When should career planning begin?
At Harrow Shanghai, we believe there’s no time like the present. In a Careers Day event, we welcomed eight parent speakers from key industries, including healthcare, law, finance, and pharmaceuticals—who offered students in Year 9 to Year 13 a unique blend of industry insight and hands-on challenges. Through this immersive learning experience, students gained a deeper understanding of what lies at the heart of each profession. It turns out, the gap between school and the world of work might be just one meaningful conversation.
Jessica Gong (University Counsellor)
“Our goal is to inspire students to explore new career possibilities and develop a clearer sense of their own interests and aspirations. This experience will also help them make more informed decisions about their university courses and future career paths.”
Doctor (Cardiology): Students explored how cardiologists diagnose and manage hypertension. They even had the chance to practice measuring blood pressure, offering a glimpse into the precision and care required in the medical field.
Fashion Design & Management: Students tackled market adaptation in fashion sales, designed outfits for iconic figures, and debated ethical dilemmas in supplier negotiations, simulating the decision-making challenges faced by fashion executives.
Human Resources: Through a mock interview challenge, students practiced answering tough questions and learned how to make career choices.
Lawyer: Budding legal minds analysed a real-world legal case, debated key arguments, and presented their conclusions, testing their critical thinking and persuasive skills.
Marketing: Students became marketing strategists, creating a campaign to boost Australian tourism, sharpening their creativity and strategic planning abilities.
Pharmaceutical Industry (Biologist & Chemist): Participants worked as part of a drug development team, collaborating on the creation of a new pharmaceutical product, mirroring the teamwork and scientific problem-solving of the industry.
Quantitative Investment: During a stock trading challenge, students analysed market trends and made investment decisions in a fast-paced simulation, offering them a taste of the finance world.
Supply Chain Management: Students explored the complex logistics behind luxury fashion and beauty brands, tackling real-world challenges in sourcing, distribution, and operations management.
Mrs Qiu (Senior Executive in the Biopharmaceutical Industry)
As a senior executive in the biopharmaceutical industry, Mrs Qiu offered students valuable insights into the field:
“The pharmaceutical industry may not be a ‘fast track’, but it is certainly a path of value. Traditional sectors like ours often have longer growth cycles and demand perseverance from those who are truly passionate. Yet, with time, that perseverance will be richly rewarded.”
Mr Liu (Prominent Professional in the Financial Sector)
Mr Liu, a prominent professional in the financial sector, was deeply moved by the students’ enthusiasm:
“During the investment session, I could genuinely feel the students’ passion for the subject. After the sharing session, many of them reflected on their future career paths and subject choices. Several students had in-depth conversations with me about their university aspirations—it was clear how deeply engaged and curious they were.”
The Harrow University Guidance Pathway-From Exploration to Excellence
Our recent Careers Day is just one part of Harrow Shanghai’s comprehensive university and careers guidance programme. Designed for students from Years 6 to 13, our structured pathway supports their growth:
Global Exposure
Top UK and US universities tour, international university fairs, and hands-on career experiences
Academic Strategy
Expert guidance on IGCSE, A Level and AP subject selection, along with tailored support for personal statements and essays.
Practical Skills Development
Mock interviews led by mentors from Harrow UK and Oxbridge alumni.
Personalised Support
Regular one-to-one university counselling throughout the year, with bespoke planning to suit each student’s goals.
