Next on the blog we have Christie M. Jack
Please get in touch if you wish to share your story ‘after Heriot’s’.
What is your current role?
I’m a Warfare Officer in the Royal Navy and currently drafted as: Commanding Officer of Yorkshire University Royal Navy Unit.
What was your journey to get there?
I joined the Royal Navy in September 2017, after graduating from Queen’s University, Belfast with a BA Joint Honours in Politics and International Relations. I spent 1 year at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, training to become a Naval Officer. On completion of this training, I then began my specialised training to become a Warfare Officer. I spent two years of intensive training both at sea and on land conducting navigation, ship handling, ship technology and watch keeping assessments to name but a few. Passing my final assessments meant I became eligible to drive any warship in the Royal Navy. I was then drafted to my first job as an Officer of the Watch – responsible for the safety of the ship and its people whilst at sea – onboard HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH, the Fleet Flagship. I spent 22 months onboard, of which I was Officer of the Watch 4. During this time I completed her maiden operational deployment to the Far East and back, deploying for 8 months and covering over 44000 nautical miles. I am now in my second draft, in Command of my own Unit.
What are your achievements?
Being an Officer of the Watch on Queen Elizabeth and driving a 65,000 tonne warship round the world conducting aircraft operations.
What are your favourite memories of Heriot’s?
The students and the teachers. I was at Heriot’s from nursery – 6th year and the friends I made at nursery I am still friends with today!
Any top tips for current pupils when planning their future?
Nothing is out of limits! Don’t be afraid to try something different.
