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Why I do What I do: Mayowa Ochere
We had the pleasure of meeting with Mayowa Ochere, a former student of Harris Academy Bermondsey. Mayowa shared her inspiring transition from Harris to her current position as a Senior Policy Manager at the UK Home Office.
Could you tell us a bit about your time at Harris?
I attended Harris Academy Bermondsey from 2006 until 2011 and some of my best childhood memories and friendships were made during my time there.
I took part in many great opportunities, from learning to play the piano and performing in the school orchestra, to representing Harris Bermondsey as a student commissioner. The student commission was a fantastic initiative that empowered pupils to learn about innovative teaching and learning practices- through this, I was fortunate enough to tour other schools in New York, which was incredible! Click here to find out more about the student commission and Harris in New York!
What did you choose to do after your time at Harris?
After my GCSEs, I pursued four A-levels at Sixth Form—English, History, History of Art, and Philosophy and Ethics—before moving on to study English at University. It was during my university years that I undertook an internship with the UK Civil Service, spending a summer at the Department for Communities and Local Government. This internship ignited my passion for social policy and set the course for my career in government. Following graduation, I pursued a master's in social policy before securing my first role as a civil servant at HM Treasury.
You currently work within the UK Home Office, could you tell us a bit about what that’s like?
Working for the Home Office is one of the most rewarding challenges I have ever embarked on. The department is responsible for keeping the public safe, which covers a wide range of areas from immigration to national security and policing policy. I work with a great team of people to help the government deliver a modern, effective, and well-led police force. No two days are the same, and I have been involved in so many interesting projects. One of the things I’m proud to have worked on is delivering a new entry route into the policing profession for those who do not have a degree.
What inspires you most and where do you see yourself in five years?
As a Christian, my faith inspires me. It inspires me to help others selflessly, which has informed my choice of career in the public sector. It also gives me greater purpose as I try to remind myself there is much more to my life beyond the here and now. In five years time, I hope to still be making a positive impact by contributing to a better society in many forms - both professionally and in my spare time.
Do you have any advice to share with current students or alumni who are early on in their careers?
Take advantage of any opportunities that present themselves because you never know where they could lead. When I volunteered to be a student commissioner, I didn’t know I would end up launching our research on education at 10 Downing Street. Similarly, I benefited immensely from signing up for our schools mentoring program that paired pupils with working professionals. I was fortunate enough to have two mentors during my time at Harris Bermondsey. One of them worked in professional services and helped me to develop my French speaking skills, which still stand me in good stead today when traveling in francophone countries. The other mentor I had was a Member of the House of Lords who exposed me to the world of government and politics. I was able to secure a work experience stint with my local MP - an experience that influenced where I am now working as a policy manager for the UK Home Office. I would never have imagined the benefits that came from simply being open to trying new things!