Sheffield didn’t just prepare me for a career — it gave me the mindset of public service.

Tell us about your journey since graduation.

Since graduating from the University of Sheffield with a degree in Politics and Sociology, my career has taken me through a range of roles that connect public service, governance, and international collaboration.

After Sheffield, I pursued a Master’s in Political Science at the Université libre de Bruxelles, where I developed a deeper interest in public institutions and regulatory systems. This led me to the World Trade Organization in Geneva and later to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, where I supported international coordination and communication — both experiences that shaped my understanding of diplomacy and large-scale project delivery.

Returning to the UK, I worked at Huawei and Santander, where I managed compliance-driven projects and process transformation initiatives. These roles strengthened my interest in transparency and governance, which ultimately guided me toward the Civil Service.

I now work at the Cabinet Office’s Public Sector Fraud Authority as a Fraud Risk Officer, helping coordinate cross-government initiatives that protect public funds and improve accountability. Alongside my work, I am completing a Master’s in Law, which deepens my understanding of regulation and public duty.

Tell us about your time at Sheffield

I served as a Students’ Union Councillor for both the Politics Department  and the Sociology Department (now the School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations). I also stood for SU President in 2015, which turned into one of the most formative experiences of my university life. The campaign gained significant campus attention and allowed me to connect with hundreds of students, learning first-hand how to listen, advocate, and bring people together around shared ideas.

These experiences taught me the value of representation, diplomacy, and communication — skills that now underpin my work in government. The process of writing policies, debating priorities, and supporting diverse voices gave me an early insight into leadership and accountability. It also gave me the confidence to speak publicly, work collaboratively, and remain calm under scrutiny — qualities that have stayed with me ever since.

Serving the student community at Sheffield not only shaped my confidence but also inspired my long-term commitment to public service and good governance.

How did your time at Sheffield prepare you for your current career?

My time at the University of Sheffield laid the foundation for everything I do today. Studying Politics and Sociology trained me to think critically about systems, governance, and fairness — skills I now apply daily in my work at the Cabinet Office. The academic environment encouraged me to question how institutions operate and how decisions affect real people, which shaped my long-term interest in policy, compliance, and public accountability.

I built particularly strong relationships with two of my professors, whose support and mentorship made a lasting impact. They challenged me to think more critically and approach complex topics with structure and fairness. Both later wrote references for my master’s in Brussels, and one recently acted as my academic referee for my current Cabinet Office role — a reflection of how enduring those Sheffield connections have been.

Beyond the classroom, being elected as Students’ Union Councillor for both Politics and Sociology — and later standing for SU President — gave me invaluable experience in representation and leadership. Campaigning, debating policy, and engaging with students from every background taught me how to communicate clearly, mediate differences, and remain composed under pressure — all essential skills in government work.

Sheffield also gave me a genuine appreciation for collaboration and inclusion. Whether in seminars or society meetings, I learned the importance of listening carefully and treating every perspective with respect. Those habits of empathy, diplomacy, and structured reasoning now guide how I work with colleagues and stakeholders across departments.

In many ways, Sheffield didn’t just prepare me for a career — it gave me the mindset of public service that still defines my professional life today.

What advice would you give to our students?

If you’re interested in a career in government, law, or international organisations, start by being curious about how systems really work — and don’t be afraid to get involved early. Roles in the Civil Service or international institutions aren’t just about policy; they’re about people, communication, and integrity.

Take every opportunity at university to build confidence in expressing your ideas — whether through societies, debates, volunteering, or Students’ Union activities. Those experiences teach you how to listen, lead, and collaborate under pressure, which matter far more than titles.

It also helps to cultivate a broad perspective. Study abroad, learn another language, or take on internships that stretch your comfort zone. My time at Sheffield taught me to combine empathy with structure — a balance that’s essential in public service.

Finally, be patient and consistent. Careers in governance and law build over time, and every experience — academic or personal — adds something valuable to your journey.