Since graduating in 2017, I have worked in the international education sector covering student advising, admissions, recruitment, and marketing. I am currently the Summer Programmes coordinator and oversee the marketing & communications for our Undergraduate Summer Schools.
I am passionate about providing accessible education across the globe and enjoy working on new study abroad opportunities.
I am a BA English Language graduate from the University of Gloucestershire, and highly value how transferable my degree is; it has enabled me to be sensitive to cultural and linguistic differences within my role.
On a personal note, I love cooking - so feel free to contact me with recipe suggestions!
What is your favorite travel memory?
During a vacation to Turkey, we stayed in Olu Deniz, known for it's relaxing Blue Lagoon, inviting seas and skies scattered with paragliders... of course, I couldn't resist signing up!
The following day, at the crack of dawn, we hopped in a jeep and drove up to Mount Babadag ready to go paragliding. I closed my eyes for most of the drive, and when we got to the top of the mountain, I was close to having second thoughts but was reminded that the only alternative way down was back in the jeep. Twenty minutes later, I was flying through the air with the most incredible view!
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
I was recently asked what makes me satisfied at the end of the working week, and it was easy for me - students. We put students first and at the centre of everything we do; when we see happy students on our campus, we know we're doing things right!
Being student-focused has made me become more adaptive - I am always looking for solutions with the student experience in mind, and this has made me a more empathetic person, both in and out of work!
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
"I graduated a year early! By completing the 8-week Physics summer school at the University of Sussex, I can progress onto Medicine a year early than expected." - A former student from the University of California, Berkeley.
Our team often reflects on this achievement, as it embodies our motto: that studying abroad really does improve the opportunities on offer to students.
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
There are too many summer modules to choose from! I would like to try our 'Developing Negotiation Skills' module or our 'Global Development Challenges' module.
If I were to do a semester or year abroad, then it would definitely be Charles University, Prague or Universidad de Valencia. Our Sussex students are incredibly lucky to have so many options at esteemed institutions!
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
The University of Sussex has been placed 22nd for the most international University in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019). This is a fantastic achievement for our institution - it shows that we have a high proportion of international students and staff all collaborating from across the globe!
I am especially proud of my team's ability to connect and engage with students on a personal level. We care about each student and want them to feel at home on our campus.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
I believe the biggest factor in being a successful company is communication - this is at the heart of every success. Our team prides itself on our ability to communicate effectively; whether this is digital campaigns, webinars or queries right from our student hub, we are always active in our responses and are happy to help.
Every member of our team has a passion for student experience, and this drives us to make each summer better than the last!
