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BA Language and Culture (German and Swedish), 2015. Head of Empowerment, Stonewall.
The critical thinking, research and social justice knowledge that I developed in my degree have been critical to the work that I do now. It might not be a linear path from studying languages but the absolute core of my role is being able to facilitate conversations between people and that’s something that I definitely understand better because of my studies at UCL. University will set you up really well but it’s also ok to still have things to learn. I’ve had lots of opportunities to learn from people around me and find development in the organisations that I’ve worked in.
After I graduated, I took on a full-time role at the UCL Development Office, where I worked with academics and staff across the university to develop their projects into things that could be fundraised for. After that I moved to work at Stonewall, in the events team. I eventually learned that designing learning opportunities that are rooted in radical pedagogy and helping people work together to think differently about the world and make it more equitable was what I really wanted to do!
If you want to work in the charity sector, I’d advise you to take up all the opportunities you can and you’re sure to find something that’s right for you. Be aware, though, that the work is never ending, so find ways to take care of yourself and develop good boundaries. And as a queer person at work, my biggest advice is that you have a right to work somewhere where you feel able to be yourself and you deserve to be picky about finding that place. You might not realise it at the time but hiding who you are takes its toll and is never worth it!