Summary

In this episode, Dr Rachel Fentem shares her journey from being a student at Sir William Perkins’s School to becoming a diplomat and soon-to-be ambassador. She reflects on her various roles within the UK government, the impact of her education in classics on her professional development, and the vital role of cultural understanding in diplomacy. Rachel underscores the importance of pursuing one’s passion and offers thoughtful advice to students about discovering purpose in unexpected places.

Takeaways

• Rachel’s career path was shaped by her early interest in diplomacy.
• Her education in classics provided critical thinking skills essential to her role.
• Cultural understanding is fundamental in international relations.
• Becoming an ambassador is both a great honour and a significant responsibility.
• Rachel highlights the importance of passion when making career choices.
• She encourages students to embrace non-linear and unexpected career paths.
• Inspirational teachers can leave a lasting impact on students’ lives.
• Language skills are crucial for success in diplomacy and global engagement.
• Her experiences in Japan and Germany underscore key cultural differences.
• It’s never too late to pursue personal passions, such as music and dance.

Links

www.swps.org.uk