Look at me now
Shumi - Influencing Media
Shumi
Assistant Events Producer at the BBC
BA (Hons) Media and Communications
Shumi has always had a gift for telling people’s stories. Her career in market research has allowed her to take people’s experiences and transform them into impactful media. She’s influenced campaigns from global companies such as Coca-Cola and TikTok and she’s now gathering insights to transform the BBC’s radio and television programs.
Rob - Marching Melodies
Rob
Freelance Musician, RAF Reservist and Website and Insights Manager for the Independent Society of Musicians
BMus (Hons) Music (Trumpet Performance)
Rob’s goal was to have a fulfilling, varied career. So far, he’s working in roles encouraging young people to pursue music, played world-famous festivals, performed at the King’s Coronation and opened the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Ivanilson - Transforming Engineering
Ivanilson
Business Plant Engineer at Vinci Construction
BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering
Ivan’s passion for engineering led to him choosing to study in the UK, where he excelled on the Mechanical Engineering course, despite the language barrier. He is now working as a Business Plant Engineer on HS2 in the heart of Birmingham.
Obed - Building Future Spaces
Obed
Graduate Public Health Engineer at HDR
BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering
Obed grew up admiring the modern, functional buildings in his home city of London and dreamt of contributing to the building of future spaces. Thanks to the on-site experience and knowledge he gained at BCU, he was offered three engineering jobs before graduating. He’s now an essential part of a global engineering firm that’s known for its smart infrastructure.
Savannah - Elevating Performance
Savannah
PhD Researcher and Lecturer
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
Savannah thought her future involved a career in competitive sport, when that no longer became an option, she began to consider how she could still have an impactful career in the world of sport. After being encouraged by her tutors at BCU to pursue PhD study, Savannah is now contributing important research to the world of sport, supporting athletes to thrive.
Lauren - Defending the Public
Lauren
Trainee Solicitor at Higgs LLP
LLB (Hons) Law and Masters in Legal Practice (LPC)
Lauren wanted to study the law to make a real change in people’s lives. She embraced all the opportunities available to her at BCU, including volunteering at BCU’s Law Clinic. This experience motivated her to undertake a postgraduate degree after her studies, and she is now on her way towards her dream career after securing a competitive training contract as a trainee solicitor.
Claire - Saving Lives
Claire
GP Nurse
BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing
Claire didn’t have a straightforward journey to university, as bad grades and self-doubt made her think she couldn’t be a nurse. After overcoming hurdles, gaining experience and increasing her confidence, Claire has been able to achieve well beyond what she ever thought possible. She is not only a registered nurse and a published author but has also become an advocate for transgender patients in the healthcare sector.
Natasha - Fuelling Athletes
Natasha
Performance Nutritionist Consultant at West Bromwich Albion FC and Warwickshire County Cricket Club
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
Natasha was a successful professional dancer until an injury forced her to reconsider her career in the world of sport. Despite concerns about becoming a mature student, she applied to BCU for a career change and thrived on the Sport and Exercise Science course. She’s now fuelling athletes at two of the Midlands’ top sporting teams.
Grace - Capturing Couture
Grace
Content and Product Copywriter at Kurt Geiger
BA (Hons) Fashion Business and Promotion
Grace always wanted to make it big in the fashion business world but sometimes lacked the confidence she needed to work with big brands. Working with companies like New Balance during her course gave her the skills and confidence needed to apply for a role with Kurt Geiger.
Sane - Designing Differently
Sane
Director and Designer at Studio Mafa Ltd
BA (Hons) Product and Furniture Design*
Sane has always had an eye for design. Studying at BCU helped to develop her skills to become a successful designer. She now has her own business, pioneering innovative new technology in sustainable design.
Deepali - Mixing Magic
Deepali
Freelance Sound Engineer
BSc Music Technology
Deepali felt underrepresented in the audio industry and wasn’t sure that a career in music or sound was actually realistic long-term. At BCU, she took advantage of every opportunity offered to her, gaining placements that have since turned into an exciting freelance role as a TV sound engineer. She has been able to travel the world working at huge events such as UEFA Euros 2024, Glastonbury, UFC and Rugby World Cup to name a few!
Sophie - Unearthing Talent
Sophie
Founder and CEO of Black Owned Birmingham
BA (Hons) Business Administration/ MSc Management and Entrepreneurship
Sophie’s passion for business led her to complete both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at BCU, before setting up her business Black Owned Birmingham, which is now the second largest black business and community network within the UK. Her work to develop the business community has seen her win several awards for her social and community activism.
Haseebah - Unlocking Creativity
Haseebah
Artist and Arts Educator
BA (Hons) Illustration
Haseebah faced negative opinions about her choice to pursue a career in Art, but this only motivated her. After finding her passion for printmaking, Haseebah now passes on her artistic skills to others through arts education in the community and has proudly exhibited her culturally significant work at Saatchi Gallery and Birmingham’s Ikon Gallery.
