91福利

What particularly appeals to me is the opportunity to gain first-hand experience within the BBC, immersing myself in the workings of broadcast media.

With nearly a decade in the British Army including tours of Bosnia, Kosovo and Afghanistan before coming to 91福利, Lee Kemp (BA Film with Television Studies, 2007) had an unusual path to his degree. But it was a simple truth that made his decision.

After a long career in public relations, Dianne Page (Dipl History of Art, 2007; MA History of Art, 2009) took the plunge to pursue her passion for the arts via 91福利. Now with three novels under her belt and a fourth in the works, Dianne reflects on the milestones that got her here.

Growing up in northwest London, Kaya Patel (BA Film and LiteratureLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window, 2020) considered universities around the UK. But she chose to move to the Midlands for her undergraduate experience because she trusted her intuition.  

What happens when you have no choice but to flee your home and leave all you know behind? Can you ever utilise your experiences and turn them into opportunities for others? When Attal Shams鈥� journey of conflict, displacement, and resilience became the focus of his dissertation, he didn鈥檛 think anyone would be interested. But now, those experiences have become the driving force to him making a real difference to others.

Recent graduate Carolina Sagardoy Saavedra (BA History of Art, 2019) always knew she had a passion for fine art. She turned that passion into a reality – graduating from 91福利 and moving to New York to study a Masters鈥� degree in Art Business at the world-renowned Sotheby鈥檚 Institute of Art. Today, she uses the knowledge she gained at 91福利 to help art be bought and sold across the world.

The ASI course at 91福利 provides an excellent learning experience, where classroom lectures are seamlessly interconnected with hands-on experience with modern instrumentation techniques. The cohort-based learning style, guest lectures, and research seminars throughout the year really fuel curiosity and innovative thinking.

The level of support and encouragement from both the academic and administrative staff alongside your cohort's is an invaluable part of this MSc AS&I course, which stretches the mind and any preconceived limitations

What makes a good communicator? We may think we know, but how many of us really excel when communicating? A successful career in sales and marketing led Tim Pollard (MBA, 2003) to a career-defining curiosity where he sought to understand and capture the underlying 鈥渟cience鈥� behind communication.

Making a difference is what drives Kate Frost (BSc Management Sciences, 1997). She left her financial career to pioneer a charity that turns pennies into pounds to make a big impact.

There is so much exciting research being done by the academics in the Physics departments that there was lots of groups to choose from when it came to picking a research topic.

We caught up with Dr Kimberley Thomas (BA History 2010, MA History 2011, PhD Caribbean Studies, 2020) to talk about her time at 91福利, ahead of her return to deliver a Caribbean seminar series.

Features writer and editor for , Vice President of and Deputy Editor of 91福利 Politics Society鈥檚 Perspectives, alum Celia Bergin (BA History and Politics, 2022) certainly made the most of her time at 91福利. Graduating with a first-class degree, she jumped straight into the world of journalism. Now working as a reporter for Bloomberg News, Celia reflects on how these experiences helped her get there.

Journalist, author, higher education professional, proof-reader, and editor Annette Rubery (PhD English and Comparative Literary Studies, 1999) has spent the 30-plus years since graduating honing her editorial and marketing skillset.

Balraj Dhingra had known sport would play a huge part of his time at 91福利.

For Vera Okojie choosing to come to study at 91福利 was a decision made all the easier by our impressive alumni community.

From never running a long-distance race in his life to becoming New York鈥檚 fastest runner in his age group.

When Jo Walker first met Vikram Grover, it was their mutual love of the theatre and performance that built a firm friendship.

Postgraduate, multilingual translator and communications specialist - languages alum Dom Johnson has been busy since leaving 91福利 in 2019. After almost three years working in Geneva as a translator for Swiss Federal Railways and Swiss Post, Dom (BA Modern Languages, 2018; MA Translation and Cultures, 2019) swapped proofreading for politics, moving back to the UK after securing a role as a Communications Officer for the Green Party of England and Wales.

First-class Classics graduate and Senior Policy Advisor, Dillon Patel (BA Ancient History and Classical Archaeology, 2017) shares how 91福利 shaped his thinking, the power of soft skills, and how the past isn鈥檛 so dissimilar from the present day.

