Cardiff University Alumni 2015 – Angharad Brown

We spoke to Cardiff University alumni Angharad Brown who graduated with a English literature degreee. She now works with the School of Modern Languages in Cardiff University as the Student Support and Cases Officer.

1. Hello, what did you study at Cardiff University and why did you pick that subject?

Hello! In 2004 I started a Journalism, Film and Media degree, with English Literature as my second subject. However, at the end of my first year I decided that my heart lay with the English Literature course, so I transferred my degree. I was always one of those people who didn’t really know what they wanted to do with their career, but I loved writing and considered going down the journalism route. Therefore, by choosing this degree path, I knew it would keep my options open.

2. What do you do as a career now?

In January 2015 I joined the School of Modern Languages within Cardiff University, as a Student Support and Cases Officer. I’m responsible for providing support and guidance to students and academic staff, regarding Extenuating Circumstances, Specific Provision and Student Cases. This involves working closely with the Student Cases Officer, Disability Officer, liaising with colleagues regarding students and regular communication with students who have circumstances that are affecting their academic performance

3. How would you describe your Cardiff University experience?

My experience at Cardiff University was incredible and I’m not just saying that as they now employ me! I absolutely loved studying for my degree, made some incredible friends for life, fell in love with a city that I now call home and I met my husband on the first day!

4. Did you join any societies or get involved with student media?

I joined a few societies in my first year and then got involved with student media during my second and final year. However, the thing that I most enjoyed was taking part in the Student Volunteering scheme (SVC). I had always loved spending time with children, so I decided to volunteer within a primary school for one day a week during my second year. I assisted the teacher by sitting with various groups of students and helped them with their work, assemblies, concerts, P.E. etc. It was an amazing experience, but it didn’t convince me to go down the teaching route!

5. How would you describe your Cardiff University experience in a few words?

Only two words are necessary: life changing!

Before coming to Cardiff, I was at a bit of a crossroads in my life. I didn’t know what to do career-wise, I’d had a difficult few years on a personal level and I was completely ready for a change. Thankfully, that is exactly what Cardiff University offered me! As mentioned previously, not only did I study a subject that I loved, but I made some incredible friends (including my future husband).

6. How did you feel when you graduated?

Other than feeling extremely proud, I also felt a sense of sadness that my time in the University had ended. Perhaps that is why I decided to work for the University a few years later?

7. What did you do after you graduated? Did you have a set plan?

After I graduated, I decided that I needed to spend some time working on my CV. Therefore, I spent a few days contacting various publishers around South Wales to see if they had any work experience available. Luckily, one of the publishers I had contacted had a job opening and within a few days of graduating, I was offered a permanent position. Once I’d gained enough experience within this role, I decided to start looking elsewhere for something more suited to my interests. Once again, I was extremely lucky to gain a position within a local magazine, working within advertising and marketing.

8. What would your advice be to the 2015 graduates?

Having previously worked as a Placement Officer within Cardiff University, I have witnessed first-hand the challenges often associated with gaining graduate employment. Therefore, my advice is for you to be pro-active in building your CV by doing things like visiting the Careers and Employabilty centre within the University and gaining as much relevant work-experience as you can. The amount of students that I worked with who gained full-time employment as a result of their work experience, is incredible.