Gabriel - Shaping Realities
Gabriel
Junior Matchmove Artist
BSc (Hons) Visual Effects
Gabriel made the tough decision to move away from his family and friends in Romania to pursue his passion for filmmaking and visual effects. This leap of faith paid off, having worked on blockbusters like Barbie, Wonka and Thor: Love and Thunder early in his career.
Jacob - Crafting Luxury
Jacob
QC Watchmaker at Rolex UK
BA (Hons) Horology
It can be daunting to study something new at university, but Jacob knew that it was necessary to find a career that would fulfil his need to work with his hands and solve problems. BCU’s Horology degree has allowed Jacob to secure a role at one of the world's most prestigious watchmakers, before he'd even completed the course.
Ross - Inspiring Experiences
Ross
PR Manager at Alton Towers
BA (Hons) Media and Communication
Ross took every opportunity at BCU to develop his CV, taking on freelance writing work for music magazines and a weekly football column for the Birmingham Mail. His enthusiasm for his subject and passion for experiences has seen him progress quickly to a senior level at the UK’s biggest theme park.
Shelby - Branding Breakthroughs
Shelby
Delegate Marketing Manager, Insurtech Insights
BA (Hons) Marketing
Shelby struggled at school until she discovered her passion for business and marketing. She thrived on BCU’s marketing course and made the most of placement and live brief opportunities available to her. She’s now a successful Marketing Manager, organising conferences all over the world.
Pete - Fighting Cybercrime
Pete
Cyber Security Analyst
BSc (Hons) Cyber Security*
After completing a placement with Cheshire Police during his degree, Pete was inspired to use his digital forensics skills to help solve crime. He went on to become a Digital Forensics Investigator for the Greater Manchester Police, receiving both a Judge’s and Chief Constable's Commendation for his role in a high-profile criminal case. He has continued to use his skills to investigate cybercrime, detecting and responding to cyberattacks.
Tayyib - Facilitating Film
Tayyib
Studio Manager and Social Media Content Creator
BSc (Hons) Digital Film Production*
Tayyib didn’t think university was for him, until he realised that BCU’s courses allowed him to be creative and work in an industry-standard environment. After building his experience and confidence at BCU, Tayyib has gone on to work on huge blockbusters such as No Time To Die and Kingsman alongside becoming a content creator for the Film industry.
Andre - Reshaping Neighbourhoods
Andre
Founder and CEO of KIONDO
BA (Hons) Architecture
BCU gave Andre the skills and confidence he needed to be a successful architect and entrepreneur. His business, KIONDO, is changing his local community by providing a creative space for local entrepreneurs and innovators who want to give back to society.
Abbie - Following Dreams
Abbie
Freelance Illustrator, Founder of Abbie Severn Illustration
BA (Hons) Illustration
Abbie thrived on her illustration course, taking inspiration from the city’s creative quarter of Digbeth to produce stunning artwork. Shortly after graduating, she hosted an exhibition of her work, and her signature colourful style has since become a staple of Birmingham’s creative community.
Kyle - Designing Dream Spaces
Kyle
Creative Director at KBF Design
BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design*
Kyle’s dreams of studying interior design at university were set aside when he had to quit college to work at the age of 17. Years later, he reignited his passion for design and pursued university study. Kyle has gone on to star in BBC’s ‘Interior Design Masters’ and run his own design studio.
Brona - Styling for Success
Brona
Fashion Stylist at Gymshark
BA (Hons) Fashion Branding and Communication
Brona wanted to use her creativity and fashion sense to build a successful career. BCU’s Fashion Branding and Communication course helped her push herself and become a great stylist. She now works in her dream role as a Fashion stylist at Birmingham-born multinational company Gymshark.
Charlotte - Changing the Landscape
Charlotte
Senior Quantity Surveyor at Severn Trent Water
BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying
People tried to tell Charlotte to study a typically female-dominated subject at university, but she wanted to break the norm. Studying in Birmingham allowed Charlotte valuable work experience when she began her Quantity Surveying degree and she has since gone on to a Senior position working on HS2, just a few years after graduating.
Lulah - Protecting Profit
Lulah
Audit Associate at PwC UK
BSc (Hons) Economics
Lulah thrived on BCU’s varied Economics course. After graduation, she embarked on PwC’s Graduate Scheme to continue learning and achieve success in the finance industry.
Nadia - Powering Play
Nadia
Junior Engine Programmer at Rare
BSc (Hons) Computer Games Technology
Nadia wanted to study a subject that both interested her and gave her good career prospects. BCU’s Computer Games Technology course provided the experience she needed to excel in the games industry, securing a full-time job in the industry after completing her placement year.