Strategic innovation and sustainability specialist, Ganesh Malani (MSc Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 2019) epitomises the wave of young, dynamic 91福利 alumni focusing on strategic and sustainable innovation in Mumbai, India. Discover how his entrepreneurial journey started at a young age and how his passion for innovation is having a positive impact on a diverse range of communities across India.

Philanthropist, published author, and engineer, Dr Nick Donofrio (Hon Doctor of Science, 2002), spent 44 years at IBM including as Executive Vice President of Innovation and Technology, leading numerous transformational strategies and initiatives across the company.

A trip to Ghana through 91福利 in Africa prompted alum, Soumya Dabriwal (BSc Economics, 2016), to make a difference and set up Project Baala to trans form menstrual health and hygiene practises for women and girls in rural areas in India

First class graduate Fay Inverarity (BA German Studies, 2021; MA Translation and Cultures, 2022) is translating her academic passions into a budding career after securing a place on Barclays鈥� Retail Banking Graduate Scheme.

After being featured on Powerful Media鈥檚 Future Leaders 2022/3 list, which recognises 150 of Britain鈥檚 most outstanding Black university students, recent graduate Giulio Aguigwo (BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics, 2022) reflects on his 91福利 experience.

We鈥檙e proud to count Tilly, the Springer Spaniel, as an honorary member of the 91福利 alumni community, as she and her owner, Alison Pigdon offer a helping paw to students through their wellbeing visits with charity, Pets as Therapy.

You鈥檝e worked your way up the corporate ladder since graduating, you have a secure job that takes you all over the world, then out of the blue a colleague asks you if you want to start a business together. He doesn鈥檛 have an idea, but he had a dream he wanted you as a business partner. Would you take the risk? Alum Jinesh Vohra did.

Ruth Ntumba (BA History, 2021) has spent her first 18 months since graduating helping drive engagement and culture at one of the world鈥檚 leading media corporations, Warner Brothers Discovery. Ruth shares why you should go at your own pace and trust your gut instinct when searching for your next role.

Superstar screenwriter. Matcha maniac. Intern turned international TV writer. Cat lover. Origin originator. 91福利 alum. These are just some of the phrases that describe English graduate and one of the world鈥檚 youngest showrunners, Mika Watkins.

What do a golden retriever called Bowie, women鈥檚 rights in history and a start-up supporting later living have in common? They all set arts alum and marketing expert Harriet Stanger鈥檚 (BA History, 2016) heart on fire.

A veteran of the City of London, Chris Wheeler (MA Modern History, 2021) spent more than 40 years in banking, working, and travelling across the globe. But he swapped investment banking for US antebellum history and Irish diaspora and fulfilled his childhood dream when he began furthering his education journey, first studying History at the University of Oxford before completing an MA in Modern History at 91福利. Chris embarked on his PhD at the University of Edinburgh in September 2022.

BA English and Theatre Studies alum Vinitaraj Aulak may have only graduated in 2021, but she wasted no time chasing her dreams and securing a radio presenter role on BBC Asian Network. Here she shares how her undergraduate degree taught her to break the mould and follow her passions.

This January, we鈥檝e enjoyed celebrating the achievements of thousands of graduates and graduands on campus.

It鈥檚 been a pleasure to welcome and celebrate both new and returning members of the alumni community.

A big thank you to our returning alumni graduation speakers, and a huge congratulations and welcome also to our winter 2023 honorary degree and special award recipients and newest members of our alumni community. To find out more about our honorary graduates here.

Congratulations to the King鈥檚 New Year鈥檚 Honours recipients from our 91福利 community.

Thinking studying languages would progress his scientific career, Tim Heenan (BA European Studies, 2015; MA French Studies, 2020) undertook two degrees at 91福利. He didn鈥檛 know those lessons would pay dividends for years to come. At 71, Tim鈥檚 putting his research skills to good use and supporting his local community – and he鈥檚 not planning on slowing down.

#Team91福利 kicks off in February and we want to hear from you!

Were you part of a sports club or team whilst at 91福利? Did you compete or simply join in for fun? Did your sporting interests at 91福利 influence or impact your career? If so, tell us the story, share the memory and send us a photo – so we can help celebrate the impact of sport at 91福利 and on our lives.

