2020s Alumni profiles

What is your current or most recent job title?

Consultant.

Please tell us a brief summary of your career to date since graduation

My career has shifted since I graduated, I studied international relations and now I'm a consultant. I use a lot of the skills I learned studying international relations every day. These include problem solving, communication, critical thinking and research.

What were the biggest challenges you have faced within your education and career history? What advice would you give to anyone in a similar position?

I found it difficult to find similar minds when I graduated. I am still deeply passionate about international relations but it can be difficult to find others who are interested. I would encourage people to step outside of their comfort zone and understand more deeply what drove you to your field of study in the first place.

What were your motivations for enrolling on a course at the University of Leicester?

It had the programme I was looking for and it was online.

How did your course and your experience in Leicester aid your personal and professional development?

In so many ways! I learned the value of critical thinking and the importance of research. I also learned how to take big problems and break them down into more manageable pieces.

What would you tell your younger self if they were just starting out at the University of Leicester?

Dive in! Take in the entire experience and fully immerse yourself in the studies and the people around you.

What is your current or most recent job title?

UK Divisional Security Lead.

Please tell us a brief summary of your career to date since graduation

• Security Manager, 2021
• Regional Operations Manager, 2022
• Operations Manager UK North, 2023
• UK Divisional Security Lead, 2023

I was a finalist for 10 awards in the security industry, winning the President's Award for Outstanding Young Professional at the Security Institute Gala awards 2023. I was also a finalist for the David Clark Award for Exceptional Contribution to the UK Security Sector at the UK Security Commonwealth 2023.  Previously commended by former Detective Chief Superintendent in Counter Terrorism Policing as the epitome of what a young professional can achieve in the security industry.

What were the biggest challenges you have faced within your education and career history? What advice would you give to anyone in a similar position?

If you are looking to become a manager learn about HR, ER and employment law. Be patient when learning.

What were your motivations for enrolling on a course at the University of Leicester?

To prove my knowledge and enhance my knowledge of field.

What would you tell your younger self if they were just starting out at the University of Leicester?

Be patient and put everything into each task.

What is your current or most recent job title?

STEM Foundation Year Teaching Fellow.

Please tell us a brief summary of your career to date since graduation. You may wish to include job titles and how you obtained the roles

After graduating from my MPhys degree in 2017 I started my PhD in Physics at Leicester. Once my doctorate studies concluded, I became employed as a STEM Foundation Year Teaching Fellow at University of Leicester. I have also held part-time roles at the National Space Centre in Leicester and the Royal Observatory Greenwich in London. I am very keen on working in research, education, and outreach and my roles to date have reflected this. In future, I would love to find a way to combine teaching, outreach, and research!

What were the biggest challenges you have faced within your education and career history? What advice would you give to anyone in a similar position?

My time at sixth-form was very rough. I did really well at secondary school and managed to bag really high grades; that made me something akin to a big fish in a small pond. However, once I got to college I became a small fish in a big pond and struggled with workload and keeping on top of things from day one. I didn't help myself by picking five subjects in the first year: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, and Further Maths. By the time second year came around, I dropped Biology and Chemistry and completed full A-Levels in Physics (B), Maths (A), and Further Maths (C). I thought I had scuppered my chance of getting into my first-choice course at Leicester which had an AAB entry requirement. Despite my grades, I was still able to get onto the MPhys Physics with Astrophysics degree programme and was very relieved when I learned this. It was like an enormous weight was lifted off my shoulders after two gruelling and draining years at college.

What were your motivations for enrolling on a course at the University of Leicester?

I became very interested in astronomy while at college and was shopping around looking for universities where I could study this subject. I was most interested in galaxies and cosmology. Leicester was well-regarded for its research profile in astrophysics and it was also the university in my hometown so it made a lot of sense to hang around and study there.

How did your course and your experience in Leicester aid your personal and professional development?

My MPhys experience was excellent. After struggling through college, I really embraced the fresh sense of freedom and appreciated studying just one single subject as opposed to four on the go. My self-confidence, problem-solving ability, and interpersonal skills improved beyond recognition over the course of four years as I made friends, engaged with my degree programme, and set down markers for my doctorate degree.

What would you tell your younger self if they were just starting out at the University of Leicester?

I would encourage my younger self to join in with more student societies, perhaps even build up the courage to create one tailored to my own interests.

What is your current or most recent job title? 

Multimedia Reporter
 
Please tell us a brief summary of your career to date since graduation. You may wish to include job titles and how you obtained the roles. 

