For our Alumna of the Month interview, we spoke to Sophie Jamieson, Solicitor.
Sophie joined Bromley High School in 1998 and left in 2009, after studying A-level English, History, Politics. She read English at Oxford University.
Please can you briefly describe your current role?
I am a solicitor, specialising in employment law. I advise both employers and employees, including handling disputes in the Employment Tribunal and High Court. I also carry out sensitive workplace investigations. I began my legal career in my late twenties having previously been a journalist at a national paper and have no regrets about making the change. Employment law is the job I never knew I wanted – I love the human stories, the intellectual challenge and the pace of change as politicians try to catch up with the labour market.
How did Bromley High School help shape your future career?
Bromley High prepared me for the world of work in a few important ways: firstly, helping me to get the grades I needed to earn my place at university and make my CV the best it could be. Secondly, the extra-curricular activities I did at Bromley High helped with some of the “soft skills” you need at work – doing music and drama at school were great for confidence, teamwork and leadership skills. Finally, the friends I made at school continue to offer me help, guidance and motivation in my career – they are a huge support and inspiration to me.
What aspects of Bromley High School did you most enjoy, and find most rewarding?
I was (and still am) a massive geek and really enjoyed learning, especially studying literature. My English teachers encouraged me to pursue my interests and really pushed me, for which I’m so grateful. Sixth Form was the time I most enjoyed at school. I loved the independence we were given and the ability to take new subjects, which for me meant studying politics A-level and being able to debate current affairs in the classroom.
What is your favourite memory of being at Bromley High School?
There are so many. A highlight has to be the 125th birthday celebrations at the Royal Albert Hall. It was a once in a lifetime experience to be able to perform at such an iconic location. I also loved the annual carol services, school musicals and choir performances at Southwark Cathedral.
What value do you get out of your connections with your fellow alumnae?
I made some close friends for life at Bromley High across different year groups. Strangely quite a few of us have gone on to become lawyers and it’s great to share experiences with one another. I’m really proud of my school friends for the successful careers and happy lives they have gone on to have.
How have you benefited from being part of the wider GDST community?
I’ve definitely benefited from connections and opportunities available to me as a Bromley High alumna. I also think it’s important as alumnae that we don’t just take advantage of the networks we benefit from in having attended a GDST school, but that we pay it forward. I try to do that by running an legal careers outreach programme for schools in the least socially mobile parts of the country. It is one of the most rewarding parts of my job and I’d love to talk to Bromley High alumnae who are doing or want to do similar initiatives in their workplaces.