An exciting new mentoring scheme was launched on Monday 3 February, for boys interested in careers in real estate or entrepreneurship.
The programme is being generously led by Old Bedfordian Robert Fitzjohn (03-09), CEO and Founder of Fitzjohn Estates. His goal is to help boys navigate their career paths and reassure them that it’s okay not to have all the answers right away. He hopes his sessions will boost their confidence and encourage them to follow their passions.
After leaving Bedford School in 2009, Rob attended the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester, where he earned a degree in Agriculture and Farm Management. Initially working on a farm for four years, Rob realised that farming was not his calling. With a preference for being active rather than desk-bound, he was encouraged by his father to explore a career in property. Rob has now been thriving in the real estate industry for the past eight years.
“I hope I can help boys to ask those questions they might not want to ask their parents and encourage them to follow their passions, as this will help mould their life,” Rob said. “I’m happy to give back in any way I can. The school was so good to me when I did not know what to do, and I hope that I can help do a bit of the same.”
The first session provided a comprehensive introduction to the world of real estate; Rob shared insights into how he established his company and the challenges he overcame. Additionally, he offered valuable entrepreneurial advice that the boys found thought-provoking and inspiring.
Lower Sixth Former James Dooley told us, “Personally, I found the session particularly useful because Rob allowed us to ask lots of questions and he shared that he is seeking to continue the interactive approach in upcoming sessions. It is brilliant to hear real world experience from someone who can relate so well to the position boys are in now, who aren’t sure what they want to spend their future doing. Rob has a refreshing approach to the working world and assured us that experiencing bad jobs is just as important as experiencing good ones.”
Rob is holding regular Monday sessions every two to three weeks to continue to support the boys to achieve their aspirations. The programme will likely be divided into two cohorts – Real Estate and Entrepreneurship – to ensure participants gain the most from the mentoring experience. If you are interested in attending, please contact Mrs Straw in the Careers Department.
