Meet the House Music Judges: Jessica Mills

What year did you begin and leave Langley?

I started in 2008 in year 7, and left in 2013!

If applicable, which A-Levels did you gain?

I did my A-Levels in English Literature, Performing Arts and Philosophy and Ethics.

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

Honestly I thought I knew what I wanted to do, but that changed quite a lot whilst doing my A Levels

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

I was massively involved with the music department, taking part in all the musicals and cabarets! I completed my singing grades up to grade 8 and grade 1 guitar. I also participated in athletics and cross country which I thoroughly enjoyed.

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

I believe my confidence to perform has given me more confidence to speak in front of my colleagues and to others, at the moment I work in hospitality so I am customer facing and always speaking with people I don’t know, so being confident is key!

If you went, what did you study at university?

International Tourism Management with a year in industry.

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

My career began with my year in industry as part of my university degree. I was working at the Hilton in Wembley as a receptionist, I then went on in my final year of university to do the same part time at Doubletree Lincoln, and after this I left to become Duty Manager and Guest Services of Wyboston Resort & Spa in Bedfordshire (doing a small stint in events in Cambridge at The Gonville hotel). I now work for 28-50 Luxury Wine Workshops and Kitchens, as featured on Celebs Go Dating and Made in Chelsea, doing all events and reservations for all 6 venues in London! I hope to leave for Australia next April.

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

Post school highlights would be the opportunity to have travelled as much as I have, it’s a real passion of mine and to have seen as much of the world that I have so far is fantastic. I have no intentions of stopping anytime soon! The fact I graduated was a huge achievement, so having my degree as I was well and truly done with university by the time my final year rolled around. That taste of working in industry made me excited to get out there.

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

It didn’t help me with my career path in honesty, but it did help me with who I am as a person.

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

Things in life are forever changing, if you don’t know what you want to do after school, choose what you enjoy, and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. It will all work itself out in the end.

Your fondest memory of Langley?

All the musicals, cabarets and house music competitions, I really enjoyed my time within the music department.

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!)?

It’s been a long old time since I’ve been back to Langley (since I left actually) so I’m very excited to return!