Page 24 - Old Ratcliffian Magazine 2017

24 RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION COUNCIL

CAREERS & MENTORING: A CASE STUDY

One of the aims of the Association is
to help its members to network and
communicate with each other, initially
through its website, providing valuable
career advice and mentoring potential.
Below is John Ward’s (00) story of how
fellow OR Paul Morris (74) offered him a
life-changing internship many years ago.

“After leaving Ratcliffe in the Class of
2000, I made the pilgrimage north up
to Newcastle to undertake a degree
in International Business Studies with John Ward (00) (far left) at the Paul Morris Centre, circa 2009
Italian. When I graduated in 2005, the
time came to apply for a job. Rejections came thick and fast, for a graduate corporate banker with Allied Irish Banks in
and my self-belief was starting to waver. I suppose, in a field Birmingham, reporting to another OR, Paul Morris (74). Despite
of thousands of graduates, it’s hard to stand out! Eventually, my distinct lack of banking experience, and for reasons only
though, I got a bite from a small telecoms company in Reading know to himself, Paul answered my application. We met up and
and, with a lack of alternatives, I jumped at the role and relocated clicked immediately. I laid out my case with what must have been
there. The whole thing was a disaster, and two weeks later, I some conviction, and Paul set some very stern ground rules
resigned and retreated back to my parents’ house in Gaddesby about what he expected. With that, I was sold, and I started a
with my tail between my legs. couple of weeks later. We had plenty of fun times together, and
Paul provided support, coaching, discipline and empowerment in
Far from being panicked, the experience was actually liberating, spades. I started off as the pimply office graduate and finished a
and it taught me that I needed to find a role that I really believed fully-fledged banker. Along the way, we created memories that I
in. Luckily, I wasn’t at a loose end for long, as my former will treasure forever.
classmate, Dominic Howkins (00), sent me a job advertisement
The move to Birmingham also resulted in me meeting my future
wife - an Aussie and my true soulmate, no less. The skills that I
learnt, plus the connections created by joining AIB and through
Paul, got me connected with National Australia Bank, and after a
whirlwind round of interviews, a new life in Australia beckoned.
Seven-and-a-half years, a marriage and two children later,
Sydney has been kind, and the adventure continues! I will never
forget the day I answered that job advert, and if this sounds like
it could be you, then you should also consider answering the
call!”

John Ward (00)

Do you want to have the same opportunity? Paul Morris is looking
for a new graduate:

CORPORATE BANKING GRADUATE OFFICER

Salary £21,000. Based in Birmingham.

We are looking for a numerate graduate with a 2:1 degree from
a Russell Group University. Any discipline will be acceptable,
but preferably Accountancy or Mathematics. All training will
be given, and candidates will be expected to undertake CIMA
examinations. The job is immediate.

The position is offered by a large UK bank which has a
substantial footprint in corporate banking in the UK, and by
an Old Ratcliffian who is keen to offer the role to a fellow OR.

All candidates should apply to Paul Morris at:
paul.morris@aib.ie

Register online for our new website: www.ratcliffianassociation.co.uk

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