Mrs Allen (Careers Administrator)

Alumna Jenni Penrose (nee Akers) joined us in The Bridge this week to talk about her experiences since leaving DAHS in 2008. Jenni studied for a degree in Meteorology at the University of Reading & the University of Oklahoma (USA), before moving to work as a Marine Meteorologist in Singapore. Whilst there, she worked with the UN Women’s Committee to encourage girls to take STEMM subjects in school. She now works as a Civil Servant in London for the Government Office for Science, working in the interface between science and policy.

Jenni shared her passion for STEMM education with the girls and talked about the importance of challenging themselves, taking opportunities and not being afraid of changing path or your mind. She also inspired with her tales of resilience, despite the obstacles you might face, they are seen as an opportunity to explore alternative options.

Jenny Ecart (Lower Sixth) said: “What I gained from the lecture was an in depth understanding of what being involved in Civil Service entails. I really enjoyed how she explained what led her to where she is now and what life skills she gained from her experiences.”

Hasmitha Malepati (Lower Sixth) added: “The session taught us the importance of leadership as well as giving us an insight to jobs within the Civil Service. I was interested by the fact that it is possible to change your career at any point and enjoyed Jenni’s description of how she gained a job abroad and the skills it led her to learn. Additionally, the STEMM trip to Antarctica was a very exciting experience to listen to and has encouraged me to look more into the STEMM field.”

In November 2020, Jenni will be embarking on a trip to Antarctica with 80 other women from across the globe, as part of a global leadership programme for women working in STEMM (Science Technology Engineering Maths Medicine) fields, with the Homeward Bound (HB5) 2020 programme. Read more here.