Meet Geography Alumni Maisy

Why did you choose Esher?

I chose Esher because it felt like the perfect stepping stone between secondary school and university. I visited several colleges, but Esher stood out straight away.

On the Taster Day, I was initially torn between Chemistry and Psychology, but I chose Chemistry to keep my options open in case I wanted to pursue a medical route. Even though I eventually followed Geography, I’m glad I kept my options broad.

Looking back Esher gave me more independence and responsibility, but I still had strong guidance and support from my teachers.

What do you remember most about your time at Esher?

My time at Esher was shaped by COVID. We were only there for a few months before lockdown and we had to switch to online learning. But the thing I remember most was definitely the teachers. Having been Head Girl and Head Prefect at my previous school, I was worried the teachers wouldn’t know who I was, but they were incredibly supportive and kept us motivated during a very difficult time. The passion for their subjects, especially in Geography, strengthened my decision to pursue it further.

Despite it being COVID, I formed some of my closest friendships, even meeting people through Microsoft Teams during online lessons. I’m still best friends with two girls from my Geography class today.

Highlight from Esher?

My biggest highlight was taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) as my extension study option. I absolutely loved it.

I wrote mine on China’s “One Belt, One Road” policy, exploring its global trade and political impact. I found it fascinating and achieved an A*. It gave me valuable experience in writing a 5,000-word extended essay, referencing properly, and working independently and helped me figure out what areas of Geography I truly enjoyed before specialising further at university.

Academically, I was proud of my results overall, I got 3 As plus an A in EPQ. Even though I had an unconditional offer from the University of Birmingham, I was still motivated to achieve the highest grades possible.

If you could go back, what advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?

I’d say choose subjects you genuinely enjoy, but look a bit further ahead at the entry requirements for future courses or careers you might want to pursue.

For example, some university courses require specific A Level combinations, and I’ve met students who later realised they hadn’t chosen the right subjects. Checking grade requirements early helps you make informed decisions.

I’d also say don’t choose a path just to please others. I saw at university how much pressure some students felt from parents or external expectations. Finding the balance between planning ahead and following what you’re passionate about is key.

What did you do after Esher?

After Esher, I went to the University of Birmingham. It had always been my top choice.  I visited the campus with my dad and instantly knew it was where I wanted to go.

I decided to apply for integrated Master’s in Geography which is a 4 year undergraduate programme that combines bachelor’s and master’s level study in one continuous course. Only a few universities offered it at the time, and I liked that it was a seamless programme with undergraduate funding and one graduation at the end. It also allowed me to graduate with a full Geography Master’s degree rather than specialising too narrowly.

What were your highlights at university?

One of my biggest highlights was working as a Student Ambassador. I worked with students from Year 5 through to Year 13, helping with campus tours, subject tasters, and residential programmes for students from underrepresented backgrounds.

I was also involved in a national widening participation programme where Year 12 students stayed on campus for a week, attended lectures, and experienced university life. It was incredibly rewarding to help students see what was possible for them.

I even considered working in university outreach or international recruitment full-time, as I found it so fulfilling.

What are you doing now?

I now work for Chemview, a Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company that owns global brands like Aveeno, Listerine, Neutrogena and Johnson’s Baby. I’m on a two-year graduate scheme in Marketing and Commercial Sales. My role is largely project management-based, and every day is different which I’m really enjoying.

I was up against candidates with business and marketing degrees so I’m proud to have secured the role. One of the strengths of studying Geography is how broad it is, it has allowed me to move into marketing, and it still leaves the door open for other paths in the future.

What has been your highlight so far?

Realising how many opportunities and career paths exist within one company. I attended a media day where companies like Google, Netflix, TikTok, Amazon Prime and Meta presented, and it was a real “wow” moment.

I’ve also joined the company’s Diversity and Inclusion marketing group, where we review campaigns to ensure they’re inclusive and free from bias which connects back to my Geography background, so I am really enjoying it.

What advice would you give to students interested in a similar path?

Don’t stress if you don’t have your whole career mapped out. It’s important to choose A Levels that keep your options open, but you don’t need a fixed long-term plan. I once thought I’d go into humanitarian aid, now I work in marketing.

At the same time, open as many doors as possible. Take internships, shadow people, try short courses, or gain part-time work experience. I worked throughout college and university, which helped build independence and time management skills. I also applied for opportunities proactively even paying to take part in one early internship and each experience built my CV and clarified what I did and didn’t enjoy.

Nothing is wasted experience. Even roles you decide aren’t for you help shape your direction.

So, the short version, don’t panic about the future, but be proactive in exploring it.

What’s your favourite chocolate bar?

Right now, I’m really into dark chocolate, especially homemade date and peanut butter bites covered in dark chocolate. If I had to choose a classic bar, it would probably be a Snickers, as it’s the closest to that peanut and chocolate combination.

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