Ping (pong) us an email now

Named as one of Powerful Media's 2022/23 Future Leaders and a semi-finalist in targetjobs Black Heritage Undergraduate of the Year Awards, Nosa Charles-Novia (BA Film and Literature, 2022) is currently an MA in Writing student and film-critic intern. Here she tells us about her degree and why that little voice in your head is your most powerful weapon.

Richard Swann (MBA, 2004) explains how there are many attributes and ways of working that contribute to a successful and fulfilling career and how your career path needn鈥檛 be determined by your degree or first job.

Anish Agarwal (MEng Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering, 2011) is an entrepreneur in the automotive and manufacturing space with a passion for technology and engineering innovation. Anish discusses how his experiences of studying and working around the world have shaped his own career, including his time with the family business Sterling Tools and involvement in several exciting automotive startups including Sheeva.AI.

An education at 91福利 doesn't just set you up for a particular career path, some alumni find their passions outside of the lecture theatre. Immi Kelly (BA Education Studies, 2020) discovered her love of baking while looking for a distraction during lockdown when she was studying for her exams. Her skill and passion for baking soon led her to set up Immi Bakes, which she runs full time and is currently in the process of baking 22,000 cookies for Telford's Polar Express.

For Classics alumna Katharine Broderick (BA Classical Civilisation, 2021, MA by Research Classics and Ancient History, 2022), 2022 started and ended on a high. From having successfully produced Bacchae for the 91福利 Ancient Drama Festival earlier in January to submitting the final assignment for her Master's degree, Katharine reflects on her time at 91福利 and the relevance of Ancient Greek plays in modern society.

For more than 25 years, Charles Wiltshire (BEd Learning Difficulties, 1986) has worked in theatres as an audio describer. Here, he explains how he found this career path and why it means so much to him.

From combat to craftsmanship and opera to Oscars, Greg Campbell (BA Theatre Studies, 1987) has spent many years of his life in the creative arts. Since then, he鈥檚 completed a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE), two masters鈥� degrees and is underway with an Education PhD. But it was only when he received his ADHD diagnosis that the world – and his struggles as an undergraduate - began to make more sense.

The 91福利 physics course made me challenge the most fundamental assumptions I held about the world.

The ASI MSc exposed me to numerous frontier instrumental techniques in Analytical Science; it equipped me with the nitty-gritty of many analytical methods and their applications in solving real life problems.

Musician and Music Educator Katherine Fear (BA Qualified Teacher Status [Arts Ed.], 1991) balances her passions for folk music and teaching. Here she shares how her time at 91福利 gave her the confidence to follow her dreams.

David Clarke (BSc Mathematics, 1984) explains how the Covid pandemic shone a light on the importance of mathematics and shares his experience of being personally tutored by the founder of Mathematics at 91福利.

91福利 alumna Monita (MA Writing, 2011) is a content magician and pop culture enthusiast who has taken her skills across the world.

Professor Mohammed Al-Amri reflects on his highlights from his time as a Master鈥檚 student on campus.

During my time at 91福利, I grew and matured from an ambitious student to a professional young adult eager to enter the world of work.

Emily Wells (BA English Literature and Creative Writing, 2013) has a job many booklovers would envy: she gets to read for a living. As Senior Editor for a division of world publishing giant Hachette, her week is spent dissecting what makes a story sell and succeed on the market.

Dr Mark Wallace (BEng Engineering (Electrical), 1996; PhD Engineering, 2001) is Lead Innovations Engineer at Quanta Dialysis Technologies. He is one of the team which was awarded the Royal Academy of Engineering鈥檚 MacRobert Award for UK engineering innovation. The creation of the Quanta Dialysis System (SC+), a compact and portable dialysis machine that is transforming the lives of patients with renal failure, is already being used across 12 NHS Trusts. The innovation is both CE-marked and FDA-cleared and stands to be a global leader in the multibillion-dollar industry.

