Stephen Cowburn (English, 2001) speaks to students during Make it Happen 2015
David Bull CBE (Economics, 1972)
Nearly 40 former Sussex students will return to campus to pass on tips to current students and recent graduates seeking to break into various industry sectors during Make it Happen fortnight (22 February-4 March).
Alumni who have volunteered to speak range from very recent graduates to senior figures who possess a wealth of experience and knowledge in their field.
Their employers include: Channel 4, ITV, Saatchi & Saatchi, Unicef UK, Save the Children, Cabinet Office, V&A, Vodafone, DMH Stallard, Microsoft, Twitter, Scientifica, Nikon UK, Wiley, HSBC and UBS.
The Careers in… events, which are jointly organised by the Careers and Employability Centre (CEC) and the Development and Alumni Relations Office (DARO), will each feature a panel discussion followed by an audience Q&A and networking over free wine and snacks.
The seven industry-specific evenings will cover: Media and Communications; Development, Charities and Not-for-Profit; Government, Public Services and Heritage; Law; Creative and Digital Technologies; Science; and Business, Marketing and Finance.
Last year, over 500 students and graduates turned out to gain an insight into different career pathways and make valuable new contacts.
This year’s alumni speakers will include: David Bull CBE (Economics 1972), Executive Director, Unicef UK; Jake Steadman (Computer Science with Management Studies 2002), International Research Director, Twitter; Ann Eatwell (English 1975), Curator, V&A; Daniel Metcalf (Biology 2004), Advanced Imaging Manager, Nikon; and Hilary Oliver (Music 1982), Head of Performance & Reward, HSBC.
Also taking part is Steven Cowburn (English 2001), Founder and Director of Lightweight Media, who returns after taking part as a panellist in 2015.
He said: “I had a great time. It was genuinely inspiring to see so many people with an interest in doing what I do, and to see their enthusiasm in general.”
One student who attended last year added: “[The event] taught me to make the most of the opportunities out there.”
As part of Make it Happen fortnight, students and recent graduates will also have the chance to take part in a series of skills workshops and receive expert advice from employers (including some who are recruiting).
Click here for the full programme of events and a breakdown of alumni speakers by School.
The events are free to attend and students can register through CareerHub.