Nataly Birbeck, L300, 2011, PhD researcher in OpenLab Digital Civics in Human Computer Interaction (HCI), Newcastle University

Nataly is currently a PhD student working on digital innovation in the context of mental health. Her research explores different ways that we can enable people to become more involved in commissioning and designing the technologies that will affect their futures.

After graduating from L300, Sociology, Nataly did a Masters in Sociological Research at Manchester and thought about applying for a few different PhDs, but did not find the right one straight away. She worked in a coffee shop for a period of time and then got a job at York St John University as a Research Assistant. This job clarified for her that she liked working in academia and helped build her confidence to apply for PhDs. She really enjoys her PhD as it not only involves conducting her own research, but also working in a multidisciplinary lab and developing different kinds of skills, for example working with software developers to design a website for her project.

Alex Iles, LL32, 2011, Managing Director, Explore Newcastle

Alex manages his own company Explore Newcastle. He provides guided walks of the North East for the public, he also provides bespoke walking tours for companies in the North East, and education workshops for schools to bring history to life in for students.
After graduating from LL32, Alex completed a Masters in Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the business school at Newcastle University. He then applied for a range of jobs, including the civil service, teaching, entrepreneurship and business. After a number of rejections he decided to start his own business. He now runs his successful business using his sociological and anthropological knowledge to interpret and connect past, present and future in his tours.

Alexandros Olantiti, LL32, 2011, MA in York University

Alexandros is currently completing a Masters in Public Administration and International Development at the University of York, an MA that involves learning managerial skills to be a leader in public administration, in the public sector. He is also an examiner for Sociology for an exam board.

After graduating from LL32, Alexandros did both a part-time Masters in International Studies at Newcastle University and a part-time teacher training course. After graduating from these courses he worked in post-16 education for three years and then taught at City of London University. Alexandros then decided to further develop his leadership skills through his current Masters, to capitalise on his passion for education and sociology, and his work experience so far.

Jonathan Atkinson, L300, 2008, UK Student Recruitment Officer at the University of Liverpool

Jonathan is a student recruitment officer at the University of Liverpool. This role involves account managing about 70 different schools across the country. He is responsible for helping their students gain government information, advice and guidance about higher education prospects.

Jonathan started looking for graduate jobs during his third year of university, he knew he wanted to get into the working world but was unsure what direction to take. By chance he saw an advert in the Claremont Tower lift to be a graduate ambassador for Newcastle University. It sounded interesting and he successful applied for the role. The position was for one year and involved travelling around the country, delivering workshops and talking about Newcastle University. After that he worked as an Inclusion officer for a Leeds City Council, developing an information service for disabled children and families. Following this he completed a graduate management scheme with Marks and Spencer, he gained lots of valuable skills and experience, but ultimately decided he wanted to return to the Higher Education sector, and is now in his third post, working his way up the seniority ranks.

Clare Slipper, LL32, 2012, Parliamentary Officer at NFU Scotland

Clare is a Parliamentary Officer for the National Farmers Union in Scotland. Her job is to facilitate engagement between the farmers union and elected Parliamentarians in the Scottish, UK and EU parliaments, and involves lobbying the parliaments and the governments to ensure that farmers voices are heard in negotiations.

Clare applied for an internship with a PR, communications and public affairs firm during her final year of LL32. She started the internship after graduation and after two months was taken on permanently as a consultant. She saw her current job advertised on the website Working for an MP http://www.w4mp.org/, the role utilised her experience in communication and public affairs, and also her research and analysis skills and political knowledge, that she had developed during her degree.

Holly Mannion, L300, 2016, Merchandising Admin Assistant at Arcadia (Burton, Dorothy Perkins, Evans, Miss Selfridge, Topshop, Topman and Wallis)

Holly is a merchandising assistant for Arcadia. This role involves helping stores open and build up their stock (the supply of clothes etc. for sale), considering where different kinds of stock should be sent across the country and analysing trends, demographics and target markets.

This is Holly’s first job post-graduation. She started job hunting during her final year of her L300 degree, and applied for a range of positions in different fields. Getting rejections was tough but she persisted. Holly came across merchandising through her research on different career options, she found it suited both her interest in fashion and the research and analysis skills, and knowledge about people she had been developing during her degree. Holly was offered her position in May and started in the September following graduation.