Find out how inspiring Sussex alumni got into their industries, their tips for job hunting and things to consider when you leave University.
About Make it Happen
Taking place on-campus throughout March 2025, Make it Happen features panel events with Sussex graduates who are now working in different sectors. They will share their tips for job hunting and thinking about what to do after university.
- Careers in Development, Charities and Not-for-Profit
Our panellists in 2024 were:
- Andrea Valdés Hernández (MA, Geopolitics and Grand Strategy, 2018): Communications Coordinator at a global environment NGO
- Liam Hackett MBE (BSc, Business and Management, 2012): CEO at Ditch the Label
- Maria Luz Casal (MSc, Sustainable Development 2020): Policy Advisor on food production at WWF-UK
- Shreya Bhatia (BA, Development Studies 2022): Program Development Manager at Save the Children UK
- Ilyas Nagdee (MA, Sociology, 2022) Racial Justice Director at Amnesty International
- Jon Rosser (BA, Geography, 1976) Governor at Aldridge Adult Learning
Learn more about our speakers by reading their biograpghies.
- Careers in Government and Public Services
Our panellists in 2024 were:
- Declan McClean (MA, Global Political Economy, 2019): Sponsorship Lead at the Department for Business and Trade
- Eli Bleie Munkelien (MA, Contemporary European Studies, 1998): Director of COP28 at Innovation Norway
- Farah Ahmed (BA, Sociology, 2000): Head of Cyber Security Strategy Unit at the Department for Innovation and Technology
- Finley Hurren (BA, History, 2023): NDGP National Management Trainee at Luton Borough Council
- Natalia Perez-Phillips (BSc, Psychology, 2019): Social Researcher at DWP and DHSC
- Sean Leonard (BSc, Economics, 2016): Economist at the Department for Education
- Hussain Al-Hussaini (MSc Economics, 2011): Economic Advisor for the Home Office at the UK Civil Service
Learn more about our speakers by reading their biograpghies.
- Careers in Media, Arts and Communications
Our panellists in 2024 were:
- Corinne Card (BA, Social Anthropology, 2003): Journalist and Co-Founder at Full Story Media
- Chris Barraclough (BA, Law, 1981): Creative Consultant and Founder of Proximity
- Zinan Guo (BA, Film Studies, 2016): Overseas Media Platform Producer at China International Communication Centre
- Kate Tyrer (BA, Media and Communications, 2018): Head of Communications at Shoreham Port
- Mazin Mohamed (MA, Media Practice for Development and Social Change, 2022): Freelance travel filmmaker and multimedia journalist
Learn more about our speakers by reading their biograpghies.
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 alumni 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.