From my graduation to date, I have been working as a multimedia reporter with the Voice of America, Hausa Service, Abuja Bureau and as a newscaster with Liberty Radio and TV Abuja, Nigeria. I landed a role as a newscaster with Liberty Radio and TV in February 2020 after an interview session with the news team. I interviewed for the role of a multimedia journalist with the Voice of America, Hausa service in September 2019. I scaled through with the interview and audition session, and eventually got an email confirming that I landed the role in April 2020 and started work on 1st of May, 2020. The job title for the Voice of America is called “Stringer” multimedia reporter and it affords me the opportunity to do radio, TV, and digital reports.

From the bustling streets of Abuja to the airwaves that reach every corner of Nigeria, my journey as a storyteller has been nothing short of captivating. Since my graduation, I have continually immersed myself in the dynamic world of multimedia reporting, crafting narratives that resonate with audiences far and wide. 

Today, as I reflect on my experiences, I am filled with gratitude for the paths I've trodden and the narratives I have had the privilege to share. Each day presents a new chapter in my journey, fuelling my passion to illuminate the world with the power of words.

What were the biggest challenges you have faced within your education and career history? 

Throughout my academic journey at the University of Leicester, I encountered daunting challenges that tested my resilience and determination.

Foremost among these hurdles was the financial burden I faced following the loss of my father, who had been my primary source of support for my education expenses. To fill this void, I took on additional employment, working tirelessly for 20 hours each week to fund my studies. This responsibility weighed heavily on me as I embarked on my academic pursuits.

I would like to recall that my journey to Leicester was first marred by a visa refusal in March 2021, delaying my arrival until May 1st of the same year. Upon reaching my destination, I found myself in a unique predicament, forced to quarantine for 15 days instead of the standard 10 due to missing my day two COVID test. This extended isolation, compounded by the absence of familiar faces in a foreign land, took a toll on my mental well-being. However, I sought solace and support from the University of Leicester's personal tutor, as well as their COVID support and well-being teams, who provided invaluable assistance during this challenging period. Before coming to Leicester, I was attending online classes and I submitted three formative essays in which two were flagged for minimal plagiarism. The situation gave me the resolve to come down to Leicester to understand how to write and reference better. 

Celebrating my birthday alone in quarantine and Eid-ul Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan alone underscored the magnitude of my isolation and served as poignant reminders of the sacrifices made in pursuit of my education. Yet, despite these challenging moments of solitude, I found strength in the unwavering support of the university's teams, who stood by me as I navigated the complexities of life away from home.

Amidst these personal trials, the academic landscape presented its own set of obstacles. Blended learning modalities, necessitated by Covid restrictions, made it difficult to forge meaningful connections with peers. Limited opportunities for face-to-face interaction left me yearning for companionship, as I grappled with the isolation of solitary study sessions. However, I persevered, seizing every opportunity to engage with course mates during in-person classes and forging bonds that transcended the confines of virtual learning environments.

In retrospect, these challenges have moulded me into a more resilient and resourceful individual. My journey at the University of Leicester has been defined not only by academic pursuits but by the invaluable lessons learned through adversity and the unwavering support of a community dedicated to nurturing the growth and well-being of its students.

What advice would you give to anyone in a similar position? 

For anyone finding themselves in a similar situation, I would offer the following advice culled from my own experiences:

First and foremost, it's essential to establish a realistic and attainable funding plan for the duration of your studies, particularly if you're personally financing your education. Exploring various avenues for financial support and diligently managing your resources can alleviate the stress associated with funding uncertainties.
Maintaining connections with family and friends back home is invaluable. These relationships serve as pillars of support during challenging times and provide a sense of familiarity and comfort, even from afar. Regular communication and deliberate efforts to nurture these bonds can help mitigate feelings of homesickness and isolation.

Despite the challenges posed by new environments and circumstances, making an active effort to cultivate friendships is crucial. Building connections with fellow students, whether through in-person interactions or virtual platforms, can foster a sense of belonging. Investing time and energy in fostering these relationships can help stave off feelings of loneliness and depression, creating a supportive network within your newfound academic community.

Furthermore, don't hesitate to leverage the resources and support services offered by your university. Whether it's seeking guidance from personal tutors, accessing mental health and well-being resources, or tapping into academic support services, the University of Leicester is equipped with a plethora of resources designed to assist students in navigating challenges and obstacles. Remember, reaching out for help when needed is a sign of strength, not weakness, and can make a significant difference in your academic and personal well-being.

