Find out how inspiring Sussex alumni got into their industries, their tips for job hunting and recommendations to consider when you leave university.
About Make it Happen
Make it Happen is a series of events in March 2026, featuring panels of alumni speakers working in a variety of sectors and backgrounds. From graduates at the beginning of their post-university journeys to those who have worked their way to the top, speakers will share their experiences and give valuable insights into working in their industry.
- Careers in Development, Charities and Not-for-Profit
Our 2025 panellists were:
- Cagri Hurmuzlu (MA, Global Political Economy, 2007) Head of UN/Pooled Funds at UNHCR
- Colin Rogers (BSc, Biology, 1992) Chief Executive at MapAction
- Rabab Jafar (MA, Poverty and Development, 2023) Programme Coordinator – Internships at NDTi (National Development Team for Inclusion)
- William Smith-Hatton (MA, International Security, 2020) Integrity and Intelligence Specialist at Oxfam
- Charlotte Craig (BA, Media and Communications, TV and film, 2020) Fundraising and Communications Officer (Digital) at Brighton Housing Trust.
- Careers in Government and Public Services
Our 2025 panellists were:
- Elly Nicolson (BA, Economics and International Development, 2020) Economic Advisor at UK Export Finance
- Ravi Jaiswal (MA, Governance Development and Public Policy IDS, 2024) Community Safety Caseworker at Brighton and Hove City Council
- Kallum Grizzell (LLB, Law with American Studies, 2021 & MA, International Relations, 2022) Civil Service Fast Streamer at the Department for Transport
- Solomon Curtis (BA, Politics, 2017) Senior Manager - Strategy and Partnerships at the Greater London Authority
- Georgina Kenton (BSc, Accounting and Finance, 2020) Policy and Strategy Negotiations Advisor at the Department for Business and Trade
- Helen Baird-Parker (LLM, Law, 2005) Senior Policy Advisor, Treaty Negotiator and Solicitor for HM Revenue and Customs
- Finley Hurren (BA, History, 2023) NGDP National Management Trainee at Luton Borough Council.
- Careers in Business, Finance and Marketing
Our 2025 panellists were:
- Ashna Shrestha (BSc, Economics and Finance, 2022) Technology Audit Analyst at KPMG
- Katie Alcock (MSc, Sustainable Development, 2024) Global Sustainability and Engagement at Chanel
- Sanna Eriksson (MSc, Occupational and Organisational Psychology, 2023) Analyst at Deloitte
- Alessandro Calzolari (BSc, Marketing and Management with Psychology, 2022 & MSc, Marketing and Consumer Psychology, 2023) Marketing Comm. and Consumer Psychology Consultant at Alessandro Calzolari
- Jon McGlashan (BSc, International Business with Entrepreneurship, 2017 & MSc Project Management, 2018) Managing Director at Bubble Life
- Megan Bond (MSc, Strategic Marketing, 2024) Brand and CommuniTEA Co-ordinator at Bird & Blend Tea Co. B Corp
- Jimeet Shah (BSc, Business and Management Studies, 2022) Associate Business Analyst at Aviva.
- Careers in Media, Arts and Communications
Our 2025 panellists were:
- AnuOluwapo Adelakun (MA, Journalism and Documentary Practice, 2019) Journalist Grantee at the Pulitzer Center
- Jamila Campbell-Allen (BSc, International Business, 2021) Programme Manager – Communities at LinkedIn
- Kamilah McInnis (BA, Sociology, 2016) Journalist at the BBC
- Laura Gallon (PhD, English Language and Literature, 2021) Assistant Editor at Bloomsbury Publishing
- James Strong (BA ,Geography, 1992 & MA, International Relations, 1994) TV and Film Director including Mr Bates vs. The Post Office, Broadchurch, Doctor Who and Downton Abbey
- Megan Gibbons (BA, Drama: Theatre and Performance, 2020) Account Manager at AKA UK – The Global Marketing and Advertising Agency and Freelance Arts Marketeer.
Sussex Connect
You can meet thousands of Sussex graduates on Sussex Connect, the University’s eMentoring and networking social platform. Connect with hundreds of Sussex students and graduates to share your experience, make valuable contacts and find jobs.
All speakers involved with Make It Happen events are on Sussex Connect, or will be encouraged to sign up to the platform, so you can continue the conversation after the events.