Meaningful Opportunities with Dom Gilchrist CO09

Dom Gilchrist CO09 recently gave an insightful talk about working in the Civil Service as part of the Truro School Connected careers programme.

He talked about his journey, from his School days to his position as Head of Behaviour, Exclusions, and School Food at the Department for Education and offered valuable advice for students considering their futures.

Dom attended Truro School from 2002 to 2009, where he completed his A Levels in History, Economics, and English Literature. His academic interests led him to Oxford University, where he studied history and politics. However, Dom’s journey to Oxford wasn’t without its bumps. He initially applied for the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) course but faced rejection from there and all other uni choices. Dom explained how this setback proved to be a blessing in disguise, as it allowed him time to reconsider his options and ultimately, he reapplied with greater clarity.

He advised students to take the time to reflect on their interests and career goals before making decisions about university and courses. His personal experience highlighted the importance of being sure about what you enjoy studying.

During the talk, Dom offered guidance on subject choices for A Levels. He emphasised the value of studying particular subjects, which provide a strong foundation for a wide range of careers. He noted that he has seen first hand how crucial it is in a variety of fields.

Dom spoke about his academic and personal time at Oxford University, discussing the unique atmosphere of the institution, how he chose his College, how the College experience shaped his worldview and prepared him for the world of work that awaited him after graduation. He elaborated on journey into the Civil Service through the highly competitive Civil Service Graduate Scheme. He spoke about the experience of applying to and being accepted into the programme, which provided him with a broad range of opportunities to gain skills and knowledge in government work.

The talk was both informative and inspiring, offering a candid look into the world of the Civil Service. His journey demonstrates that careers in government are not only diverse but also provide the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on society. By working in the public sector, civil servants like Dom have the chance to solve significant challenges and shape the future of the country.