Sofia Reyes

• Year of Graduation – 2025
• Job Title – International Recruitment and Enquiries Assistant
• Employer – University of Northampton

My main reason for studying at the University of Northampton was that the course was focused on the specific path that would lead me into the industry I saw myself working in. The scholarship awarded to me was also a big part of my decision to choose Northampton instead of the other universities that I received offers from. I made the decision with the help of my mother, and she supported me every step of the way.

My favourite aspect of my university experience was meeting new people! I’m a big extrovert and am very outgoing, so getting to know new people in a new country and community was fun, and it made the whole university experience worth it and highly fulfilling. Growing up, I was initially very hesitant to see myself as a creative person, but being in a cohort of creative students on a creative course helped my personal development and I began to see myself as someone who could be like them. This contributed a great deal to the way I’ve developed as an adult, and to which career path I’d like to embark on.

I currently work within the University’s Global Engagement team – not exactly in the career path I want, but my role is very closely related to myself as an individual living in the UK, so I haven’t veered too far away from the job I would like. The opportunity was presented to me and the staff at the University were very supportive and still are. I genuinely feel that everyone wants the best for me, not only as a staff member, but also as a former student and now graduate.

After graduating I volunteered with Northampton Town of Sanctuary as a marketing intern. Following my six-month agreement with them I went directly into full-time work at the University, so I’ve been learning to live by myself in a different country, as well as how to traverse adulthood, friends, relationships, work, and my dreams for the future.

My role at the University is to respond to enquiries from prospective students from all over the world through messages, emails, and telephone calls, as well as signposting them to other members of staff within the department. Additional tasks include market research, helping with social media, and maintaining the international student pages of the website (this part of the job involves an understanding of the various elements of the University that may be useful, but it’s also fun and a good workplace environment).

My degree was a top-up course, so I only spent one year studying at the University, and it took me some time to learn the ropes with academics and lectures. My current role is not completely in line with the career path of my studies, but because I also have a background in Communication Arts and Marketing, I was able to nurture and develop the role in more depth.

The advice I would give to potential students interested in this course is that everyone’s journey is different, and it’s up to you to find the way you want to go. A single step goes a long way, so it’s important to have a good support system in place, like I had during my degree. Find what makes you comfortable, know where to go for support and encouragement, and discover an environment where you can see genuinely see yourself settling in.

I’m not sure I can give advice for students to become successful after graduation as success can be very subjective, depending on how people see you and others. I’d say comparison is the thief of joy though – just being a university student is a success. You don’t have to compare yourself to others to know if you’re successful enough.