Previous Institution
The Leys High School - A-Levels
Tell us about your educational and/or career journey since you graduated from Brunel.
I moved to Edinburgh Napier University to complete an MSc in the Biology of Water resource management, and spent the past 25 years working in scientific research, then Health and Safety management and consultancy. I took a 'grown-up gap year' to go back to art college in 2019 and now combine creativity with health and wellbeing management and campaigning for trauma-informed working practices and better mental health support.
What does a typical day at work involve for you?
I support town and parish councils across Somerset to reduce health inequalities, so this could deliver training, writing guidance or having conversations about awarding grants. I am also a stress and resilience coach and an ambassador for the personalised health institute so I could coach private clients or training health coaches to have better-personalised health conversations.
What’s been the highlight of your career journey so far?
Recovering from c-PTSD and overcoming stigma to publish my first book, 'Turning the Tables on Burnout' this year and getting to bestseller status.
How would you say your Brunel experience has helped you to get where you are today?
The learning and the wide range of work experience enabled me to better understand where I wanted to work and gave me access to a network of contacts to support my career path.
Why did you choose to study at Brunel and why would you recommend Brunel to others?
I wanted to be a scientist and to get as much work experience as I could whilst studying.
What is your best memory of studying here?
My second-year work placement - it's where I met my husband!
If you could give one piece of advice to current Brunel students, what would that be?
Stay in your own lane and focus on your progress, how far you have come, and why you are doing what you do. Accepting yourself completely and asking for support are strengths, not a weakness.
What would be your top tip or key advice for new graduates as they begin their career journey after leaving Brunel?
Keep learning, as the degree is just the start of a lifelong journey!
#IamBrunel