A passion for the environment is something that Charlie Avis came to Havant with back in 1985, completely unaware that those steps would pave the way for a career in the United Nations.
Charlie studied A Levels in Geography, Maths and Physics, as well as a PE Diploma, and through these early career-defining decisions his options were opened up to a number of different universities and endless future options.
Reflecting on his time at the former Havant College, Charlie said: “Havant helped me get three solid A Level passes which basically then gave me my choice of any university.
“This paved the way for me to follow my passion for the environment and, luckily, I’ve been fortunate enough to work in that sector ever since.”
After College, Charlie achieved a first class honours in both a BSc in Geography at UCL in London and then an MScAgr in Rural Development from UCD in Dublin.
Now with his career well established, Charlie works as a UN Officer in the United Nations Environment Programme in Geneva, Switzerland.
However, when talking about his favourite parts of College life, Charlie said it had to be ‘the sports and expeditions in the PE Diploma’.
HSDC offers far more than just qualifications, and with our Be Extraordinary programme students can discover new opportunities and experiences.
If you’re aspiring to attend university at Oxford, Cambridge or another Russell Group university, we’ve got many activities to help your application really stand out. Or, if keeping active is your thing, we’ve got a range of sports teams for you to join.
Looking back on his successful career, Charlie has one piece of advice for those about to start College.
He said: “Follow your passion – be it for literature, language, science or sport: you only live once and if it doesn’t work out trying to make a living doing what you love, at least you’ll know you tried – and can always go and train to be an accountant anyway!”
HSDC is opening Hampshire’s new A Level centre of Excellence at our Havant Campus in September. The academic support and extracurricular opportunities that Charlie has spoken about can be found at our A Level-focused centre, where you can find your own success story.