cRAFTING YOUR ONLINE PROFESIONAL IDENTITY: A KES CAREERS TALK WITH OE SARA CASS
As part of the KES Student Careers Programme, we were delighted to welcome back Old Edwardian Sara Cass, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer at IFX Payments, for an inspiring after-school talk aimed at pupils in Years 11–13.
Sara’s session focused on how pupils can begin to shape their online professional identity using LinkedIn. She began with a brief history of social media, highlighting how LinkedIn differs from other platforms by offering a space dedicated to professional lives and networking.
Pupils learned how to create a compelling LinkedIn profile (available from age 16 in the UK), and how to use it to showcase their growing skills and achievements. Sara outlined how LinkedIn can be a valuable tool for discovering internships, apprenticeships, and mentoring opportunities. She encouraged pupils to follow organisations aligned with their career goals and to join interest-based groups to expand their networks and knowledge.
Using real-life examples, Sara demonstrated how young people have successfully used LinkedIn to unlock career opportunities. She also offered practical advice on how to engage professionally on the platform, covering everything from requesting recommendations and endorsements to reaching out to university contacts and future employers.
In addition to her role at IFX Payments, Sara is currently studying for an MSc in Cyber Crime. She concluded her talk with essential guidance on online safety and professionalism, including managing privacy settings, avoiding inappropriate content, and maintaining respectful communication to build a strong and positive online reputation.
This event was a valuable addition to our Careers Programme, equipping pupils with the tools and confidence to begin building their professional identity online. We are grateful to Sara for sharing her expertise and for supporting the next generation of Edwardians as they prepare for life beyond school.
