Mentoring

• Current job title: Senior Associate, Global PR
• Current employer: Alvarez & Marsal
• Industry sector: Global PR

Meet Aditi Arora, a communications professional whose career has taken her from PR agency work in Delhi to a global role at Alvarez & Marsal. As a Senior Associate in Global PR, Aditi coordinates international agency networks, leads agency searches and reviews, and develops reporting tools to help teams make informed decisions. Her experience across public relations, marketing and communications has equipped her with valuable skills in stakeholder management, campaign delivery and strategic planning. Motivated by her own career journey and the value that timely guidance can bring, Aditi has joined the Student Futures mentoring programme to help students navigate their career paths with greater confidence. Through mentoring, she hopes to share her experience, offer practical advice and help students make informed decisions about their futures.

1. Can you tell us about your current role and what a typical day looks like?

At A&M, my role involves streamlining our global agency network, acting as a central point of contact across regions, leading new agency searches, setting up annual agency reviews, and building out PR reporting dashboards. A typical day is varied: it might involve coordinating with agencies in different time zones, reviewing performance data, or helping a regional team find the right partner for a new market.

2. What experiences or opportunities helped shape your career?

My career has taken me through a few different sides of communications. I started as a PR Account Manager at Channel Public Relations Consultancy in Delhi, where I planned and executed PR campaigns and handled media reporting which gave me a strong grounding in the fundamentals of PR. I then moved to 5E Ltd as a Marketing and Communications Executive, where I led the British National Overseas skills-to-employment programme that role taught me how to manage complex stakeholder relationships at scale, a skill that’s proven directly relevant to the central, coordinating role I now play at A&M.

3. What motivated you to get involved in mentoring students through the Student Futures programme?

Looking back at my own journey, I’ve always felt that if someone had guided me earlier, even just pointed me in a direction or offered a suggestion at the right time. I could have used the time I invested along the way far more effectively. That’s really what motivated me to get involved with Student Futures. I wanted to be that voice for someone else, so they don’t have to figure everything out on their own the way I did.

4. What advice would you give to students who want to pursue a similar career path?

Build strong foundations early – writing, media relations, and stakeholder management are skills that will serve you no matter which direction your career takes. Say yes to varied experiences, even outside traditional PR agency roles. And stay curious, communications touch every industry, so the more you understand different sectors, the more effective you’ll be.

5. What are your ambitions for the next stage of your career?

I’d like to grow deeper into this role rather than necessarily move away from it, there’s still so much more I want to build out. That means insights and our global agency network even further, refining the PR reporting dashboards so they give leadership sharper, more actionable insights, and making the annual agency review process something truly value-adding rather than just a check-the-box exercise.

• Current job title: International Student Support Officer
• Current employer: University of East London
• Industry sector: Higher Education

Meet Nympha Ozougwu, a communications and student engagement professional whose career has evolved from leading corporate communications in Nigeria to supporting international students in UK higher education. As an International Student Support Officer at the University of East London, Nympha develops targeted communications and engagement strategies, guiding prospective students through the application and enrolment process while helping create a positive student experience. Her background in media, communications and stakeholder management has equipped her with valuable skills in strategic storytelling, problem-solving and engaging diverse audiences. Through the Student Futures mentoring programme, Nympha is passionate about sharing her professional experiences, helping students recognise their strengths and navigate career transitions with confidence. She encourages students to embrace opportunities, build practical experience and remain open to different career paths as they work towards their ambitions.

Can you tell us about your current role and what a typical day looks like?

I’m one of the frontline voices managing the International Conversion Communications (ICC) of Sub-Saharan Africa at University of East London. On a day-to-day basis, I deliver targeted engagement strategies that guide prospective international applicants through the structured enrollment funnel, from application to their physical arrival in the UK, so as to ensure they feel fully supported all through. I’m involved in managing the end-to-end applicant communication lifecycle, translating intricate institutional requirements into high-impact, student-facing content across live webinars, virtual check-ins, and multi-channel messaging campaigns. I serve as a strategic liaison between international applicants and internal stakeholders, including Admissions, Compliance, and Marketing, while championing student voices to streamline messaging, resolving applicant friction points, and directly optimizing international student retention, onboarding and experience.

What experiences or opportunities helped shape your career?

