Tarquin, a Homerton alumnus and long-term Changemakers mentor, is Director of Life Sciences at Compass Carter Osborne, specialising in senior executive search within the life sciences sector. He has played a key role in high-profile hires, including the CEO of CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations), and supported AstraZeneca as Global Talent Scout. A STEM advocate and pro bono careers advisor for Judge Business School, he also contributes to industry publications and broadcasts, and chairs panels on careers and recruitment.
Being a mentor - an inspiring and hugely rewarding experience
Tarquin has been a greatly valued and deeply respected mentor on the Homerton Changemakers programme since 2018. Dr Soraya Jones, Changemakers Director of Engagement and Operations plays a crucial role in matchmaking Tarquin with suitable students, which enables him to make the most of his expertise and experience. Tarquin’s role is then to support individuals who are considering a career in life science or healthcare by helping them to recognise their potential and advising them where to look, who to speak to and connect with, and how to present themselves and their experiences in the best possible light. He is also uniquely placed to open doors to new opportunities via his extensive professional network in the life sciences sector.
Tarquin says:
“I am very proud of the two-way interactions I have with the students and would like to publicly thank Ellen Bridson, Dr Jason Ting, Dr Daniel Gearon, Harry Bickerstaffe and Cornelius Palm for their energy, passion, and willingness to explore new avenues of interest. They consistently inspire me with all they continue to achieve.”
Tarquin reflects that traditionally the University model has been fantastic at helping students think for themselves, defend an idea with data and propose a new concept or idea within a specific subject or discipline. What sets the Changemakers programme apart is that it gives students the chance to step back and think more broadly about the big issues of the world and the current geo-political context so they can frame their business or work ideas more successfully outside of that realm of academia. Changemakers provides an environment where they are surrounded by passionate and driven entrepreneurs, champions and role models who want them to succeed and are willing to support them with time, insight and money. And over the years Changamekers has grown an enviable and established community of these inspiring mentors and guest faculty - to date an impressive 250!
Tarquin continues:
“Changemakers gives the participants the chance to stop and consider the additional skills, experiences and contacts they might need in the future. To make a difference you have to persuade and influence those you connect with, and the programme allows them the chance to try things out and find a path that works for them before their “job” or “business” depends on it.
It’s an inspiring and hugely rewarding experience when you collaborate with passionate, intelligent and thoughtful people. I always take a large dose of optimism with me after each interaction. I learn from those I work with, despite thinking I am “young” it is only by spending time with another generation and listening to their concerns that you can truly understand what is important to them. Success is defined differently for each generation.”
Changemakers - sign up and lean in
Tarquin encourages students to get involved with the Changemakers programme, and after all, there’s nothing to lose. It’s an incredibly warm and friendly community - everybody at Homerton is welcome and the programme is entirely free.
He says:
“Sign up and lean into the Changemakers experience. It will make a huge difference to your mindset and future aspirations. Just go for it and enjoy every step of the journey. And if you’re a student with a promising business idea, I would urge you to talk to Dr Soraya Jones, Dr Alison Wood and the Changemakers team to identify the support available to you and possible mentors to help you on your way. They will help set up and facilitate the conversations needed to pressure test and launch your business idea.
Changemakers is an incredible programme that enables its participants to apply their degree in the real world, and be champions of change. It equips them with the skills and awareness needed to address the global challenges we face. I would like to thank Dr Soraya Jones, Dr Alison Wood and the Changemakers team for their extraordinary dedication and commitment to Changemakers and every one of its students, and also acknowledge the hugely positive influence Homerton’s President, Lord Simon Woolley, has on the programme and his dedication to it.”
More about Tarquin Bennett-Coles
Tarquin Bennett-Coles is Director of Life Sciences at Compass Carter Osborne. He is a senior executive search specialist who is deeply networked within the life science industry. He has been involved in many high-profile hires including the CEO for the global vaccine non-governmental organisation CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations). His career has also included successfully supporting AstraZeneca as Global Talent Scout. He is a pro bono careers advisor for healthcare and life sciences for the Judge Business School, an external advisor for a fertility business and regularly fundraises for local charities including Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre and Beacon For Rare Diseases.
Tarquin is a trained STEM advocate, SiP (Science Industry Partnership) Ambassador and a qualified personal safety and martial arts instructor with multiple black belts and was the Captain of the Cambridge University Karate Club. He has BEd (Hons) degree from Homerton College. He is an accomplished communicator who chairs industry panels on talent attraction and retention, careers and EDI (equality, diversity and inclusion). He has also been a regular guest on the Royal Pharmaceutical Society podcasts and written articles and blogs for the Pharmaceutical Physician Journal, PharmaTimes, Phamafile, MedNous and other industry publications.
