For our Alumna of the Month interview, we spoke to Jane Hutchins, Director of Cambridge Science Park.
Jane joined Bromley High School in Reception in 1968 and left in 1982, after studying A level Geography, English Literature and Maths. She read Economics and Geography (BA Joint Honours) at the University of Portsmouth.
Please can you briefly describe your current role?
Science parks provide the built environments and innovation ecosystems within which STEM businesses grow and thrive. As Director of Europe’s original and leading science park, I am responsible for advocating on behalf of our dynamic community of companies from start-ups to global players, as well as delivering the programme of new investment for future growth led by Trinity College Cambridge. It’s exhilarating and fascinating, operating within the so-called “Cambridge Phenomenon”.
How did Bromley High School help shape your future career?
Bromley High armed me with a toolkit of soft skills that has proved invaluable. The ability to listen, analyse and debate; to speak clearly to audiences of all sizes; to work a room with confidence. Also, to build relationships with people from diverse backgrounds and to learn from their experiences. Most importantly, the school equipped me with the confidence to question, to try new things and to make a fool of myself.
What aspects of Bromley High School did you most enjoy, and find most rewarding?
My most rewarding moments all came from the performing arts. I sang alto in the small school choir but my best musical memory was performing in the Royal Festival Hall with the Ernest Reed Schools Choir: a large multi-school choir, where I was unleashed to sing top soprano. Awesome!
What is your favourite memory of being at Bromley High School?
My favourite memory is practising Rachmaninov’s C Sharp Minor Prelude on the concert grand piano in the main hall ahead of a concert; one of my friends said I was making so much noise she thought I was playing an organ.
What value do you get out of your connections with your fellow alumnae?
Interestingly, my appreciation of these connections has increased with time. We have gone on to follow a wide range of careers and interests but share a common history that is felt deeply. I have recently made an effort to reconnect with my year group – most of us had lost touch over the years. This has truly enriched my personal and professional life (and sent WhatsApp notifications off the scale).
How have you benefited from being part of the wider GDST community?
It’s quite hard to articulate in a short space, but recognising GDST alumnae accelerates relationship building. It’s like a code: we know what we’re dealing with because we share key values. I have found the network valuable for inspiration and contacts. It is also rewarding to help other women form their careers, especially when they are first setting off after completing their formal education.