Rachel Hayward
Bit of background, where you live, what you do for a living:
I live in Princethorpe, so whilst in many respects my life has changed significantly over the last 25 years since I was a pupil, the one constant has been the view of the College I enjoy from my lounge window (and the numerous comments from visitors, intrigued by the fact that Hogwarts appears to sit at the bottom of my garden).
My career is probably best described, on an optimistic day, as eclectic (and on a pessimistic day as totally chaotic - I never have had a long attention span, and I clearly bore very easily!). I studied economics at university, so for the first five years after graduating, I described myself as a ‘professional economist’. At some point along the way, my description of myself at first changed to ‘pragmatic economist’ and then to ‘disillusioned economist’, at which point I fell into the murky world of policy and Government affairs.
I’ve been lucky enough to work in a variety of organisations in the public, private and third sectors and had three very interesting years running my own company a few years ago. One of my friends recently joked that if anyone wants to explore the full range of careers open to economists, my CV is a helpful reference point.
I’m currently working as the Head of Government Affairs at the University of Warwick, but true to my character, in September 2019 I took an opportunity to join the Civil Service on a one year secondment. Between September 2019 and January 2020, I worked as a Senior Advisor in the Department for Exiting the EU (DExEU), and I’m shortly about to join the Department for Education to complete the remaining seven months of my posting, before returning to Warwick University in September 2020.
Age:
43, although after writing the preceding paragraphs, I suddenly feel much older…
When were you at Princethorpe - years from and to?
1992 - 1994
What was the school like in your day?
I seem to remember it being quite draughty in places! There were far more boys than girls in the early 1990s and it felt like a far more relaxed environment than my previous school, both of which suited me.
How did Princethorpe affect the person you are today?
Looking back, I’ve realised my experiences at Princethorpe helped me develop the resilience I’ve needed in life to be true to myself and to stand by my principles when the going gets tough. A little cheesy perhaps but true…
What advice would you give to your teenage self?
Don’t worry about fitting in, embrace being an introvert, it’s ok to be quiet and shy (we have two ears and one mouth so it’s fine to use them in that proportion!), and always remember life is a journey – don’t waste time trying to predict or alter the destination, just enjoy the scenery along the way.
Who or what has been the greatest influence on your life?
After five years studying at Cambridge University in the early 2000s, being exposed to some of the greatest intellectual and academic brains on a daily basis, my parents are still the two wisest people I know…by far!
What keeps you awake at night?
Homelessness. I find it shocking, heart-breaking and utterly disgraceful that in one of the richest economies in the world, the basic human right of having a safe place to call home continues to be denied to a growing proportion of people. At this point, I’m going to shamelessly give a shout out to a local charity I’ve been a trustee and non-executive director of since 2014, Coventry Cyrenians, who do absolutely fantastic work providing supported accommodation for homeless and vulnerably housed adults in Coventry and Warwickshire.
And don’t get me started on capitalism, inequality and the impacts of social media on society and mental health…
What has been your proudest moment/greatest achievement so far?
Surviving the aforementioned five years at Cambridge University to graduate with a PhD in economics in 2006 (my weighty thesis on herding in currency markets is now proudly being used as a doorstop, as in my experience are most PhD theses!). And recently queuing for tea behind some very famous politicians in the DExEU coffee shop (a less proud moment was almost spilling my tea on one of them).
What’s your biggest indulgence?
Chocolate, no contest.
If you had to have one last meal, what would it be?
Something that takes a very (very) long time to eat.
If you could be anywhere right now, where would it be and who would be with you?
Continuing with the cheesy but true theme, I try to find happiness wherever I am, whatever I’m doing and whoever’s around me (obviously it doesn’t always work, particularly in the workplace, so it’s still a work in progress!).
Lasting memories of Princethorpe:
Timed essays in my A-level English classes (apologies Moira Weir, if you’re reading this, for every blank sheet of paper I handed you in my mock exams, at least it turned out ok in the end hey!).
College socials and the leavers ball (no elaboration needed).
Are you in touch with any other Old Princethorpians, if so whom?
I’ve recently got back in touch with Irene Minehane. After a visit to the College a few months ago, I dug out my old yearbook and came across the entry she’d written for me. It demonstrated such insight, kindness and understanding of my character, as true today as 25 years ago, that I had to say a massive thank you to her for her support when I was a pupil.
Is there anyone you would like to track down?
Anyone who knows me (including my teachers), and who after reading this, hasn’t been put off and would like to get in touch with me.
