So Megan, what is the 93% Club?
"The 93% Club is part of a national foundation that is committed to tackling elitism and aiding social mobility. We exist because 93% of the UK are state school educated and yet state schooled professionals only make up 35% of senior judges, 43% of the House of Lords and 34% of FTSE 350 CEOs."
"There are 45 clubs across the UK, and we are the 93% club Newcastle society. As a society we run local events such as employability webinars, career insight sessions, LinkedIn sessions, and networking events/ socials."
I really want to surround myself with people with a similar background to me whilst also helping more students navigate those unique struggles that state educated students face in university
Megan Lambert
How did you first become involved and why?
"I became involved in the society after finding out about them through another organisation I am involved with. I eventually decided to join because I am passionate about networking and social mobility and have been for a long time."
"I didn’t understand until I got to university the unique struggles faced by students who are state educated. So I really want to surround myself with people with a similar background to me whilst also helping more students navigate those unique struggles that state educated students face in university."
What would you say to someone who is interested in joining?
"Do it! The power of networking is much higher than you think. You don’t have to come to every session if it isn’t relevant to what you want to do, but there is something there for everyone. Feel free to DM our Instagram (@93clubnewcastle) if you ever have any questions."
Do you have a favourite 93% Club event you've taken part in?
"The foundation runs a nationwide Milkround event where there are virtual careers insight sessions every day for four weeks, with each week being a different career path. I attended a law event with one of the world’s top law firms which I found so helpful! Everything is free to attend which makes everything so much more accessible."
What are some of the recent events you've co-ordinated? Tell me about what the society has been up to recently.
"As well as partnering with the 93% Club Lancaster for a webinar with the London Business school, the Newcastle club has organised an insight session with the Civil Service Fast Stream as well as an in-person event.
"The in-person event was an introduction to LinkedIn where we did a step by step of setting up a strong personal account, building your network and finally, strengthening the network by reaching out and building relationships with the people you connect with."
And lastly, what do you have coming up that you're really excited about?
"There is so much in the works right now! Everything from a networking careers formal, a 93% club northeast summit to careers insights to investment banking, breaking into academia and support sessions on dealing with imposter syndrome. The 93% club Newcastle is still young so join us and be part of building an incredible community."
Massive thanks to Megan for speaking to us. If you're interested in joining the 93% Club, click the link here!