Mark Smith
Mark Smith – Founder and Director: I have worked within Careers / University education, information, advice and guidance as both a Careers Adviser, senior manager & consultant for approaching 25 years. Working with many high performing schools around the world including Harrow School, Malvern College, Radley College, Shiplake College, Millfield and many other wonderful schools in the UK.
Internationally I have worked in many high performing schools in Asia, South East Asia, The Middle East, Africa and Europe, including Harrow Schools in Bangkok and Hong Kong, BIS Paris, BIS Kuala Lumpur, Kellett Hong Kong, to name just a small number. I have presented on careers topics at national conferences in the UK and at international events and in 2023 was shortlisted for the Private Sector Career Adviser / Coach of the Year by the Careers Development Institute.
I studied Business in Newcastle and in 2000 gained a Post Graduate Diploma in Careers Guidance from the University of Huddersfield and have continued to gain qualifications as part of my professional development.
Contact: [email protected]
Testimonials:
Schools:
Our partnership with the British School of Paris was recognised as best practice and in 2022 we received the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) supporting associate of the year award for our work in the school (Read more in our news tab). The school also offered us this feedback:
Head of Year British School of Paris. ‘I have certainly picked up a general buzz of conversation about the future from our students and in speaking to individuals, I think your work has been a massively important motivator for them, especially given events over the last few years. There is a future after all!’
Michael Francis, (at this time) Assistant Director of the Sixth Form & Careers and Higher Education Counsellor at British International School Cairo. “Working with Mark ensures that our students receive a world-class Careers & Higher Education Guidance programme and his knowledge, expertise and professionalism are invaluable in delivering and maintaining the high standard that we were looking for here at BISC.”
Head of 6th From, Mougins International School. ‘SPW Careers have been an invaluable contact for the Mougins School community. They have readily answered any questions our sixth form teachers have, they have a helpline available for students and happily meet with parents who may have unique or individual requests for support. They are reliable, prompt and go above and beyond.
I, along with our 6th form team, have greatly benefited from and have immensely appreciated the wealth of knowledge they have so generously shared with us. I would highly recommend their services to any school, institution, individual student or parent.
Students:
“My careers adviser has really set me in the right direction in defining my ideas for the future.”
“I loved it! I learned a lot about other job possibilities, along with many helpful resources and websites that I can use to explore my options further.”
“I feel like I have a much better understanding of future possibilities and information that fits me.”
“It has given me an insight on what I’m interested in and how I can reach those goals through choosing subjects.”
“Really helpful; It cleared my head and put my options into perceptive. The adviser took great care into working together with me to find solutions and they couldn’t have been more helpful.”
“I have a clear idea about what subjects I can choose next year and that I should try hard now in supporting me to reach my goals.”
“Before the meeting I had no idea that I had so many career options. This meeting helped me a lot!” “Things in the future are a much clearer.”
“I was initially quite confused and had few ideas about any IB subjects or future plans. The findings on the report were very helpful in exploring options. The meeting with the career adviser allowed me to have a conversation about subjects and future plans and the adviser was extremely kind and patient.”
Parent:
I have been very fortunate to be introduced to SPW Careers through another parent while I struggled to help my daughter find her direction. The adviser is easy to talk to, and he did not only explore the interests of my daughter, but also inspired and encouraged her in an area that she did not consider venturing. Mark is a good listener and is professional and flexible. My daughter feels very comfortable expressing her concerns and doubts to him. ….. with plenty of information and support provided, my daughter now has a much clearer education and career direction. I highly recommend SPW Careers especially for international parents with no reservations.
2023 UK Career Development Awards:
Mark Smith was shortlisted for Private Sector Career Adviser / Coach of the Year. Here’s what the CDI had to say about Mark:
‘Always wearing his CDI Member & Registered Professional badges, for over 23 years Mark has delivered and promoted the importance of CEIAG in numerous countries including; France, Spain, Netherlands, Hungary, Switzerland, Luxemburg, Portugal, Egypt, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, Dubai and UK.
Mark is driven by how high-quality CEIAG can support young people and is passionate about promoting this in schools. Alongside his day-to-day work in schools, Mark is an advocate of continued professional development, he researches careers practice and shares this with schools and colleagues (both UK and Internationally) producing an array of resources, including a monthly newsletter. Mark has presented at a CDI conference, exploring the influence of parents and continues to share his knowledge, for instance Mark was the key note speaker at the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) Careers workshop day, exploring ‘Quality in careers, careers policy and guidelines and how this can be adopted internationally’.