During the Easter break, 12 Lower Sixth students took part in the German leg of the Düsseldorf work experience exchange. Having specified their areas of interest beforehand, the students enjoyed a wide variety of work experience, including placements at Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC), Deutsche Bank, leading Düsseldorf law firms, a publisher, a private equity firm, a dental clinic, a 5-star hotel, a car dealership and workshop and working with the Mayor at the local town hall.
During the week Ms Hanlon and Miss Marsden visited each place of work to meet with the students and their employers and were delighted to hear what a fantastic impression the students were making with their colleagues, both in terms of engagement in the work and their German language skills.
Without exception, every employer spoke highly of the student’s commitment and enthusiastic approach to work and felt that, as employers, had benefited as much from their week together as the students themselves. The German host families were equally delighted with the student’s excellent language skills and how readily they integrated into German family life, adopting the culture whole-heartedly.
This year marks an astounding celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Düsseldorf work experience exchange and we were delighted to be interviewed by a journalist at the end of our week and have our exchange feature in a prominent newspaper article in the Rheinische Post. The programme continues to provide a unique opportunity for students to get a meaningful insight into the world of work, whilst also playing an important role in nurturing the global outlook for which our Schools are renowned.
