Did you know studying at college can lead to an amazing career?
Here at Richard Taunton Sixth Form College, we are always keen to hear from its former students. Recently we sat down with a former student who now teaches economics at the prestigious University of York.
John Evemy studied history, religious studies, maths and economics at Richard Taunton, (then known as Taunton’s back in the late 2000s). With a curious mind, he set out on a journey through education, going from student to teacher…
College: “So, John what were your aspirations back then at college?”
John: “I don’t really think I had any major aspirations when I was at college. I knew I wanted to do something vaguely related to politics or policy making. Maybe work for the civil service. Maybe be a teacher….”
College: “How would you describe those years at college?”
John: “It was a really good transitional phase. It was really quite refreshing to progress away from that secondary school mindset, both socially and intellectually. It was a really good bridge to the university mindset.”
College: “What did you do straight after Richard Taunton?”
John: “I worked at a hospital for a year, that was a strange gap year…. But then I went to the University of York, to study a degree in Economics and Politics. After that I went on to do a masters in political economy at the University of Manchester. Followed by a brief stint as a data and performance manager before starting my PhD at the University of Birmingham on the political economy of central banking.”
College: “When did you decide on what you wanted to do?”
John: “I don’t think I ever did, if I’m honest. I just did things that I thought would be interesting. I think what’s tended to happen is that I have been fortunately presented with exciting opportunities and I’ve just said yes.”
College: “So why did you just say yes to the opportunities?”
John: “I found them exciting. I thought I would enjoy doing them, that they were opportunities to grow and that I would develop.”
College: “What’s it been like working in jobs that aren’t that secure”’
John: “So there have been times where that has been really difficult, where covering rent has not been easy. For example when I finished my PhD and I had a year in the wilderness. I didn’t have a permanent job and I had to work four different contracts at three different departments at two different universities. So basically I lived on trains with a USB stick to teach whatever class needed to be taught, because I needed to pay rent.”
College: “And how have you found leaving friends and family when you have moved across the country for work?”
John: “I’ve been able to keep in touch with most of my friends. The internet’s an amazing thing, being able to have a quick online chat then meeting up once or twice a year. The family thing has been harder: going from seeing somebody every day to then seeing them like twice a year.”
College: “What’s been the best moment in your career?
John: “Finishing my PhD. That’s just massive. And I’d say I am approaching another with finishing my current research project.”
College: “And, just finally, if you could go back in time and say anything to your 17-year-old self?”
John: “Work harder now. It’ll make life easier later”.
