Finding the right career path is rarely a straight line, and for Old Cokethorpean Jason Cardy (2015, Feilden), it has been a journey defined by adaptability, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace change. From running his own sports injury clinic to retraining as a Chartered Accountant, Jason’s story highlights the value of keeping an open mind and pushing forward, even in the face of uncertainty. In this interview, he reflects on his time at Cokethorpe, the challenges of changing direction, and the lessons he has learned along the way.
Background and Journey
What have you been up to since leaving Cokethorpe?
After leaving Cokethorpe, I attended university studying an undergraduate degree in Sports Therapy and a postgraduate degree in Sports Medicine. I was then self-employed for four years before venturing back to education to work towards becoming a Chartered Accountant.
Can you walk us through your career journey so far?
After finishing university, I ran a sports injury and massage clinic for around four years. Almost two years ago, I decided to try my hand at something new, and I am now training to become a Chartered Accountant.
What inspired you to pursue your current path?
I was a bit clueless about what to do next, and accountancy had always been in my head as something that I could potentially do. My partner had also been telling me that I should just apply to places and see what happens. Being able to find a business like Wenn Townsend has definitely made that decision all the better!
School Memories
What are your fondest memories from your time at School?
I would definitely have to say playing the amount of sport that we did was a definite highlight. Especially since leaving and speaking to individuals from other schools across the country, we were very lucky. It was really like its own little community at Cokethorpe.
Was there a teacher or mentor who had a lasting impact on you?
There are definitely three teachers that I certainly can still remember to this day.
Firstly, Dean Holder, he was the individual who encouraged me to pursue Sports Therapy. I was determined at the time to study Physiotherapy, but I wasn’t going to achieve the grades needed. He opened my mind to the idea of Sports Therapy, and I am grateful for that.
The other two teachers that still stick in my head are my Year 6 teacher, Mr O’Connor, and Mr Gale, my biology teacher. They always made learning fun, especially for someone who didn’t want to sit in the classroom.
How did your school experience shape who you are today?
It has definitely taught me to learn continuously and to love learning. Success doesn’t come easily, and you need to work hard for it. Cokethorpe definitely helps develop those traits, even if you don’t realise it at that time.
Career & Achievements
What are you most proud of achieving so far?
I am very proud of getting my two degrees, but I would say I am prouder of taking the leap and changing my career at the age of 28. Going into an environment where I didn’t know anything and taking it all in my stride.
What does a typical day look like in your current role?
Working in Oxford, I like to avoid the traffic. I get into the office around 7.20am, prepare year-end accounts for clients, prepare VAT returns, bookkeeping and much more. I usually leave the office around 4.15pm, getting home to do some more study and then relax before the next day.
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge I faced was not knowing what to do next. I spoke to my family and my partner, listened to what they all said, made use of the contacts they had and tried to get in touch with as many firms as possible. During that process, you tend to get no response, or when you do get a response, it is typically a no, which can be disheartening, but you have to persist. There will always be someone or a company that is willing to take the punt on someone who perhaps is not the perfect candidate; they look at your other positives.
Advice and Insights
What advice would you give to current pupils or recent leavers?
My biggest advice would be that whatever you decide to do now doesn’t have to be what you are doing in ten years. I have made a late career change, and I am so much happier now!
Is there something you wish you had known when starting?
I wish I had known that I didn’t have to go to university. For the majority, it is the best thing for them and does truly help. If I were able to go back to my Upper Sixth days, I would be looking at apprenticeships. Being able to earn whilst you learn is fantastic, and often learning a skill or trade and developing that career straight from the start.
What skills do you think are most important in your field?
I think having the confidence to be independent, the ability to learn, to take control of situations, but equally be able to help others and work in a team.
Personal Touch
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I like playing cricket and golf, going on dog walks (with a pub stop en route, ideally), and I am trying hard to enjoy gardening. I am currently settling for trying to grow the perfect lawn (it’s not going well).
Any hobbies or passions you’ve picked up recently?
I am trying to be more DIY abled at home, whilst trying to do more gardening with my partner.
If you could have dinner with any three people (past or present), who would they be?
Andrew Flintoff, Seve Ballesteros and Phil Tuffnell
Looking Ahead
Do you have any goals or ambitions for the next few years?
I am hoping to qualify as a Chartered Accountant in November 2027. After that, I would like to see where my career takes me.
Quickfire Q&A
- Coffee or tea? Coffee
- Early bird or night owl? I go to bed late and wake up early! So both?
- Favourite book, podcast, or film? Favourite film: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
- Dream travel destination? St Lucia
