Ben Nicolson
Ben Nicolson
Old Bedalian 2006

Have you undertaken any kind of further study since leaving Bedales and have you gained any further qualifications?

After Bedales, I studied Maths at Imperial College, London. I thought the degree was fascinating and was pleased to have chosen it. However, I found the university culture to be a little flat compared to Bedales and there was a feeling that the only life available was in a city company. This may have been because the university only offered a narrow range of subjects, or because the university was in London and quieter cultures simply got lost, or because it was simply more difficult to find. However, I enjoyed it enough to do a Masters where I used my Pure Maths to look at Cryptography. 

What kind of work are you currently involved in, and how and why have you come to be doing it?

With my Masters, I started at a consultancy called Detica. It was initially very exciting to move from a abstract subject to doing 'real' life work as a Cyber Security Consultant. I did a variety of roles at Detica and learnt a spread of valuable business skills. However, my career prospects did not excite me: I would never be someone in a team making something new and exciting, I was only there to tell people what they couldn't do. Therefore, I had my last day a couple of weeks ago and I am currently setting up an art gallery in Somerset.

Did attending Bedales help you in getting to where you are now and how satisfied are you with what you are doing?

From my experience of talking to other Bedalians, I am following a well trodden path: I had the qualifications to join a good company and get on an established career path and learn a whole new set of skills. However, I have taken a risk to look for something a little more rewarding. Hence I am starting a small gallery with an interest that was without doubt seeded at Bedales.