Icenian Interview – Nick Osborne 

 

What year did you begin and leave Langley? 

I started at Langley in 2012 in Year 9 having just left Town Close House. I left Langley in 2017 after finishing my A-Levels. 

 

If applicable, which A-Levels did you gain? 

I finished Langley with A-Levels in Chemistry, Physics and Maths. 

 

During your time at Langley, did you know what career you wanted to pursue? 

Initially, I was uncertain of what I wanted to pursue with the only consideration being that I wanted to study a STEM subject at university or if that did not suit me I was planning on joining the army. During my time doing A-Levels, I felt a pull toward teaching but ultimately decided that continuing with Chemistry at university would expand my horizons and give me a better perspective before finding a direction to follow.  

 

Which co-curricular activities were you involved in and have they been useful, for example helping with transferable skills? 

The main co-curricular activities I was involved in would be the Langley School CCF and first-aid. Both have been incredibly useful as a means of improving my confidence and gaining confidence working both as a team and independently.  

 

Have these activities helped you since school, for example via transferable skills? 

Following on from the previous question, my experience in the CCF and specifically the external training camps I attended have helped me in my professional life to be a good team player who is able to convey their ideas confidently and concisely. 

 

If you went, what did you study at university?  

I studied Chemistry at university. 

 

If you’re working, how did your career begin? 

I am currently working as a DPRU analyst at Arden & GEM CSU. I heard about the position through friends and was successful after scoring highly in the assessments and passing both interviews. 

 

So far, what have been your post-school highlights (in your career, onwards studies, family, travel etc.)? 

The highlights over the past few years have been living independently for the 4 years I studied at Cardiff University, finding the job that I am currently in and hearing the great feedback regarding the work I am doing. 

 

On reflection, did your time at Langley help your attitude towards career choices and progression? 

While Langley did not steer me in the current direction I am taking in my professional life, due to it being a recent decision, Langley did give me the confidence to take the risks and leaps of faith required to be where I am today. 

 

What advice you would give to students considering Langley, their A-Levels or careers? 

The advice that I would give to any Langley student thinking about their future is that while the decisions you are making now are important, you are not locking yourself into any chosen path. Making any choice regarding further education is always a daunting one that feels like you don’t have the time to make up your mindfully. However, the choices you make now do not dictate the rest of your life, use the opportunities you have in front of you to learn and gain a better perspective so that you can be confident in making the right choices further on down the line. 

 

Your fondest memory of Langley? 

 No matter how many years pass, I will never forget the experiences and friends I made through the CCF. It truly changed my life. 

 

Any final thoughts, shout-outs or people you would like to see complete this form in the near future (we will try and track them down!)? 

A final thank you to all the members of staff at Langley who supported me and gave me the confidence to keep moving forward, they know who they are.