Maggie Reid – External Speaker Talk
Students at St Mary’s and Emmanuel enjoyed an informative presentation by Maggie Reid, independent Human Resources (HR) contractor, about careers in HR. After graduating in Modern Languages, Maggie worked for charity organisations in Africa.
She has a wealth of experience in HR, having worked for the University of Greenwich implementing large-scale pay review projects and, more recently, as an independent contractor for the professional body, The Law Society.

Maggie spoke about there being many subjects at Sixth Form and degree level, which can open up a career in HR including English, History, Modern Languages and social sciences like Psychology, Sociology and Business. She emphasised that certain skills were important for the role. Practitioners need to be good communicators with strong interpersonal skills, willing to work in a team and be organised. HR professionals may find themselves in conflict resolution and advocacy roles, which requires confidence and attention to detail. Others may find themselves in a training role, both in-house or externally, or managing corporate change or transformation projects. In essence, there are many different aspects to HR so it is a career offering variety.
In terms of advice, Maggie urged students to take up as many opportunities as possible within and outside their current programme of study, to gain experience and develop transferable skills.
Maggie is also currently supporting the College in a voluntary role as a member of our Partnership Advisory Board.
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Tony ST MARY'S Grades achieved: A*A*BA Progressed to: Oxford University Course: A Level Maths, Physics, Fine Art and Further Maths
“CTK has always encouraged me to aim high, which has led me to apply to the University of Oxford and I am so pleased to begin my studies there. ”
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Ella Mae ST MARY'S Grades achieved: A A B A Progressed to: University of Sheffield Course: A Level Law Level Psychology A Level Sociology Extended Project
“What I enjoyed about CTK was meeting students from different backgrounds and sharing a desire to succeed. As an Advanced Graduate Programme student, I was given the motivation and confidence to work to the best of my ability. ”
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Chief ST MARY'S Grades achieved: BBB Progressed to: Queen Mary University Course: A Level Maths, Physics and Chemistry
“I really enjoyed my learning at CTK as lessons were relevant, engaging and challenging, whilst cultivating a warm, dynamic atmosphere.”
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Precious ST MARY'S Grades achieved: D*D*D* Progressed to: City University of London Course: BTEC Level 3 Health and Social Care
“Studying BTEC Health gave me the best opportunity to realise my dream. I’m incredibly appreciative of all the support and assistance I received throughout my course. From the beginning, the staff recognised my ability and didn’t give up on me.”
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Oluwafoluhanmi ST MARY'S Progressed to: University of Hertfordshire Course: A Level Biology, Chemistry and PE
“Although studying A Levels can be challenging, my teachers make my lessons enjoyable and easier to understand. The teachers at CTK are really friendly and are more than happy to help. I hope to go on to study Physiotherapy at University.”
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