“What Dilworth gave me (that no degree could)”
From the Dilworth library to high-stakes boardrooms in Brussels, Old Boy Alexander Prenter, Class of 2009, has carved out an extraordinary career. Part Classics nerd, part Globe-trotter, and now a leading advocate in international policy circles, Alex’s story is a reminder to both current students and Old Boys, that your curiosity is your compass—and your mates are your map.
Alex Prenter went to Dilworth between 2001 and 2009. A self-classified ‘bookish lad’ he had his eyes on the future from the start. One of three brothers raised by a solo mum, Alex joined Dilworth in Year 5—he admits he started homesick but was always hopeful.
While the adjustment was rocky at first (the TV room helped courtesy of Malcolm in the Middle and Dragon Ball Z), Alex soon found his feet—and his calling.
“I discovered ancient history in Year 7, and it totally consumed me,” he says. “I read every book on ancient Greece I could find. Every school project, I twisted it back to the Athens or Socrates. Fortunately, his passion found a champion in Dilworth’s Classics teacher. “He encouraged me, challenged me, and believed in what I was passionate about. I’ll always be grateful for that.”
After graduating in 2009, Alex followed his interest to the University of Auckland, earning a BA (Hons) and a Master’s in Ancient History, with a side of Philosophy. But fate had other plans—and he met a certain French girl who soon turned his life upside down.
In true Dilworth spirit, Alex says he leaned into the unknown. “I moved to France, played rugby, learned French… but I realised quite quickly I needed a new qualification if I wanted a career here.”
That led to a wayward Google search and a leap into the College of Europe—a post-grad institution so elite and historic it was founded in the wake of WWII to foster unity across Europe. Not only was Alex accepted—he also landed a full scholarship, becoming the first-ever and only New Zealander to graduate from the College with a Master of Arts in European Interdisciplinary Studies.
“It was surreal. I was studying alongside people who would go on to work in the European Commission, NATO, you name it. And there I was—this kid from Papakura who grew up pretty poor. That’s the power of opportunity. That’s the power of Dilworth.”
From there, Alex moved to Brussels, working in a consultancy before pursuing another degree, this time a Master of Laws in Intellectual Property and ICT Law while working full-time.
He’s now Senior Policy Officer at the Fair Standards Alliance, representing tech giants like Apple, Google, Microsoft, BMW, and Volkswagen in their global advocacy efforts around licensing, patents, and 5G technologies. “When I look back, what Dilworth gave me (that no degree could), was a toolkit for life,” Alex says.
- Discipline – “Prep every night taught me how to sit down and just get the work done.”
- Personal effort – “Strive for your best, always. Mediocrity wasn’t the goal.”
- Teamwork – “You learn pretty quickly how to live with 40 other boys. That’s real life training for collaboration.”
- Living with others – “You don’t have to like everyone, but you do have to get along.”
And the greatest gift? Intellectual curiosity. “Dilworth teachers, especially my Classics teacher taught me that”.
Alex has some good advice to the current Dilworth students and Young Alumni of today.
Stay curious.
“You might think you know where life’s heading—but trust me, you don’t. That’s a good thing. I started out obsessed with Athens and now I’m working in tech policy.”
Be open to opportunity.
“Follow your gut and say yes to weird adventures. That’s how I ended up in Brussels.”
Find your passion—and feed it.
“Even if it’s niche or nerdy, chase it down. It’ll take you places you never expected.”
Remember where you came from.
“Dilworth is more than a school. It’s your launchpad. It's your family. And it’s your responsibility to pay it forward.”
While Alex is content living and working in Europe for now, his long-term vision is rooted in home soil. “When I come back to New Zealand, I want to work in public service or politics. But even before then, I hope to offer internship opportunities to other Dilworth Old Boys—especially those studying law, history, or international relations.”
And finally, what does Dilworth mean to Alex today?
Home – because I grew up at Dilworth. The school grounds are so familiar to me, and in many ways, I consider it home.
Family – because the boys I grew up with will forever remain my friends and we wouldn’t have graduated from Dilworth without each other. I’m so proud of the things my mates have achieved since Dilworth.
Honour –Because Dilworth instilled in me a sense of honour, and a desire to be a good and useful citizen. And I’ll never stop trying to make the most of the opportunity I was given.”