed throughout the day had taken its toll on my bladder, finding myself a sheltered glade I proceeded to relieve myself only to slip and return to my icy companion, unable to get myself out I awoke to find myself tucked up in a hospital bed recovering from hypothermia (see right) 3. In total and utter truth I was hugely excited to hust for the position, the opportunity to slaughter "Take on Me" by A-ha in front of 100 or so strangers was too good to turn down. 4. Switzerland Davis Cup Team 5. No comment.
When there was only a budget for face paint... 8
2014-2015 Joe Fowles
3rd year E&M-er 1. Summer Eights, 2014. What a sensational afternoon - I had a jug of Pimms on Akeel Malik's battels, and I still don't think he's noticed. 2. Summer Eights, 2014. I was making my way back through Christchurch Meadow, basking in the glory of several Pembroke victories. However, my day was soon to take a turn for the worse, when I was rugby tackled by a fence. The fence came at me from nowhere - I didn't see it coming, but soon I found myself upside down; Panther costume ripped from top to bottom; my mascot career (literally) hanging by a thread. 3. The Glory. The Fame. The Outfit. 4. Pembroke Women's Football Team, feat. Jacqueline Gallo. The most skilful footballer Pembroke has ever seen. When she banged in that free-kick in the Cuppers semi-final last year, I went full on Mourinho. 5. I've heard there's a vacancy for the Gunnersaurus - hopefully my experience as Pink Panther will help me realise my dream of leading the Arsenal out at the Emirates.
and last but not least...
Absolutely trollied
2015-2016
Conor Hamilton PP on the pull
2nd year PPE-ist 1. Torpids 2015. It was my first major event as the Pink Panther and easily one of the best! The boatclub was so welcoming and it was incredibly fun to get to know the sport better. Then, as a cherry on top of a great week, M1 got the headship! 2. I was walking to the boathouse one morning and a drunk homeless person tried to steal the Pink Panther head right out of my hands. We then fought for a few minutes, elbows and legs flailing, trying to wrest it out of each other's grip until he fell over and I was able to run away! It was quite scary and not my most dignified moment. 3. To be honest, I wasn't at all sure I wanted to be Pink Panther. I had no idea what the role really entailed and if I was the right person for it. However, before I stood up it seemed like nobody else was really going for it and it would be a shame to leave it unfilled. It ultimately turned out for the best because I not only got the most incredible JCR position of them all, but also the freedom to take it in the direction I wanted it to go! 4. Arsenal. The Gunnersaurus Rex was one of the first professional football mascots and is one of the best. It'd be an honour to spend a day or two, let alone a season, in that costume! That said, the Phillie Phanatic is also a minor personal hero of mine. 5. Embarrassingly, I do put it on my CV. 3 or 4 firms have even asked about it as an opening question in interviews for internships! It seems to have paid off though, having just accepted a summer placement with one of them!
2016-2017 Lily Begg Good luck! It sounds like you need it...
Until next year... 9
If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it... College marriage - it's a serious business. If you've done it and told the world (FB) you've undoubtedly had a concerned message from a relative (or worse, your boyfriend/girlfriend) thinking your fresher's fling has gained pace incredibly quickly. It's a tough choice, you're going to have to raise little freshers together next year and you only want to do that with someone you don't detest right? We have endeavoured to find out as much as we can about as many of you "lovebirds". If you're yet to find a spouse we have two tips; patience or marry a single friend.
PEMBROKE FRESHERS TO MARRY IN TRINITY Sophie Burdge & Jack Murphy
It was Oxmas eve, festive cheer and romance were in the air. Arabic student Jack developed a cunning ploy to lure English student Sophie to the bridge by Farthing's where he was waiting surrounded by candles and down on one knee. Anyone planning to propose in the college sense or in real life should take note.
Mia Millman & Tom Critchley
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Many rogue decisions are made on the last night of term with the promise of 6 weeks holiday to ensure they will be forgotten. PPE student Mia and E&M-er Tom's engagement has lasted so far but only time will tell, especially when she claims her favourite thing about him is his econmics notes..
Anya Hutchinson & Gui Cavalcanti
Gui rocked up at Anya's door on what would seem like any other evening post informal hall. But, he carried with him a golden retriever cuddly toy, owers and some posters to execute his Love Actually style proposal. She said yes and so continues a beautiful romance that rests on a bed rock of cheesy chips from McCoys.
Meris Ryan-Goff & Callum Duff
Nothing says love is in the air like jazz and chocolate. More of a negotiation than a proposal English & French student Meris and French student Callum look like they're having fun but let's hope they have the je ne sais quoi to go all the way.
Karl Frey & Lily Begg
Taking inspiration from Hansel & Grettle. Biochemist Karl led French & Italian student Lily up the garden path to the quaint seating area outside the bachelor pad that is Staircase 18. Sam Pace and George Monk provided the backing track with a rendition of "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz (after Pembroke's Got Talent it's surprising she said yes). The night was topped off with a glass of champagne - what a keeper.
Jack Woollett & Laura Hindley
Engineering student Jack made his proposal to Biology student Laura a group affair making sure all of their friends had a role; Karl on the ukulele, Matt & Johnny on the champagne and all of Laura's friends hiding in her room just to "up the cringe factor". Resembling a wedding with everyone in black tie, the pre union ball shenanigans were memorable to say the least. Jack's favourite thing about Laura is that she will always mess up more than him on a night out, what a lovely couple.
Katie Monks & Sam Pace
The UV paint had barely faded from fresher's week when this pair decided to seal the deal. A Tuesday night at Lola's was the setting of choice and can you think of a better place to get engaged than the danceoor of such an Oxford landmark? Well Biologist Katie clearly could because she demanded Medic Sam to propose properly and so he did, with a Haribo ring... worth a try Katie!
Matt Terry & Lucy Helfgott
Our only Hilary engagement, Law student Matt was clearly sure about proposing to Experimental Psychology student Lucy. Matt took Lucy by surprise in her room dressed to the nines in black tie with a classic bunch of red roses, simple yet effective.
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What's your favourite past time? A. Travelling, I'm a citizen of the world B. Netflix and chill (but actually chilling) C. Going to the pub D. Gym and using my nutribullet
How do you keep in shape? A. Hiking across the foothills of mount Tibidabo B. Quick jog around Christ Church, I'm not that inventive C. Pumping iron of course D. Yoga, spin, water aerobics, zumba, step...
What's your dream job? A. Air hostess B. I don't know so probably something bland like consultancy C. Farmer D. I'd love to set up my own Yoga retreat in Bali
Who's your icon? A. Christopher Columbus B. Ed Milliband C. Danny Dyer D. Deliciously Ella
MOSTLY A'S, you are Greek/Indian/Chinese/ Mexican Night
MOSTLY B'S, you are "generic mushroom meal"
MOSTLY C's, you are Carvery
Whether it's lamb mousaka or chicken jalfrezi there's not an exotic dish you haven't tried, you pride yourself on having a deep understanding of all other cultures based on the various souvenirs you've picked up at markets, you definitely did a gap year and are probably planning another few after uni.
Like the grey and tasteless mushroom your personality is somewhat absent, and you tend to leave a nauseating aftertaste. It's not that you're offensive but no one's terribly fond of you.
You are classic, British through and through. You call home a lot and probably sleep next to a picture of your dog.
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QUIZ: WHICH HALL FOOD ARE YOU?
MOSTLY D'S, you are 'Salad Bar'
You refuse to eat carbs, drink smoothies that look like pond weed and were on the verge of an existential crisis when LA fitness said it was shutting down. Your clean living might be fun but no one cares so pipe down.