Elly Whittaker
Elly Whittaker
Old Bedalian 2007

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

I studied English and Philosophy at Leeds and got a 2:1.

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

I am a reporter for a financial publication called Global Capital, I write about quite technical financial news but I find it very interesting because it’s old-fashioned, shoe-leather reporting where we speak to our sources for scoops. I never expected to be doing something so niche when I left school but I was interested in journalism. I came to print journalism through working in broadcast journalism for three years, I worked for Sky News as a producer in London and a financial news channel called CNBC in London and Singapore. It was incredibly exciting to work abroad and to work in TV news which is very frenetic and quite stressful at times!

I wanted to learn how to write so I find myself at Global Capital writing about Western European investment grade syndicated corporate bank loans (phew!). Global Capital have a great six month training scheme for new journalists. I am not committed to London or financial news so I imagine I could be working abroad again soon.

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

I think Bedales gave me two valuable life skills, confidence and inspiration. At school we learnt how to talk to anyone of any age as an equal. I was also inspired by teachers like Graham Banks, and the creative pupils around me to explore my interest, be that reading, poetry, drama etc. I am very satisfied with where I am and I feel confident that if I want to make a change I can.

Have you been involved in any other interesting activities or occupations since leaving school?

Living in Singapore for 18 months was a high point. Travelling alone in South America and Asia. I have also worked as a ski guide and sailing instructor which were both great fun.