If you’re struggling to decide on what you’d like to do after university, it’s sometimes useful to gain inspiration from students who have come before you.
Here you can find profiles from Northumbria graduates and discover – in their own words – what they studied during their time here and what they went on to do. Hopefully hearing from your peers will help you in determining how best to utilise your degree.
Have you accessed Graduate Futures careers support to help your progress? Do you have a Graduate Success Story to share? If so, we would really like to hear from you. All you need to do is send an email to the Graduate Futures Team nucareers@northumbria.ac.uk with the subject heading ‘ Graduate Success’ and a note that you are interested in sharing your success story and we will be in touch with you to tell you more. We look forward to hearing from you.
Nick Coray BA (Hons) Design for Industry (2022)
Nick was awarded his degree in 2022. Applying his knowledge
and passion for design, he created his
own 3D printing company, taking orders online producing products from plant
pots to science fiction memorabilia.
Nick also has a love of Japan, its culture and language. Determined to secure an opportunity to work there, he explored a number of opportunities which led him to the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET). Nick was diligent in researching the programme, connecting with an alumnus who had completed it to gain insights. Nick wanted to create a great application and sought the support of Graduate Futures, attending several graduate careers appointments that helped him showcase his abilities and potential to succeed on the programme. It was also through these appointments that Nick was introduced to GoinGlobal and the ‘Cultural Wizard’, which he found useful.
The application was a success, and Nick was invited to an interview at the Japanese Embassy, London. In preparation, he attended further one-to-one graduate careers appointments to work on his interview technique and presentation of evidence-based examples aligned with the role requirements. Impressively, Nick also learned some Japanese.
Nicks Reflections
‘After getting tired of another 1000 job applications with no interviews, I decided to apply to the JET programme as I've had enough of the UK. The Graduate Futures team helped me prepare for the long application process, which included an essay, and helped me prepare for the interview process at the Japanese embassy. I used some of my contacts to get me some basic teaching experience in a local school to assist with the application process. After applying for JET, I got a part-time job in HMV to pay the bills, until I received the call from the Japanese embassy, one year after applying, asking me if I would like to move to Japan... Of course, I said yes!
Following a long wait after the interview, Nick was informed that he was a suitable candidate for the programme and would be placed on their reserve list. He was delighted when the call came to offer him a place. Nick’s commitment and determination to succeed paid off, enabling him to not only gain new skills, but experience Japanese life and culture, and share his UK cultural insights with Japanese children.
Careers Tip
Expand your horizons and look outside the UK, where your talents can also be appreciated. You could be better off in the long term. Graduate Futures will help with researching and finding the right processes for applications and interviews which helps a lot.
Calling all Northumbria Graduates – Share your story!
Would you like to highlight your achievements and inspire current students with your journey? If you have an interesting story to tell – you’ve managed to overcome obstacles to get where you are today, have started your own business or would like to highlight how your university experience has made a difference – please get in touch by emailing nucareers@northumbria.ac.uk.
Faezeh Masjedi , MSc Project Management (2024)
After graduating in 2024, Faezeh Masjedi was delighted to secure a Project Control Engineering role with one of her top choice employers, following several job applications.
Faezeh’s professional experience prior to commencing her Masters at Northumbria, was centred around various aspects of project management, including project control, planning, and execution. She worked on large-scale projects for major clients in her home country, Iran, primarily focusing on the construction and renovation of industrial facilities.
After gaining valuable project experience Faezeh decided to challenge herself further by expanding her knowledge and expertise on a global scale. To achieve this ambition Faezeh chose to study a MSc in Project Management. This enabled a deepening of project management knowledge and industry best practices.
During her course and after graduation Faezeh actively engaged in Graduate Futures support.
Graduate Futures played a crucial role in preparing me for the job market. Their support helped me understand the recruitment process, refine my job search strategies, and gain insights into different industry sectors, particularly within construction and infrastructure and fields I was especially passionate about.
By attending tailored events and networking opportunities, Faezeh connected with professionals from companies of interest, which accelerated her job search. As a result, prior to graduating, she had a clear vision of her career path and was confident in securing a role aligned with her aspirations. She attended one to one graduate careers appointments and quick queries for support with CVs, cover letters, mock interviews, and was introduced to digital resources in Careers Online for additional careers support.
Thanks to my academic growth and the invaluable support I received, I successfully secured a role at a respected corporation—one that had been a long-standing goal for me. Turner & Townsend was always at the top of my dream list, and securing a position there as a Project Control Engineer allowed me to apply both my technical expertise and soft skills in a dynamic and impactful environment. This achievement marked a significant milestone in my career, fulfilling a professional ambition I had long aspired to.
