Claire Young
Entrepreneur, writer, media personality, passion for enterprise! Founder of TeenBiz UK’S first start up scheme for under18s, Founder School Speakers and Director Girls Out Loud. www.schoolspeakers.co.uk, www.girlsoutloud.org.uk, www.teenbiz.org.uk
Q. Your name?
Claire Young
Q. Your school?
Wakefield Girls’ High School
Q. Your current occupation?
Entrepreneur, Speaker, Writer, Media (Apprentice Finalist 2008)
Q. Your favourite subject at school?
Chemistry
Q. Your best and worst memory of your school days?
Worst – never winning a prize, even though I worked really hard and gained good grades.
Best – Sixth form – being old enough to appreciate my friends, learning and looking forward to exciting things on the horizon.
Q. What or who inspired you to follow your career?
I had three very strong female role models growing up; my Mother, Pat Langham my Headmistress and Oprah Winfrey who I used to watch after school. These women inspired me to have the confidence to be myself, set my own benchmark and have the aspiration to go for it! Plus all of them speak very well and look good – generally if you look the business people think you are the business!
Q. If you could turn back the clock would you do anything differently?
No, everything happens for a reason and I’ve learnt from my mistakes.
Q. Any advice for parents choosing a school for their daughter?
Choose a school that suits your child’s personality, you can’t force them to be something they’re not. Go for a school which is well rounded so you leave with more than qualifications. Wakefield Girls’ High School not only was acedmic strong but it taught us important life skills such as publick speaking, leadership, working as a team – the list goes on!
Q. Any advice for girls planning their university and/or career choices?
Research research research! Knowledge is power and make your decision with all the information possible. I believe success does really come down to choice. Do as much work experience as possible to find out what you like and more importantly what you don’t enjoy doing. Study something which you’re really passionate about and love. Don’t go with the normal; if university isn’t what you want to do be brave and step away. Please don’t be a sheep and follow the crowd, we’re individuals.
Q. Any other comments you would like to make?
Wakefield Girls’ High School was an amazing school and I’m very thankful to Mrs Langham & her team for instilling confidence, values & a positive attitude which have helped me succeed post education. There is no doubt that I would not be where I am today without the grounding platform of my school. Education is like underwear to an outfit – it provides the platform for you to radiate from.
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