What degree did you study?
For my undergraduate studies I completed a BSc Zoology at the University of Bangor and then at postgraduate level went on to take an MSc Environment, Development and Politics at the University of Birmingham. Following that, I studied for a PGDip Career Development and Employability.
How did you get your careers job?
Before moving into higher education, I worked in the public sector supporting people who had been unemployed, in some cases for up to 20 years, to re-enter the workforce. That role taught me a huge amount about:
- confidence building
- communication
- resilience
- the barriers people face when trying to access opportunities.
Over time, I realised that many of the skills involved in supporting long-term unemployed adults were highly transferable to graduate employability and careers work. I transitioned into higher education and began managing teams that support graduates in securing employment and progressing into meaningful careers.
How relevant is your degree?
In terms of subject matter, my degree isn't directly related to the role I work in now, as I’m not using zoology in my day-to-day work in careers and employability. However, my university experience is highly relevant as it has helped shape who I am as a person and a professional.
What's a typical working day like in a careers support role?
Working at the University of East London (UEL), my day is very varied. I could be hosting a workshop or large-scale event, giving guidance to graduates, building PowerBI dashboards to support our data-driven strategy or meeting with employers to understand their needs and fill their talent pipelines.
What do you enjoy most about working with graduates?
The most rewarding part of the job is seeing someone finally succeed after struggling for a long time. You might work with a graduate who has faced hundreds of rejections, lost confidence, and started doubting themselves, only to suddenly receive that phone call offering them a job. Being part of that journey is incredibly fulfilling.
I also enjoy the employer side of the work. Sometimes organisations have been searching for the right candidate for months and haven't been able to find someone suitable. Helping connect them with a graduate who turns out to be exactly what they needed is a great feeling.
What are the challenges in supporting students in their career choices?
One of the biggest challenges is balancing encouragement with realism. Not every graduate immediately gets the job they want, and the current labour market can be incredibly competitive and difficult to navigate.
Some graduates understandably have very high expectations early in their careers, and part of the role is helping them understand the realities of the market without discouraging them. It's important to support ambition while also helping people build practical stepping stones toward their long-term goals.
Another challenge is confidence. Rejection can really impact people, especially when they've applied for dozens or even hundreds of roles. A large part of careers support is helping graduates remain resilient, adaptable, and persistent, even when things aren't going to plan.
Where do you hope to be in five years?
In five years' time, I hope to still be working in a role where I can support graduates in progressing into careers and opportunities that are meaningful to them, whether that’s at UEL or another institution.
I'd also love the opportunity to work abroad at some point. Experiencing different labour markets, education systems, and cultural approaches to careers and employability would be incredibly valuable both personally and professionally. I think it would give me a broader perspective on the challenges graduates face globally and help me bring new ideas into my work.
What advice can you give to others?
It's important to put yourself out there. Your network is golden, so try to make the most of it and keep developing your professional contacts. Also, don't be afraid to take a risk in your career journey. It can be tempting to play it safe, but sometimes a calculated risk can pay off.
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