Today’s Spotlight lands on Chris France, who we’ve been talking to for a while and who has also mobilised his colleagues from WTW to get involved. Just recently he and his colleague Marie coached dozens of students through Mock Interviews at the Cambridge Academy for Science and Technology. He’s had an interesting career journey himself, taking on microfiche tape, software development and engineering!
Name: Chris France
Current position: Engineering Manager. In this role, I dedicate the majority of my time to problem-solving, ensuring that the team operates as efficiently as possible. I had the unique opportunity to build a team of 14 from the ground up to meet new business requirements. This involved extensive recruitment efforts to bring in the right skills and expertise.
Organisation: WTW
What other jobs did you do, before this one?
“Whilst at university I worked for the Office of National Statistics with a huge machine containing microfiche tapes. On these tapes were birth, death and marriage certificates. It was my responsibility to get the correct tape out of the machine so a certificate could be produced.
After graduating, I joined Cybertill as a Junior Software Developer. Here I worked on an online till system for a year. During this time, I gained valuable insights in how a professional company delivers software.
Subsequently, I relocated to the Cambridge area and joined Spiral Software as a Developer for sixteen years. The software produced enabled the oil industry to get the most out of crude oil pumped out of the ground. I joined as employee 25 and was part of the company’s growth as it was acquired into a large multinational company called AVEVA.”
Complete this sentence: “When I was growing up, I wanted to be..."
“An Airline Pilot. I have always been captivated by the majesty of flying. However, following the events of 9/11, opportunities for flight sponsorships significantly diminished. This, combined with my growing interest in software development, ultimately redirected my career trajectory.”
Best piece of career advice you have ever been given?
“Disregard all other advice and forge your own path.”
When and why did you start volunteering with Form the Future?
“I began working with Form the Future last year, driven by my belief in the importance of helping young people find their own successful paths. Form the Future is a remarkable charity that equips schools with real-life skills often missing from the curriculum. Their mission resonated with me, making the decision to volunteer my time an easy one. Since then, I have encouraged more of my team to participate in the charity’s diverse events.”
What do you like most about being an Ambassador and/or what keeps you coming back?
“The feedback from the events I have participated in has been incredibly rewarding. It is gratifying to know that, in some small way, I have contributed to shaping future careers. Witnessing the positive impact on young people’s lives and their career aspirations has been a fulfilling experience. This sense of accomplishment reinforces my commitment to supporting Form the Future and its mission.”
What would you say to someone who’s wondering whether to sign up as an Ambassador with Form the Future?
“With the wide range of events available through Form the Future there are numerous opportunities to contribute, regardless of your skill set. This diversity makes it easy to get involved and make a difference. Whether you are sharing your personal experiences in interviews, discussing your current role and career path, giving talks on apprenticeships, or working on business development, there are many ways to participate. Why not enrol and help out at an event?”
We share the Ambassador Spotlight in our monthly Ambassador Update emails, as well as on our website and social platforms. It’s a wonderful way to raise the profile of your own volunteering whilst supporting Form the Future in a new and different way.
If you’d like to feature in our next Ambassador Spotlight, email Dawn, our Ambassador Engagement Manager and she’ll send you questions to respond to.
