I still see Sheffield as a second home
Can you tell us about your career path and current role?
I currently lead Corporate External Relations for Arsenal Football Club, as a senior member of the Communications Team. I am a senior communications, government affairs and external relations professional, with experience in Telecommunications, trade bodies, local government and the charitable sector.
My two previous roles / employers were: Vodafone UK (Government Affairs Lead for Vodafone Business) Local Government Association (Public Affairs & Campaigns Adviser).
In what way did your experience at University of Sheffield prepare you for your current career?
My experience at Sheffield gave me the intellectual curiosity and rigour to defend ideas and approaches confidently in the workplace, to negotiate and persuade people to adopt alternative points of view, and to challenge established ways of thinking.
I was also a member of a number of societies, most notably the Politics Society, where I was Treasurer. These social experiences and the responsibilities that accompanied them boosted my confidence and my network considerably, and created enduring connections.
Tell us more about your experience at Sheffield
I loved the both the city and the university. While I have lived in London since graduation, I still see Sheffield as a second home and go back often to visit. It's a warm and welcoming place for students, aided by the fantastic Students' Union and societies, but also allows students to escape from traditional university life and pursue other interests that are abundant in the city and surrounding areas. I made lifelong friends and still remember my tutors in the Politics Department fondly. It shaped my early adulthood and left me with skills and memories I cannot quantify.
What advice would you give to students interested in pursuing a similar career to you?
There is no perfect or pre-ordained path, and there are no easy shortcuts. Take opportunities as they come and maximise the particular skillsets and experiences that any job or opportunity can give you. It's not about your qualifications on paper, it is about how you use them as a foundation to be different from your peers. Career paths in my industry and line of work are rarely linear, so be prepared to do things you didn't think you would do.
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