What were your motivations for enrolling in a course at the University of Leicester? 

Enrolling in a course at the University of Leicester was more than just a decision; it was a journey sparked by a single encounter that ignited a flame of inspiration within me. It all began at an education exhibition in Abuja, Nigeria, where amidst a sea of universities vying for attention, one representative stood out like a beacon of possibility, Jules Pringle.

Her approach was more than just informative; it was deeply engaging and profoundly receptive. With each word she spoke, I felt a connection forming, a sense of belonging to a place I had yet to step foot in. At that moment, the University of Leicester ceased to be just another option among many; it became the embodiment of my aspirations and dreams.

The pre-departure briefing only served to fan the flames of excitement further. As I absorbed every detail about life at UoL, I found myself drawn inexorably towards the prospect of studying in such a vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment. It was as if fate had intervened, guiding me towards a path brimming with promise and potential.

In hindsight, that chance encounter at the exhibition was more than just happenstance; it was the catalyst that propelled me toward a future filled with endless possibilities at the UoL. As I embarked on the next exhilarating journey, I carried with me not only the knowledge imparted by the representative and my tutors but also a sense of anticipation for the transformative experiences that await outside the University of Leicester.

How did your course and your experience in Leicester aid your personal and professional development? 

My journey through my course and experiences in Leicester has been nothing short of transformative, re-igniting an existing fire within me that has fueled both my personal growth and professional development in remarkable ways.

Immersing myself in the rich tapestry of knowledge woven through in-person teachings and online classes has been instrumental in shaping my professional writing style and reportage. Each lesson, and each insight learned, has been a stepping stone towards honing my craft and amplifying my voice in the realm of multimedia journalism.

But my journey extends far beyond the confines of academia. It has led me to explore the vast landscape of social media in the area of advertising and promotion in the digital age, harnessing its power to amplify narratives and spark meaningful conversations. This newfound understanding has empowered me to leverage digital platforms as potent tools for storytelling and advocacy.

One of my proudest achievements to date is the publication of my book, "Igniting Resilience: An Ultimate Guide to Getting out of Your Comfort Zone." This labor of love stands as a testament to my commitment to empowering others to embrace change and challenge the status quo. 
Moreover, I have spearheaded two annual conferences centered around the theme of igniting resilience and breaking free from comfort zones, catalyzing a paradigm shift in the narrative of the northern region of Nigeria. These gatherings serve as rallying points for change-makers and visionaries, fostering a community of resilience and innovation.

In addition, I am currently at the helm of a 9-month mentorship circle, guiding and nurturing 100 mentees in the art and science of multimedia journalism. It is a privilege to pay forward the knowledge and wisdom bestowed upon me, empowering the next generation of storytellers to chart their paths to success.
As I reflect on my journey thus far, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities seized and the challenges overcome. Each endeavor, each milestone, serves as a testament to the limitless potential that resides within us all. As I stand on the precipice of new horizons, I do so with unwavering determination and boundless optimism, eager to continue my pursuit of excellence and impact in the world of journalism and beyond.
 
What would you tell your younger self if they were just starting out at the University of Leicester? 

If I could impart wisdom to my younger self just starting out at the University of Leicester, I would offer a few words of advice from the experiences that lie ahead.

First and foremost, I would encourage myself to pour my heart and soul into every facet of my academic journey, striving not just for success, but for excellence. With each lecture and each assignment, I would remind myself of the importance of dedication and perseverance, knowing that the pursuit of knowledge is a journey without end.

But beyond the confines of the classroom, I would urge myself to explore the vibrant arrays of experiences that the university and the city of Leicester have to offer. From hidden gems tucked away in quaint corners to bustling hubs of activity, there's a world waiting to be discovered, a world brimming with possibility and adventure.

In addition, I would challenge myself to step outside my comfort zone and embrace the spirit of volunteerism, lending a helping hand to causes close to my heart. Whether it's championing environmental sustainability, advocating for social justice, or supporting local communities, there's no shortage of opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the world around me.

And finally, I would remind myself of the importance of forging meaningful connections and cultivating friendships that will enrich my personal and professional life. In the company of kindred spirits and like-minded individuals, I would find strength, support, and camaraderie, navigating the highs and lows of university life with grace and resilience.

As I set forth on this new chapter of my journey, I carry with me the wisdom of hindsight and the promise of endless possibility. And with each step I take, I do so with a sense of purpose and determination, knowing that the path ahead is illuminated by the light of my own aspirations and dreams.