I stumbled upon social policy by accident. I originally wanted to do international relations or politics until I took a gap year. 

In my gap year I worked with a charity called Envision, and one of the senior managers in social policy. When they talked about their degree they described it as finding solutions to problems, that’s exactly what I wanted to do but hadn’t known existed until then. 

What are your fondest memories of your time at Birmingham?

On the last day of university, I sat on the steps of the library with my friend, we looked at campus and reminisced on how much had happened and how fast it had gone by. From when we first met in freshers, to when my dyslexic brain led me to turn up to a London underground themed party as “Angle” instead of “Angel” and the countless times we stayed in the library drinking an unhealthy amount of caffeinated drinks promising each other that we would never ever leave an essay so late again. When I look back on everything, I wouldn’t have changed a thing. Before I started University, I would have thought the best thing about University is getting a degree to pursue a career. Now I would tell you it was it being able to try and learn new things, meet different people and share your exploration with friends you make along the way. I also loved the freedom, the variety of things you could do and how everything was in walking distance. In one day, I was able to volunteer, dance, work, go to lectures and still have time to hang out with friends!

Did you participate in extra-curricular activities, if so how have these helped you in your current career?

Yes! At freshers fair I was overwhelmed with how many things you could do. I think I must have signed up to most of the societies in there. I tried out a lot of things but the one that benefited me the most is debating. 

When I first joined, I remember being shocked that students were organising trips around the country every weekend. Travel was subsidised and accommodation was free (we crashed at other universities accommodation!).

Debating allowed me to develop my confidence, have a safe space to assert ideas and get feedback on them. I genuinely think I learnt as much debating as I did in my degree. I remember being in a debate and writing on a note with the words “I have no idea what is going on”, then silently sliding it to my debating partner. She smiled, and wrote back “That’s okay… it’s just a debate, do what you can and have fun!”. That I did – and it taught me that even when you’re in a situation and you think you don’t know anything, take a breath and write down what you think– and then you realise you actually know way more than you do! So now when I’m in a tricky situation that’s what I do. I write down the facts and go from there.

Describe your current role and organisation

I’m currently lucky enough to be in my dream job at Social Change Agency, we work with change makers to create sustainable movements that transform the world. 

My role is to manage the Young Trustees Movement; made up of brilliant young people, employers & charity leaders who are working to double the number of young trustees on charity boards in England and Wales by 2020. While the spotlight is on the age factor, our movement is part of a wider call for diversity on board. (We also have some brilliant students and alumni from the University of Birmingham – so maybe we will see you there!). 

Tell us about your career journey from Birmingham student to where you are today?

I studied Social Policy (the best degree ever) and my dissertation was on the constructs of young people’s personhood in society; with a specific focus upon how charity & government services set goals and measure social impact.

It left me with a strong belief that positions of power (particularly in the charity sector) must reflect their communities.

This belief has been the driving force behind all of my career choices. From Chair of the British Youth Council to my current role – managing the Young Trustees Movement.

Thinking back on your time as a student, what do you know now that you wish you knew then?

If you think you have a learning disability, is definitely worth getting tested. You get so much support. I was diagnosed with dyslexia in my third year (a few months before graduating). If I had done that in my first year it would been much better. You get so much support, are better able to understand how you learn and what you need.

What is your top career tip?

Never give hundred percent. When you care about something so deeply it’s easy to say I need to now put my all into this because this is worth it, but this will just lead you to burn out. It’s like driving a car, never stopping to fill up with petrol and then being surprised when your car stops in the middle of the motorway. Nourishing yourself is not a nice to have, it is essential.

What one word would you use to describe the University of Birmingham?

Adventure.