Career Stories

Adrian Dunn, violinist, aged 19:

“This autumn, I’m entering a School of Music in London, where I shall study violin and piano for four years. At the end of it, I might still have to work in a shop or something while I’m waiting for a job as a musician. On the other hand, I could get a place in an orchestra here, or abroad – I don’t mind where in the world I go. As you can imagine, it’s not been easy to make this decision. My father was so opposed to the idea that I left home when I was 16. I paid for violin lessons by doing all types of part-time jobs. I knew that there are 200 applicants for every place at the School of Music, but I was determined to get in. Music is the only thing I’ve got, so I’d better make good use of it. However, it turns out for me, at least I will be able to say that I’ve done my own thing.”

Sarah Williams, veterinary nurse, aged 23:

“I caused a lot of trouble at school when I decided not to go to university. The teachers said I must be crazy! If you want to become a qualified vet, you have to study for six years. I was sure I would have given up by then, so I took a two-year animal nursing course instead. Like ordinary nursing, this is a job where you have to be dedicated to what you’re doing. Some of the work isn’t very exciting: laboratory tests, filling out record cards, and so on. But I enjoy travelling round to visit the patients, and helping the vet during operations. I like animals a lot and it’s difficult not to become close to the ones who stay a long time for medical treatment. I’m becoming more confident in my work now, and I’m helping to train another girl who wants to enter the profession. I shall never be rich doing this job, but I’ll always have skills which are needed. There are some good jobs abroad for trained animal nurses, and I might try for one of those next year.”

Debbie Reynolds, Police officer, aged 18:

“After I entered the final exams, I felt I was wasting time. That changed when I was accepted as a police trainee. It meant that I had to leave home – I didn’t like the idea of arresting someone I had known for years, so I moved to the other side of the country. The police give you a year’s training, which is very varied: you learn about the law, but also things like life-saving, driving and even a bit of psychology. It’s a really big moment when you go out alone for the first time, knowing that anything could happen, and you’re responsible. Not long after I started, I had to take a woman to the courtroom. I thought she had a rather wild look in her eyes; I only found out later that she had committed a murder the week before. That experience certainly made me realize how important my job is. I’d like a little more free time, and I find that I spend most of the time that I do have with other police officers. But I’m very glad I joined.”