IELTS Speaking Test- Excellent Band 9.0

Summary

In this insightful interview, Craig, the co-founder of 'Secure My Scholarship,' discusses his mission to connect students globally with university scholarships. He shares his passion for creating impact, the challenges of balancing work-life, and his views on the necessity of accessible, quality education. Craig also reflects on his educational journey, the importance of scholarships for gifted children, and envisions a future where higher education evolves to emphasize creative problem-solving over rote memorization.

Takeaways

• 😀 Craig is the co-founder of 'Secure My Scholarship,' an edtech platform that connects students with scholarships globally.
• 💼 He works full-time, often longer than standard hours, and is passionate about the impact his company has on students from middle and working-class families.
• 🌟 Craig's job satisfaction comes from helping students achieve their university dreams, reflecting his lifelong commitment to impactful work.
• 🕊️ He has no specific dislikes about his job, but acknowledges the time-consuming nature of his role, which his fiancée dislikes.
• 🔮 While currently fully committed to 'Secure My Scholarship,' Craig is open to future opportunities, especially those involving problem-solving and societal improvement.
• 📱 Craig uses his mobile phone extensively for work, with apps like LinkedIn, Asana, Slack, and WhatsApp being his favorites for various tasks.
• 🚫 He previously co-founded 'Lock In Stock,' an app that incentivized students to put their phones away during class to improve focus and learning.
• 🏫 Craig had a challenging experience in school, particularly disliking the focus on academics over extracurricular activities like sports.
• 📚 His university years were marked by a struggle to balance multiple interests and a desire to make the most of his time, which he overcame through effective time management.
• 🎓 Craig graduated with a major in economics and minors in political science, international relations, mass communication, and business administration, showcasing his diverse educational pursuits.
• 💭 He believes that higher education should ideally be free to all, as the cost of quality education is prohibitive and can limit opportunities for many.

Q & A

What is the name of the startup the interviewee co-founded?

The startup is called 'Secure My Scholarship'.

What does the platform 'Secure My Scholarship' do?

It is an ed-tech platform that connects students with scholarships at universities around the world.

What does the interviewee love about their job?

The interviewee loves the impact they create, particularly giving students from middle and working-class families a chance to attend their dream universities.

Did the interviewee always want to do this specific job?

No, they did not always want to do this specific job, but they have always wanted to work in something that creates an impact.

What was the interviewee's previous startup called, and what was its purpose?

The previous startup was called 'Lock In Stock', a mobile app that rewarded students for not using their phones during class to help them focus and learn better.

How does the interviewee use their mobile phone in their daily life?

The interviewee uses their mobile phone every day for running their company, with apps like LinkedIn, Asana, Slack, and WhatsApp being their favorites.

What was the interviewee's opinion on their school experience?

They disliked school at the time but have come to appreciate it more as they got older, especially due to the emphasis on academics over extracurricular activities.

Who was the interviewee's favorite teacher and why?

Their favorite teacher was Mrs. Mik Menan, who was their math teacher in grades 10 and 11, and they enjoyed her classes.

What was a difficult period during the interviewee's studies?

The hardest time was during second or third year of university, where they had to manage their time effectively to fit in multiple classes and majors.

What are the interviewee's thoughts on higher education being free for all citizens?

They believe that higher education should ideally be free to allow more people from middle and working classes to have access to quality education.

What is the interviewee's view on the future of university education?

They believe university education will become more creative, focusing less on memorization and more on critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to utilize information effectively.