Faezeh’s Reflections
As an international student, navigating the job market in a new country was both a goal and a challenge. Graduate Futures provided invaluable support, starting with a CV and cover letter review session that significantly improved my application materials, helping me secure a part-time job within a month.
Following that, I participated in numerous events and workshops organised by Graduate Futures. Through these sessions, I gained a deeper understanding of how to craft a professional CV and cover letter, updated and optimised my LinkedIn profile, and had the opportunity to attend personalised sessions for reviewing my CV, cover letter, and LinkedIn page. I also learned how to research companies and job opportunities effectively.
At networking events featuring industry professionals from well-known companies, I had the chance to engage in insightful conversations, expand my professional network, and receive expert career advice. Additionally, I attended recruitment events hosted by leading companies in specialised fields, which provided me with a clearer understanding of the job market landscape and industry expectations. These events also introduced me to effective enterprise networking strategies.
One of the most valuable experiences was participating in group mock interview sessions, where I practiced various interview techniques. Furthermore, through three one-on-one interview training sessions, I became familiar with common and tailored interview questions and the overall interview process before experiencing it in a real setting. Without a doubt, these mock interviews were the most beneficial part of my journey.
Through these experiences, I gained confidence, expanded my professional network, and developed the skills needed to successfully transition into the job market and Graduate Futures played a key role in shaping my career journey.
Careers Tip
Every single step you take will be worth it, even small actions. Most importantly, prioritise networking, never underestimate the power of building professional connections. Never underestimate the power of building professional connections.
Anthony May - MLaw (Exempting) degree in 2023
Anthony May graduated with an MLaw
(Exempting) degree in 2023. Anthony is
currently a trainee solicitor at Sintons LLP , a commercial law firm based in Newcastle. He is also a Trustee and Director of the
national charity Changing Lives.
Anthony actively engaged with Graduate Futures careers support during his law studies through tailored one to one careers advice appointments and he attended events and workshops. Anthony recently returned to Northumbria University to support Graduate Futures' IGNITE programme. IGNITE is a career and employability programme designed to help students kickstart their future career through a series of workshops that boost confidence, leadership, networking and team working skills. Anthony contributed as a panel member to a session focusing on the topic of Imposter Syndrome. This provided students an opportunity to hear about and learn from first hand experiences and strategies that can help overcome internal doubts that can hinder professional and personal development.
Anthony had several challenges and personal commitments during his time at university, such as being a registered carer for his grandfather. This meant that despite the amazing opportunities that were open to him outside of the region, particularly in London, Anthony decided that he could not leave the North East.
Anthony accessed Graduate Futures' careers support, utilising careers resources and engaging in one-to-one careers guidance appointments with Andy Fishburn, Graduate Futures Careers Adviser. This tailored support helped Anthony to see the opportunities in the region and the opportunity to build his career in the region he loves.
During university he took part in a number of extracurricular activities. This included running the North East Junior Lawyers Division, a Junior Lawyers Division supporting a community of junior lawyers who get involved in social and educational events, networking opportunities, recruitment talks and support for their members. Anthony also helped to launch a social mobility charity for the legal profession whilst working in a number of roles in the healthcare, hospitality and transport sectors alongside his caring responsibilities.
Anthonys Reflections
‘ I know how hard it can be to juggle these things. I think the support of Northumbria University - particularly from my personal tutor and Graduate Futures - have allowed me to excel and take on the roles and responsibilities I now hold. In addition to my role as a trainee solicitor, I am also a trustee and director of a national charity (Changing Lives) which has given me the opportunity to use my lived experience of homelessness to benefit our wider society. There is no doubt in my mind that Northumbria Law School and the Graduate Fuutures teams are partially responsible for me thriving in spite of the adversity I have faced. It helped me to become the person I am today. I strive for continuous self-development and I think the law school and GF provided an important platform to allow me to be my best self ‘.
Anthony's Careers Tip
‘Believe in yourself. Do not measure your success against others, measure it against your own values. You will get to where you want to be’.
If you are interested in finding out about graduate employment and earnings and other graduate data you might like to visit Discover Uni website.
You can also join your Northumbria Alumni Association and keep up to date with all the latest alumni and University news whilst ensuring that you retain the lifelong connections you made whilst studying with us. Moreover, using Northumbria University’s Alumni information on LinkedIn will give you the opportunity to network, allowing you to connect with more than 150,000 graduates and learn about their career paths.
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