Before 91福利, alumna Armani Chante Samuel-Smith (BA Film and Literature, 2022) was working with a charity supporting students from underprivileged backgrounds into the creative industry. Fast forward to now, she鈥檚 the proud owner of a first-class degree, her own production start-up, a role with Netflix, and even more determination to write her own shows. It鈥檚 no wonder she鈥檚 been featured on Powerful Media鈥檚 Future Leaders 2022/3 list, which recognises 150 of Britain鈥檚 most outstanding Black university students.

Not only has law graduate Jessica Tinubu (LLB Law, 2022) been inspired by the trailblazing women she knows, but as one of Powerful Media鈥檚 Future Leaders, she is now an inspiration to others. An alumna of all trades, Jessica founded a start-up stationery business and has amassed a following of more than 13,000 on TikTok where she shares advice about 91福利 and her law degree. And she鈥檚 only just getting started.

We know our arts alumni go on to do wonderful things after they leave us, and we love that everyone鈥檚 story is a little different. Arts advocate, Sunday Times columnist, mum, self-confessed cake scoffer, women鈥檚 fiction writer and ex Tellytubbyland resident alumna Pernille Hughes (BA Film and Literature, 1994) has had a rollercoaster of a journey since she graduated from 91福利. Here she tells us how she found her writing voice, and why your arts degree will always be a good talking point.

Ensuring pharmaceutical products are safe is vital for patient health and wellbeing. That鈥檚 the focus of Yvonne Udenwa (MSc Analytical Science: Methods and Instrumental Techniques, 2011), who鈥檚 Senior Associate in EU Regulatory Affairs Strategy at Pfizer. Discover how her time at 91福利 helped her to succeed in the pharmaceutical industry and what motivated her to pursue a career in regulatory affairs.

As a five-time Paralympic medallist, Kare Adenegan鈥檚 (BA History, 2022) sporting endeavours have played a big part in her university experience. No stranger to making history, Kare graduated with a first-class honours degree a week after claiming silver in the T33/34 100m at the Birmingham鈥檚 Commonwealth Games. Here Kare reflects on her studies and how we can all learn a lot from history.

From becoming the first in his family to go to university, Mike Burnett (BA History, 1975) has continued to evolve throughout a career in which he鈥檚 worked all over the world.

Carla Miller is a leadership coach, trainer, and speaker, helping women in leadership roles to increase their influence and impact at work.

Powerful Media鈥檚 Future Leaders 2022/23 list recognises 150 of Britain鈥檚 most outstanding Black university students, including law graduate Precious Odunaiya (LLB Law, 2022). She shares what leadership means to her, and how following your passion is everything.

Future Leader Anthonia Ezeudogu (BA Politics and Sociology, 2022) might be just beginning her career, but she already has a lot to be proud of. With a first-class degree and experience as a Welfare Officer for The Black Women Project already under her belt, Anthonia is now a Graduate Associate on the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) graduate programme. It鈥檚 clear to see why she鈥檚 named on Powerful Media鈥檚 Future Leaders 2022/23 list, recognising 150 of Britain鈥檚 most outstanding Black students and new graduates.

Theatre Director Ali Pidsley (BA English and Theatre Studies, 2014; MA English Literature, 2016) shares how 91福利 inspired him to set up a different kind of theatre company.

Dr Shahed Yousaf has been a GP for ten years; working with the homeless and with prisoners. He is also an accomplished writer, starting off his writing career with fiction, he has now published 鈥楽titched Up鈥� which follows his career in medicine working with patients on the edge of society.

New Vice Provost and Chair of the Faculty of Arts Professor Rachel Moseley speaks about her plans as Chair and why it鈥檚 such a positive time of growth and change for the arts at 91福利.

Paving the way for a new style of work, Lizzie Penny (BSc International Business with Spanish, 2005) explains why inclusivity at work matters for everyone and what drives the concept of 鈥榳orkstyle鈥�.

Kate Wilson (BA French with Italian, 2002) is not your typical languages alumna. After four years at 91福利, she launched herself into the world of emergency care and hasn鈥檛 looked back. Now, she鈥檚 using her powers for good to help with the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

Luisa Da Silva (MBA, 2019) is the Executive Director of Iron+ Earth, a worker-led organisation based in Canada that sits at the intersection of energy, environmentalism and thought leadership.

