Former Pupil I
Attended Oldmachar Academy: 1990 - 1996
Subjects studied at Oldmachar: Physics, Maths, Spanish
He wanted to be a mechanic, but moved to sales and marketing.
He is currently an owner of a catering business.
His advice for current Oldmachar pupils planning for their future career: “Find something you have passion for. Life will become a little more enjoyable.”
Former Pupil J
Attended Oldmachar Academy: 1990 - 1997
Subjects studied at Oldmachar: English, Modern Studies, Chemistry, Biology, French, Computing, Maths
After leaving school he studied an HND Journalism at Aberdeen College (2 years).
He wanted to be a journalist. He got work experience at the Herald & Post and Press & Journal (unpaid) before landing his first full-time job at a weekly newspaper. He went on to work in newspapers and television.
He is currently head of communications for the UK business of a global oil and gas company.
His advice for current Oldmachar pupils planning for their future career: “Think about your skills and how you’d like to use them, rather than focusing on specific job titles. Talk to people who work in the roles or industries you think you’d like to join and find out what it’s like. Ideally, get some work experience and find out for yourself!”
Former Pupil K
Attended Oldmachar Academy: 1991 - 1993
Subjects studied at Oldmachar: Maths, English, Secretarial Studies
After school she completed an HND Business Administration followed by a BA (Hons) Business Studies at RGU.
When she was at school she didn't know what type of job/career she wanted yet - she just wanted to leave, get a job and earn her own money. When she was at school she completed typing exams and temping at an agency.
She now works as an HR manager in the oil and gas industry (although she is currently taking a break while she lives overseas for her husband’s career).
Her advice for current Oldmachar pupils planning for their future career: “There are more choices out there than you can imagine, so focus on what you enjoy and choose subjects that will keep your options open if you are not yet clear on what you want to do. I didn't know until I was almost finished university. Do some volunteering in parents’/their friends’ work places. Look at job adverts on Internet sites and see what jobs are out there, read the descriptions and see what qualifications are required for jobs that interest you. Go and find people in similar roles and ask them about it, ask if you can shadow them for a day.”
Former Pupil L
Attended Oldmachar: 1991 - 1997
Subjects studied at Oldmachar: Maths, English, French, Physics, Biology, Art and Design, Modern Studies
After leaving school she completed a BA (Hons) at Grays School of Art. Initially her specialist subject was Graphic Design but she changed to Textile Design.
Her initial career plans were to work as a graphic designer or an animator. Now she is working as a self-employed newborn baby and child photographer.
Her advice for current Oldmachar pupils planning for their future career: “Whatever it is you are thinking of doing make sure it's something you love and you could imagine yourself doing years down the line. Don't be afraid to take a risk it's better to have tried something that maybe doesn't work out than to not try at all. I was so nervous about starting my own business but I'm really glad I did.”
Former Pupil L
Attended Oldmachar Academy: 1992 - 1998
Subjects studied at Oldmachar: Maths, English, French, Modern Studies, Physics, Graphic Communication, Computing Studies
She attended the University of Aberdeen and completed a BSc in Chemistry. She had always planned to work in the field of Science and is now a project manager (Nurofen) with RB.
Her advice for current Oldmachar pupils planning for their future career: “There are lots of jobs out there that you've never even heard of. If you wonder how you get to work in a particular field, find out. Stay open to possibilities beyond the subjects you study at school.”
Former Pupil M
Attended Oldmachar Academy: 1992 - 1998
Subjects studied at Oldmachar Academy: Maths, English, Chemistry, Biology, Art, French, Modern Studies, Human Biology, Physics, Art, CSYS Biology
She wanted to become a biology teacher. She went to university to study biochemistry. After her undergraduate degree Lindsay studied for a PhD in Molecular Biology and embarked on a career in research. She still had teaching in my mind and quickly made the choice to teach. She is dual qualified to teach both biology and chemistry, and is currently a chemistry teacher.
Her advice for current Oldmachar pupils planning for their future career: “Do what you enjoy. Going to university or college isn't for everyone. Apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity to consider. Indeed, I often think that if I had my time again, I might have looked for an apprenticeship. If you're not sure, take some time out in employment to think about it.”
Former Pupil N
Attended Oldmachar Academy: 1997 - 2003
Subjects studied at Oldmachar: English, German, Maths, Geography, Art, Chemistry, Biology
She attended Robert Gordon university and completed a Masters in Pharmacy. She now works as a community pharmacist.
Her advice for current Oldmachar pupils planning for their future career: “Choose a career in an area that interests you the most, you are much more likely to achieve better results and have job satisfaction.”
Former Pupil O
Attended Oldmachar Academy: 1997 - 2003
Subjects studied at Oldmachar: English, Maths, French, Biology, History, Art and Administration
She studied at Aberdeen University BEd (Hons) Primary and is currently a teacher at a special needs school.
Her advice for current Oldmachar pupils planning for their future career: “Believe in yourself!”
Former Pupil P
Attended Oldmachar Academy:1997 - 2003
Subjects studied at Oldmachar: English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Computing, Geography, French
He attended the University of Aberdeen and studied Medicine. He is currently working as a consultant in anaesthetics and intensive care medicine.
He had initially thought about working as a chemical engineer or industrial pharmacist.
His advice for current Oldmachar pupils planning for their future career: “Follow a career that you are interested in and don't feel pressured into choosing something too early. I know many people in Medicine who have come from different backgrounds, be it from school, after another degree or after working in another field.”
Former Pupil Q
Attended Oldmachar Academy: 1999 - 2005
Subjects studied at Oldmachar: Art, Maths, English, Chemistry, Accounts and Finance, Music
She wasn’t sure what she wanted to do at school but her favourite subject was Art.
She chose to go to university to study architecture.
Her work experience in S3 was as a music teacher, and she is a teacher now.
She studied Architecture at RGU, then a Post Grad in Education at Aberdeen University.
She changed course while in further education she dropped Architecture after 4 years and went to study Education.
She is a D&T teacher, and is still studying to teach Art too.
She would advise current Oldmachar pupils who are thinking about planning for their future career: “Do what you enjoy, not what you think will pay well!”