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 2025, 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
Wednesday 5 March, 6-8pm
Chowen Lecture Theatre, BSMSOur panellists are:
- Cagri Hurmuzlu (MA, Global Political Economy, 2007) Head of UN/Pooled Funds at UNHCR
- Colin Rogers (BSc, Biology, 1992) Chief Executive at MapAction
- Rabab Jafa (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
- Elisa Sandri (MA, Anthropology of Development Social Transformation, 2016) Research and Evaluation Specialist at Save the Children
- Ben Steele (BA, English, 2012 & MA, Modern Contemporary Literature, Culture and Thought, 2013) Communications Officer at Sightsavers.
- Careers in Government and Public Services
Wednesday 12 March, 6-8pm
Chowen Lecture Theatre, BSMSOur panellists are:
- 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
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Finley Hurren (BA, History, 2023) NGDP National Management Trainee at Luton Borough Council.
- Careers in Business, Finance and Marketing
Wednesday 19 March 6-8pm
Woodland 2-3, Student CentreOur panellists are:
- 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
Wednesday 26 March, 6-8pm
Chowen Lecture Theatre, BSMSOur panellists are:
- 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
- Topher Campbell (BA, Intellectual History, 1987) Freelance Artist, filmmaker and writer
- Laura Gallon (PhD, English Language and Literature, 2021) Assistant Editor at Bloomsbury Publishing.
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.