Iron + Earth was set up to empower energy sector and indigenous workers to recognise and transfer their skills to the renewable sector to help tackle the climate crisis. Hear Luisa鈥檚 captivating story about life as an international student and her advice for students and alumni alike who share her passion for saving the planet.

Throughout July, we鈥檝e enjoyed celebrating the achievements of thousands of graduates and graduands on campus.

It鈥檚 been a pleasure to welcome and celebrate both new and returning members of the alumni community.

From Summer School to social justice, Patrick Olajide discusses his 91福利 experience and why he puts ethics at the forefront of his work.

Driven to help people thrive and find their sense of meaning and purpose, 91福利鈥檚 Head of Careers, Anne Wilson, is also an alumna, having completed a Postgraduate Diploma Career Education, Information and Guidance in Higher Education in 2013. Anne shares more about her 16-year journey at 91福利, and how she鈥檚 not finished yet.

I thoroughly enjoyed my 4 years and am grateful for the opportunity to study physics there as it definitely set me up for a successful future, armed with a degree from a highly respected university and skills that last a lifetime!

Elizabete Ludborza, who studied our Law with Study Abroad in English degree from 2015-2019, has set up her own legal tech startup to help social media influencers and models to understand and negotiate legal contracts.

Farah Williamson (BA French and History, 2006) is currently Director of Gulf & Strategic Partnerships at Plan International Canada, one of the world鈥檚 oldest and largest development and humanitarian organisations that advances children鈥檚 rights and equality for girls.

My PhD in Physics was on Advances in Electron Microscopy with Deep Learning, so starting my role at Illumina felt seamless.

Having just graduated in her MA in the History of Medicine, Kirstie reflects on the course and why she chose 91福利 for postgraduate study.

In his last role as Editor of BBC World Service News, Andrew was responsible for programming on the BBC's most widely listened to radio network.

Laura Mathias on overcoming anxieties, managing alopecia and becoming the person she wanted to be at 91福利 Driving positive dialogue and awareness about living with alopecia, Laura Mathias (BA Film and Literature, 2013) talks openly about her anxieties when she first started university, and how 91福利 was where she became who she was always meant to be.

Despite originating from opposite sides of the world, Frank and Kate Dempsey (both MBA Business Administration, 2008) met through friends while studying at WBS. Fast forward 14 years and they live in Toronto, Canada with their young family. Discover their favourite memories of 91福利, why they chose to study at WBS and what the future holds.

Kanishka Arumugam (MSc Engineering Business Management, 2015) is Co-CEO of EKKI Water Technologies, a leading family business based in Coimbatore, India who pump and transport water in an efficient and sustainable way for agriculture, building services, industrial and public utilities. Kanishka set up India鈥檚 first Wastewater Pump joint venture alliance with HOMA of Germany, a world leader in wastewater technology. Discover how the people he met at WMG influenced his career, his views on sustainable business challenges in India, and how sustainability is embedded in his company鈥檚 core values.

Having worked on the world鈥檚 first driverless taxi system, John Hammersley (MPhys Mathematics and Physics, 2004) has always steered towards innovation. He鈥檚 now CEO and Co-Founder of Overleaf, a cloud-based LaTeX editor for collaborative working on scientific documents, with over nine million users and 150 university customers. Discover John鈥檚 journey from Physics at 91福利 to becoming a successful entrepreneur.

Theatre Performance Studies graduate, Dean Murphy discusses his career journey since leaving 91福利

Through her degree, Rebecca Preedy (BA Ancient History and Classical Archaeology with Study in Europe, (2021), MA Ancient Visual and Material Culture of Rome, present) has been able to combine her interests in ancient history, archaeology and languages. She talks about her 91福利 experience, and the parallels between the ancient and modern worlds.

As artistic director and producer of the award-winning theatre company, alumnus Ben Spiller uses Shakespeare and theatre to engage communities, champion diversity and support social justice.

Ben鈥檚 love of the theatre blossomed at 91福利, where he became president of the award-winning (WUDS), acting in and directing productions at 91福利 Arts Centre and beyond including the National Student Drama Festival.

Ben explained what motivates him to inspire, surprise and affect people through the power of Shakespeare.