My trajectory was truly defined by the pivotal shift from steering corporate narratives as a Communications Lead in Nigeria to mastering global media structures during my MA at the University of East London. Steering communication strategies in the fast-paced, high-stakes Nigerian market taught me the art of agile problem-solving, stakeholder management, and cross-channel storytelling. It required an immense amount of grit and excellence to command that space, but it laid a robust foundation in campaign management and media relations. Moving to London to pursue my MA in Media and Communications Industries at UEL was the intentional next step to scale that impact globally. It allowed me to deconstruct my practical field experience and view it through an advanced, international lens, while my concurrent role as a Student Ambassador gave me my first taste of higher education engagement and peer-to-peer influence. Over the last seven years, these combined chapters have forged me into a highly adaptable, cross-industry professional. I have evolved from a local media strategist into a global communications anchor who seamlessly bridges the gap between complex institutional processes and diverse international audiences.

What motivated you to get involved in mentoring students through the Student Futures programme?

I was motivated to get involved in the Student Futures programme because I know how valuable it can be to have someone who offers guidance, encouragement and a different perspective at important points in your education and career journey.

Through my own academic and professional experiences, I have navigated different transitions, built experience across communications, media and community-focused work, and learned a great deal through both opportunities and challenges. I want to make some of that learning accessible to students who may be trying to understand their options, build confidence or take their first steps into the world of work.

I am particularly interested in mentoring because I see it as a two-way relationship. Beyond sharing practical advice, I want to listen to students, understand what they are working towards and help them recognize strengths and possibilities they may not yet see in themselves. Being able to support someone as they move from university into their next chapter is something I find genuinely meaningful.

What advice would you give to students who want to pursue a similar career path?

I’d advise students to stay curious, build practical experience and not wait until they feel completely ready before taking opportunities. Careers in media, communications and development can take different routes, so it is important to remain open to learning and to build transferable skills alongside your degree.

I would also encourage them to create their own opportunities. Write, volunteer, attend events, connect with people in the field, work on projects and keep evidence of what they have done. Your portfolio can sometimes speak more loudly than your CV.

Most importantly, I would tell them not to underestimate the value of their own perspective. Be intentional about the kind of work you want to be known for, but allow your career to evolve as you learn.

What are your ambitions for the next stage of your career?

My ambition for the next stage of my career is to establish myself more firmly as a communications and engagement professional in the UK, building on the experience I have gained working in communications in Nigeria and adapting that expertise to a new professional environment.

I want to grow within higher education, particularly through student-facing and engagement roles where I can contribute to student experience while developing a deeper understanding of the UK higher education sector. At the same time, I want to strengthen my strategic communications practice, taking on more responsibility for communications strategy, stakeholder engagement, messaging and organisational storytelling.

In the longer term, I want to be recognized as a strong communications professional with experience across both higher education and strategic communications, while developing an independent practice that allows me to work with organizations on complex communications challenges as a consultant.

• Current job title: English Language Teacher | Former Economics Teacher
• Current employer: Ministry of Education, Angola
• Industry sector: Education / Public Sector

Meet Iracema Ivanilda Rodrigues Domingos Fato, an experienced education and business professional whose diverse career spans finance, accounting, procurement, banking and teaching. Currently working as an English Language Teacher within Angola’s public education system, Iracema draws on her extensive professional background to support students in developing their knowledge, confidence and practical skills. Alongside her teaching, she contributes as a Professional Mentor with the University of Northampton, helping students strengthen their career planning, networking and professional confidence. Inspired by the guidance that has shaped her own career, Iracema is passionate about sharing her experience and helping others navigate their professional journeys. Through mentoring, she hopes to empower students to recognise their transferable skills, embrace new opportunities and understand that their first job does not have to define their entire career.

1. Can you tell us about your current role and what a typical day looks like?

I currently work as a teacher within Angola’s public education system. In my current role, I teach English Language, supporting students in developing their language skills and confidence. My responsibilities include planning lessons, delivering classes, assessing students’ progress and adapting my teaching to different learning needs.

My teaching experience also includes Economics, an area closely connected to my academic background in Business Administration. This background has influenced my approach to teaching, particularly when helping students understand how economic concepts relate to real-life situations, business and financial decision-making.

Before returning to education, I gained professional experience in finance, accounting, procurement, administration and operations, including several years in the automotive sector and experience in banking. These experiences continue to influence the way I teach and mentor others, and have enabled me to support people with practical questions related to accounting, finance, business and professional development.

Alongside teaching, I currently contribute as a Professional Mentor with the University of Northampton, supporting students with career development, professional confidence and networking. My typical day therefore combines teaching, lesson preparation, student support, mentoring and continuous professional development.

What I particularly value about my current work is the opportunity to bring together my professional background and my experience in education to help others develop both knowledge and confidence.

2. What experiences or opportunities helped shape your career?

My career has been shaped by experiences across education, business and professional development.

My early career in the automotive sector gave me valuable experience in finance, accounts payable and receivable, fleet customer management and working with business clients. I later gained experience in finance administration, procurement administration and compliance within the banking sector.

