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
Make it Happen is a series of panel events taking place 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 be sharing their experiences and giving valuable insights into working in their industry.
After each panel, there will be the opportunity to network with attendees.
March 2026 events
Careers in Development, Charities and Not-for-Profit
Wednesday 4 March, 6-8pm
Chowen Lecture Theatre, BSMS
Careers in Government and Public Services
Thursday 5 March, 6-8pm
Chowen Lecture Theatre, BSMS
Careers in Business, Finance and Marketing
Wednesday 11 March, 6-8pm
Chowen Lecture Theatre, BSMS
Careers in Media, Arts and Communications
Thursday 12 March, 6-8pm
Chowen Lecture Theatre, BSMS
Find out more about the panellists:
- Careers in Development, Charities and Not-for-Profit
Our 2026 panellists are:
- Tariq Brown (BSc Finance and Business) Senior Youth and Participation Officer at Young Minds
- Grace Neary (MA Gender Studies 2022) Disability Administrator at the charitable arm of Brighton and Hove Albion FC (BHAFC Foundation)
- Soumya Guha (Sustainable Development MSc 2023) Global Programmes Director at Plan International
- Jason Mather (LLB Law 2007) Head of Client Services and Partnerships at Citizens Advice in West Sussex
- Ben Steele (MA Contemporary Literature 2013) Communications Officer at Sightsavers
- Careers in Government and Public Services
Our 2026 panellists are:
- George Koutsoumanis (MSc Development Economics 2019) Economic Advisor at the Department for Business and Trade
- Georgina Kenton (BSc Accounting and Finance 2020) MHSLG Desk Officer at the Cabinet Office
- Sofia Papatheofilou (MSc Human Resources Management 2025) Medical HR Advisor at the NHS
- Patrick Raaj Felix (MSc Sustainable Finance and Accounting 2025) Habitat Banking Project Officer at Arun District Council
- Careers in Business, Finance and Marketing
Our 2026 panellists are:
- Dr Liam Hackett MBE (BSc Business and Management 2012) Entrepreneur and Founder of OnPurpose, HALI, and Ditch the Label
- Rahul Rajakumar (BSc Economics 2022) Economic Analyst at Kivu International
- Ella Bignall (BSc Marketing and Management with Psychology 2025) Brand Marketing Graduate at Ferrero
- Herz Li (BSc Accounting and Finance 2025) Finance Graduate at Roche John Good
- Lucas Fridd (BSc Business and Management Studies 2024) Senior Analyst at Deloitte Digital
- Careers in Media, Arts and Communications
Our 2026 panellists are:
- Rwitoban Deb (MA, Media Practice for Development and Social Change 2023) Digital Communications Executive at Big Change
- Pablo Santana (Filmmaking, 2021) Freelance Photographer and Creative
- Kelly Webb-Lamb (BA Philosophy 1992 and MA Critical Theory 1994) Founder and CEO of Mothership Productions
- Sacha Daly (BA International Development 2022) Social Media Manager at Eco Age
- Donna O’Toole (MA English Language 2012) Founder and Managing Director of August Recognition Ltd+ Awards App
More speakers still to be announced.
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 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.