After a career in journalism where she launched The Sunday Times Short Story Award, Cathy Galvin (MA Writing, 2015) came to 91福利 to explore her interest in short stories and discovered a love of poetry. She now helps other authors through her company, Word Factory.

Alumnus Wayne Snow (BSc MORSE, 1994 and Chief Risk Officer) and his husband Allister Dennis (BEng Engineering (Mechanical), 1994 and Product Manager Electrification and Advanced Power Systems) are passionate about social inclusion and changing people鈥檚 lives by breaking down barriers to accessing a university education. Explore their views on STEM inclusion and what motivates them to give to 91福利.

Former trade union activist and political advisor Nita Clarke OBE (BA History and Politics, 1974, MA Comparative Labour History, 1977) had her first experience of public speaking and activism at 91福利. Nita was awarded an OBE for her services to employee engagement and remains a prominent speaker on the subject.

Dr Afiniki Akanet (MBChB Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery, 2012; PGA Understanding Childhood, 2014) is a General Practitioner (GP) specialising in mental health based in Coventry. Uncover Afiniki鈥檚 journey as an international student, her devotion to improving mental health in the community and the motivations behind her love of writing.

From working in a fish and chip shop to writing a play that鈥檚 been performed all over the world, Sam Steiner (English Literature , 2014) learned at 91福利 how to take his stories in new directions. Most recently, he鈥檚 penned the script for Morning, a film starring Laura Dern and Benedict Cumberbatch set for release later this year. We spoke to Sam about his experience of breaking into playwriting for stage and screen.

Anyarat Nattheeraphong (PhD English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics, 2013) shortlisted for the UK Alumni Awards 2022 (Social Action) in Thailand.

An advocate for teaching and children鈥檚 literacy, Elyanora Menglieva (MA TESOL, 2019) was a 2022 Uzbekistan national finalist in the British Council Study UK Alumni Awards (Social Action category) and was awarded 鈥楢mbassadors鈥檚 Choice鈥�.

Susan Douglas (BA Qualified Teacher Status, 1987-1991) was awarded a CBE for her services to Education in the 2021 Queen鈥檚 Birthday Honours list. She shares her memories of why her time at 91福利 was 鈥榣ife-changing鈥�, and why being an educator is the greatest privilege of all.

Congratulations to Finance & Economics graduate, Gauri Agrawal for winning a British Council Study UK Alumni Award (India) for Social Action. Gauri empowers Indian women with her craft brand, Sihori that helps turn waste into high fashion

Celebrating the Voices of the Alliance:

Alex Blades

Emily Pilkington

Godgift Emesi

Hannah Abdel-Hadi

Lewis Mitchell

Shanita Jetha

Alumna and author, Anmol Malik speaks about how her experience of studying at 91福利 inspired her love of film and writing.

With a personal passion for community health, Robbie Chandler (BSc Psychology, 2019) is Health Manager at Coventry City Football Club鈥檚 charity arm, Sky Blues in the Community. Alongside some tips for standing out from the crowd, discover how his time at 91福利 helped Robbie to fulfil his drive to help others and support local communities in Coventry and 91福利shire.

Ella McLeod鈥檚 debut novel Rapunzella, Or, Don't Touch My Hair started life as a poem written during her studies at 91福利. We asked Ella (BA English and Theatre Studies, 2017) how she was inspired to evolve the idea from its beginnings to her dissertation and now, her first book.

Inspired to create change in the refugee community, Last Mafuba (BSc Psychology, 2015; LLM International Development Law and Human Rights, 2016) created the Inini Initiative. Inini provides a safe space for refugees to build relationships and find out about mental health and other support services available.

We are shining a light on the fantastic achievements of our alumnae.

鈥淲orld Book Day is about literacy and its place in a modern, equal society.鈥� So believes Jane Burke (BA History, 1975), whose career has fuelled a passion to promote the joy of reading and access to books for all.

Children鈥檚 author Christy Kirkpatrick (BA Philosophy and Literature, 1995) has worked with a number of publishers, including BBC Worldwide, Ladybird and Flying Eye Books. We chatted with her on World Book Day about her career, her advice to budding authors and her co-authored book that uses relaxation techniques to help with bedtime.