This week, St. Catherine’s welcomed back members of its alumni community and professionals from a range of industries to engage Upper School students in meaningful conversations about life beyond school. Through two dynamic careers events students had the opportunity to hear first-hand experiences about university life, explore different professional pathways, and gain valuable insight into the expectations of the working world. 

Bringing together alumni, industry professionals, and students, the events offered valuable real-world insight into academic choices, career journeys, and recruitment expectations - demonstrating the strength of the St. Catherine’s community and the powerful role alumni can play in guiding the next generation. 

Alumni Return to Inspire Year 11 Students 

On Tuesday 3 March, St. Catherine’s alumni returned to campus, digitally and in-person, to meet with Year 11 students in their classrooms, sharing their personal journeys since leaving school and offering practical advice on navigating the IB Diploma Programme and university life. 

Leading class conversations, alumni spoke about their fields of study, the challenges and rewards of the IB, and the experiences that shaped their academic and professional paths. Students were eager to ask questions, gaining reassurance and valuable insights from those who had once been in their position. 

Among the alumni who joined the discussions were Dimitra Kakkava (Class of 2022,  Università degli studi di Firenze), Danai Charlaftis (Class of 2022, University of Toronto), Greg Vagionitis (Class of 2020,  University of Exeter), George Roupas (Class of 2020, University of Oxford), Dioni Ellinikaki (Class of 2020, University of Cambridge), Lenya Singer (Class of 2020, Boston College), Niki Pilitsis (Class of 2020, School of Oriental and African Studies), George Pavlakis (Class of 2020, Princeton University), and Fonie Mitsopoulos (Class of 2019, University of Oxford). 

Their willingness to return and share their experiences created meaningful dialogue and reminded students that the St. Catherine’s journey continues long after graduation. 

Recruitment Readiness Careers Fair for Year 12 

The following day, on Wednesday 4 March, Year 12 students took part in a Recruitment Readiness Careers Fair, shortly after completing their CVs during the half-term break. 

The event provided an opportunity for students to speak directly with professionals about how different industries evaluate CVs and what employers look for during the recruitment process. Students asked practical questions, received valuable feedback, and gained insight into the expectations of the professional world. 

The Futures Team is guided by the belief that preparing students for life beyond school means nurturing both ambition and practical skills. Activities such as CV development workshops and conversations with professionals help students build confidence, understand workplace expectations, and begin exploring the transition from education to the professional world. 

Professionals representing a wide range of industries generously shared their expertise, including representatives from Papapolitis & Papapolitis Law Firm, Hellas Direct, Neurosoft, Pieris Architects, Halcyon Equity Partners, Couch Heroes, Five Oceans Shipping Management, Lilly Pharmaserve, and Capital Yachting. 

Several of these professionals were also St. Catherine’s alumni, including Petros Marselos, Selini Popp, Vardis Vardinoyiannis, and Panagos Lemos, who returned to support current students by sharing their professional journeys and insights. 

A Community That Gives Back 

Events such as these highlight the strength of the St. Catherine’s community and the importance of strong connections between current students and alumni. 

Deborah Eleftheriou, Head of Alumni Relations, reflected on the value of these relationships: 

“Our alumni community is a very special part of St Catherine’s. When graduates return to share their experiences and insights, they help our students see what is possible beyond school. It is wonderful to see alumni giving back in this way, ensuring that today’s students benefit from the guidance and perspective of those who once sat in the same classrooms."

The school extends its sincere thanks to all alumni and industry professionals who generously gave their time to support these events. 

The week reflected the Futures Team’s ongoing commitment to facilitating students to explore their ambitions, develop practical skills, and consider the many pathways open to them beyond school.