Boris - Financing the Future
Boris
Analytics Team Lead at 3S Money
BSc (Hons) Economics*
The wealth of career options available to economics graduates appealed to Boris. His disciplined and determined mindset helped him succeed on his course, progress in his career and lead his own team.
Chloe - Nurturing Success
Chloe
Progress Leader and Head of Year at Kingsmead School, Hednesford
BSc (Hons) Psychology
Chloe’s challenges at school knocked her confidence. Completing a placement year during her time at BCU saw her grow and develop a passion for helping young people. She now works in a large secondary school supporting the mental health and wellbeing of over 200 students.
Callum - Tracking Tactics
Callum
Academy Performance Analyst for Birmingham City Football Club
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
BCU's connections with local sports clubs allowed Callum to complete a range of placements in industry during his degree. Since discovering his passion for football performance analysis whilst completing a placement at Solihull Moors Football Club, his career has gone from strength to strength.
Jamie - Saving Lives
Jamie
NHS Senior Critical Care Nurse
BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing
Jamie was underestimated in school due to being less academic than other students, but challenges didn't stop him from achieving his dream of becoming a Critical Care Nurse. BCU provided Jamie with the foundation to be a caring and strategic professional who puts his patients at the forefront of everything he does.
Ibrahim - Delivering Justice
Ibrahim
Barrister, Crown Prosecution Service
LLB (Hons) Law
Despite being told at school that he wasn’t academic enough to pursue a career as a Barrister, Ibrahim pushed himself and through hard work and dedication, he graduated from BCU with a Law degree before he completed training to secure a pupillage. He is now a Pupil Barrister for the Crown Prosecution Service.
Jonathan - Capturing Moments
Jonathan
Freelance Photographer
BA (Hons) Media and Communication
Jonathan’s exciting career as a photographer to the stars kicked off within weeks of graduating. Thanks to the experience he picked up at BCU, as well as his excellent networking skills, Jonathan is thriving in his career as a freelance photographer, videographer and TikTok content creator and is now working with huge names in the entertainment industry, from Maya Jama to Cardi B.
Mark - Enhancing Recovery
Mark
Surgical Care Practitioner at Ramsay Health Care UK
BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice
Mark didn’t envision university or a career in healthcare as part of his future. After his music career didn’t work out, he embarked on a life-altering journey to become an Operating Department Practitioner at the age of 30.
Phil - Inspiring Generations
Phil
Assistant Head Teacher at Ark Victoria Academy
BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS
Due to money worries, Phil wasn't sure he could afford to study at university, but he knew he belonged in the classroom and had to have a degree to achieve his dream career. Just four years after graduating, Phil now works in an assistant leadership position where he’s able to make a real impact and help young people succeed.
Parv - Celebrating Heroes
Parv
Event Manager, British Olympic Association (Team GB)
BA (Hons) Marketing with Advertising and Public Relations
Parv always wanted a diverse, exciting career in marketing. BCU gave her the opportunity to develop her knowledge of the sector and combine her skills in marketing with her passion for live sport. Parv has since played a key role in Birmingham’s 2022 Commonwealth Games and now works for the British Olympic Association.
Becky - Promoting Heroism
Becky
PR and Communications Executive for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity
BA (Hons) English and Media
When deciding what to study at university, Becky knew that she loved both English and Media and found a degree at BCU that offered both. Now, she’s a PR and Communications Executive for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.
Olivia - Conducting Harmonies
Olivia
Composer and Musician
BMus (Hons) Jazz
Olivia discovered her passion for jazz in her musical journey and worked hard to earn her place at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Gaining experience and confidence, she’s since formed her own jazz orchestra and is now a freelance composer, conductor, and teacher.
Tiyarna - Nurturing Newborns
Tiyarna
Midwife for NHS Hospitals and BCU Lecturer
BSc (Hons) Midwifery
Tiyarna always wanted to be a midwife, but she felt that others doubted her ability to succeed because of the area she grew up in and her dyslexia diagnosis. Being in a supportive environment at BCU allowed Tiyarna to realise her potential. She now has her dream job, supporting mothers through childbirth.
India - Eliminating Threats
India
Vice President - Cyber Fraud Fusion Centre Operations
BA (Hons) Criminology
India was drawn to BCU because of its experienced lecturers and unique course content which allowed her to pursue a fulfilling career in security and intelligence. She’s captured fugitives on Channel 4’s ‘Hunted’ , provided aid to the people of Ukraine and now eliminates threats for a leading UK bank.
Jac - Designing the City
Jac
Design Manager at HS2 Ltd
BA (Hons) Architecture
Jac wanted to use his creativity to improve the built environment but struggled to find a clear career path. Since then, he has worked on many projects across housing, commercial, transport, arts and the community. He now manages the design development of HS2, a major project in the city’s landscape. His passion for his field has motivated him to lead workshops with students across Birmingham who want to become Architects.