Returning to education strengthened my interest in teaching and supporting others. More recently, professional mentoring has allowed me to combine my business background with my interest in education and career development.

My experience with the University of Northampton has been particularly valuable because it has given me the opportunity to support a university student directly while also learning from the mentoring process myself. My involvement with Orange Corners Angola is also helping me gain experience in mentoring entrepreneurs and engaging with the startup ecosystem.

3. What motivated you to get involved in mentoring students through the Student Futures programme?

I became involved because I believe that professional guidance can make a meaningful difference when students are making decisions about their careers.

I remember how valuable practical experience and guidance have been throughout my own career. I wanted to give students the opportunity to learn from someone with experience across different professional environments, while also helping them build confidence in areas such as networking, communication and career planning.

I also saw mentoring as an opportunity to contribute to the University of Northampton community while continuing to strengthen my own leadership, communication and mentoring skills.

4. What advice would you give to students who want to pursue a similar career path?

Be curious and do not be afraid of a career path that develops in different directions. My own career has moved across business, finance, procurement, education and mentoring, and each experience has contributed something useful to the next stage.

I would encourage students to build relationships before they need them, ask questions, seek feedback and make the most of opportunities to learn from people with different backgrounds and perspectives.

Most importantly, focus on developing skills that can transfer across industries, such as communication, problem-solving, organisation, adaptability and the ability to work with people. Your first job does not have to define your entire career.

5. What are your ambitions for the next stage of your career?

My ambition is to continue developing at the intersection of education, professional development and business. I want to deepen my expertise in procurement and supply chain management while continuing to grow as a teacher, mentor and professional.

In the longer term, I would like to progress into higher education and contribute to the development of students and future professionals through teaching, mentoring and research. Pursuing postgraduate study and eventually a PhD is part of that long-term ambition.

I also hope to continue creating opportunities to support young professionals, entrepreneurs and students as they develop the knowledge, confidence and skills needed to build meaningful careers

• Current Job Title: Founder & Product Lead, Skill Bloom / Case Manager, Department for Work and Pensions
• Current Employer: Skill Bloom / Department for Work and Pensions
• Industry Sector: Technology / Public Sector

Meet Eniola Taiwo, an entrepreneur and public sector professional whose passion for supporting others has shaped both her career and her approach to innovation. As Founder and Product Lead of Skill Bloom, Eniola is developing a gamified app that helps children with social communication difficulties learn social skills in a safe, supportive environment. Alongside this, she works as a Case Manager at the Department for Work and Pensions, making decisions on disability benefit claims for children. Inspired by her own lived experience and the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals and families, Eniola is committed to creating solutions that put people’s needs and voices at the heart of the design process. Through the Student Futures mentoring programme, she hopes to share her experiences, help students navigate their career journeys and encourage the next generation of professionals to believe in their abilities, embrace learning and take the first step towards their ambitions.

1. Tell us about yourself and your current role.

Skill Bloom is a gamified app where children with social communication difficulties learn social skills in a safe, non-judgmental environment. As Founder and Product Lead, I drive the vision and design of the product, defining what it should look like and how it should work. Alongside this, I work at the Department for Work and Pensions as a Case Manager, where I make decisions on disability benefit claims for children.

2. What experiences or opportunities helped shape your career?

My own lived experience with social communication challenges has shaped Skill Bloom more than anything else. I understand what it feels like to struggle without a safe space to practise, and that gap is exactly what inspired me to build something different, not just for vulnerable people, but with them, involving their voices in the design process from the start. Working at the Department for Work and Pensions has also shaped my perspective enormously. Reviewing disability claims for children day in and day out has given me a close, ongoing insight into the real challenges families face, and that understanding continues to inform how I think about building tools that genuinely help.

3. What motivated you to get involved in mentoring students through Student Futures?

I believe deeply in the power of mentorship. I have mentors myself and I know firsthand how much further you can go with the right guidance. I wanted to give that back. Through Student Futures, I had the opportunity to support students who are willing to learn and help them avoid some of the mistakes I made along the way. Mentoring is something I genuinely love doing, and this programme gave me a structured way to do it.

4. What advice would you give to students who want to pursue a similar career path?

Start. Just start somewhere. Do not let self-doubt talk you out of something you want to do. Know your strengths, believe in yourself, and seek knowledge at every opportunity. And be mentorable, stay open, stay humble, and be willing to learn from those around you. The people who go furthest are rarely the most talented; they are the ones who show up ready to grow.

5. What are your ambitions for the next stage of your career?

My ambition is to grow Skill Bloom into a widely recognised tool that transforms how children with social communication difficulties are supported, not just in the UK, but globally. I want to continue building products that centre the voices of vulnerable people, and to keep advocating for children with disabilities through my work. Alongside that, I hope to keep mentoring and giving back to the next generation of professionals finding their way.

