Meet the team

George joined Birmingham Business School in 2024 following a transition out of the private sector. George comes from a HR background with multi-industry experience. 

Prior to working at the University of Birmingham, George worked for Goldman Sachs; initially, George joined the firm as a recruiter within the EMEA Diversity Recruitment team, and then pivoted into the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team as a DEI Advisor. 

With experience in 360 recruitment processes coupled with exposure to fast paced industries across both public and private sectors, George aims to provide careers advice support to the PG community. 

Tom joined Birmingham Business School in 2021 from the private sector. Prior to joining the University of Birmingham Tom has had 9 years of experience as a project manager and management consultant working for two international consultants, Atkins and Arup, in the energy and transportation sectors. During this time Tom has supported all stages of the graduate recruitment process for Atkins and Arup, both Times Top 100 Graduate Employers.Tom also held roles as the project management graduate lead and as a graduate line manager for Atkins. Prior to his professional career Tom completed an undergraduate degree in Business Management with a year in industry and study abroad semester in Guangzhou, China.

As a careers adviser, Tom will use this experience to help students understand the various industry sectors, what employers are looking for and how to use this information to maximise their career prospects.

Sonia joined the University of Birmingham in 2018, working within the Postgraduate team at Careers Network, before joining the Birmingham Business School team in 2024.  Sonia has worked in a variety of careers and employability-related roles within the education and careers sector over the past thirteen years.

Prior to joining the university, Sonia project managed a number of national initiatives and careers and employer-led projects in collaboration with a number of educational establishments, local, national and global employers, senior stakeholders and partners within the public and private sector.  She also previously managed, led and co-ordinated the Skills Show - the nation’s largest careers, apprenticeship and skills event. 

Sonia enjoys supporting students to develop vital skills required to succeed in today’s competitive job market. Sonia is passionate about ensuring students receive excellent learning, guidance and student experiences, so they can make good choices relating to further study and employment, thus best preparing them for their future and the world of work.

Yasmin joined the University of Birmingham in 2021, working within the Postgraduate Recruitment Team, before joining the BBS Careers team in 2024. 

Working as Employer Liaison Officer within the BBS Careers team, Yasmin’s work focuses on engaging employers with the Business School through activities, events and work opportunities, with a view to improving students’ employability. Yasmin is passionate about connecting students with a diverse range of employers in both the UK and abroad, to help students better understand the wide range of career options available and to gain high quality work experience and employment opportunities post-graduation. 

Jodie did both her BA English and MA in English Language at the University of Birmingham and since 2016 has worked in various roles at the University; starting as a Graduate Trainee in Professional Services, moving on to Central Careers, the Development and Alumni Office and joined BBS Careers in 2022.

Jodie’s area of specialism includes engaging with industry and managing relationships, with a passion for bringing companies into the curriculum to help enhance students learning and commercial awareness. 

Sym joined Birmingham Business School in July 2021 having previously worked within Careers and Placements at two other higher education institutions. She works across UG degree cohorts to support students in securing full year placements, summer internships and short-term work experience helping to enhance their skill-set and develop their confidence in their employability journey.

Currently studying for a PG Diploma in Careers Guidance at University of Warwick, Sym is particularly passionate on widening participation and social mobility to ensure as many of our students and graduates as possible recognise their potential and reach their career goals.

Cindy joined Birmingham Business School Careers in November 2024. Prior to joining the University of Birmingham, Cindy spent over 12 years working in banking and financial services with the HSBC Group as a Human Resources professional where she partnered with leaders from the Global Functions, Commercial, Wealth and Personal Banking businesses on the delivery of their strategic People Agendas. During Cindy’s time with the HSBC Group, a Times Top 100 Graduate Employer, she led graduate recruitment and emerging talent programmes in the UK and Canada.

Cindy utilises her industry experience and knowledge to support UG Business School students achieve their desired one-year placements, summer internships and work experiences by helping to develop employability skills and preparing students to succeed in their applications, assessment centres, interviews and finally in the workplace with their employer of choice.

Soon to be a professional services representative at the Birmingham Business School EDB (Equity, Diversity, and Belonging) Committee, Cindy is passionate about ensuring the accessibility and reach of BBS Careers service to our under-represented groups. 

Katie joined Birmingham Business School Careers in 2024. Prior to this, Katie had over 11 years' experience at the University, including with projects, data and evaluation, running mentoring schemes, sourcing work experience opportunities for students and, most recently, employer engagement, events and relationship building. 
 
Katie has particular interests in student experience and engagement, digital content, web design, accessibility, digital learning design, online resources, branding & marketing and graphic design.