We were honoured to welcome OQ Flo Broderick back to Queen's this week to talk to pupils about why learning languages matters.

Flo, who was Head Girl during her time here, learned Spanish and French which she says was enough to equip her for an international career in market and sales for learning software company, CARTO. Flo explained that if it wasn't for her languages, she wouldn't have the intercultural awareness required for the job, and wouldn't be able to interact with customers and partners across the world (e.g. in Spain, Latin American and beyond).

During her visit, Flo delivered an interactive session with Year 9, who are currently making their options choices, about how languages enrich your life, both personally and professionally. She then spoke passionately to the whole Senior School in Chapel about the importance of languages.

Flo also helped the Sixth Form with their CVs and gave them career-related advice. Flo was truly inspirational and we are very grateful that she took the time to help us inform and enthuse our pupils.

Flo said, "Languages have really enriched my life, opening a lot of doors that otherwise wouldn't have been open to me with just English as my native language. Queen's was an incredible place to start my education - not just because of the academic component, but the co-curricular offering and ethos of the school. I left with friends for life and it was absolutely wonderful to return this week and see the great environment it continues to provide for so many young people starting their careers".

Flo is currently Chief Marketing Officer for CARTO.