• Current job title: Head, Research & Training Department and also Career Counsellor
• Current employer: Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency (PLASMIDA)
• Industry sector: Public Sector / Microfinance Development / MSME Development / Human Capital Development

Meet Ulan Brenda Andong, a research, training and career development professional passionate about helping individuals and organisations reach their potential. As Head of the Research & Training Department and a Career Counsellor at PLASMIDA, Ulan combines research, capacity building and training programme development with hands-on support for job seekers. Her work helps individuals identify their strengths, explore career opportunities and develop the employability skills needed to navigate the labour market. Through her own academic and professional journey, she has developed a strong interest in human capital development, career guidance and the role of technology in improving access to opportunities. As a mentor with the University of Northampton’s Student Futures programme, Ulan is committed to sharing her experience, building students’ confidence and helping them make informed career decisions. She encourages students to embrace new opportunities, keep learning and remember that careers rarely follow a straight line.

1. Can you tell us about your current role and what a typical day looks like?

My role in Research and Training involves research, capacity building, developing and coordinating training programmes, preparing reports and proposals, and supporting initiatives that strengthen the capacity of individuals, staff and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

As a Career Counsellor at the Job Centre, I work directly with job seekers, helping them understand their strengths and interests, explore career options, make informed career decisions, develop employability skills, and navigate the labour market. I also provide guidance on areas such as CV development, job search strategies and career planning.

So, a typical day for me can be quite varied. I may start the day working on a research or training assignment, attend a stakeholder meeting, facilitate a training session, and then spend time with job seekers providing career guidance and counselling. I enjoy this combination because it allows me to work at both the organisational level and directly with people, helping to develop systems while also supporting individuals in their career journey.

2.What experiences or opportunities helped shape your career?

Several experiences have shaped my career, but one of the most important has been the opportunity to work directly with people and organisations and to see the difference that the right knowledge, skills and support can make.

My work in research, training and capacity development has exposed me to different people, businesses, institutions and development programmes. These experiences have helped me understand that professional growth is not just about having qualifications; it is also about being willing to learn, take responsibility and continuously improve.

My academic journey has also played a major role. Pursuing further education while working has challenged me, but it has also opened my mind to new areas of interest, particularly human resource development, career guidance and counselling, employability and the role of technology in supporting people.

I have also benefited from opportunities to facilitate training, participate in development programmes, represent my organisation at events and work with different stakeholders. Each experience has added something to who I am professionally today.

3.What motivated you to get involved in mentoring students through the Student Futures programme?

I decided to get involved because I believe that sometimes what a young person needs is not someone to give them all the answers, but someone who can listen, encourage them and help them see possibilities that they may not yet see for themselves.

I have had people who encouraged and guided me at different stages of my own journey, and I understand how valuable that can be. I therefore see mentoring as an opportunity to give back.

Students are entering a world of work that is changing very quickly. They need more than academic qualifications. They need confidence, self-awareness, communication skills, adaptability and the ability to make informed career decisions.

Through mentoring, I hope to share some of my experiences, but more importantly, I want students to feel that their questions and uncertainties are valid and that they can build meaningful careers, even if their journey does not look exactly as they initially imagined.

4.What advice would you give to students who want to pursue a similar career path?

My advice would be: do not be afraid to start small, and do not feel that you have to have your entire career figured out at a young age.

Be curious and keep learning. Your degree is important, but your willingness to develop practical skills, understand people, communicate effectively and solve problems will also matter greatly.

I would also encourage students to take opportunities when they come, even when they do not feel completely ready. Some of the experiences that have shaped my career came from opportunities that required me to step outside my comfort zone.

Most importantly, understand yourself. Know your strengths, your values and the kind of impact you want to make. Your career is not just about getting a job; it is also about finding ways to use your abilities meaningfully.

And finally, do not compare your journey with someone else’s. Careers are rarely straight lines. Keep learning, stay open to opportunities and trust the process.

5.What are your ambitions for the next stage of your career?

At the next stage of my career, I want to deepen my work in human capital development, career guidance and counselling, research and organisational development.

I am particularly interested in how technology, including Artificial Intelligence and Labour Market Information Systems, can be used responsibly to improve career guidance, employability and access to opportunities while still keeping the human being at the centre.

I also hope to pursue further academic development, particularly at PhD level, and continue building expertise that allows me to contribute both professionally and academically.

Ultimately, I want my career to be about impact. I would like to be recognised not only for the positions I have held, but for the people I have helped develop, the systems I have contributed to improving, and the opportunities I have helped create for young people and professionals.