Georgia
Wayman

Meet NTU Alumni Georgia, who graduated in Politics and International Relations followed by MSc Public Policy. Georgia spoke with us about how her experience in Policy and Projects led her into the career path of project management of education programmes.

Tell us why you chose to study at NTU?

I chose to study my undergraduate degree at NTU for various reasons. The number one reason was that I loved the module topics of the Politics and International Relations course. I knew many friends who had been accepted into NTU already. I had also worked out that I could afford the cost of living better in Nottingham than in other cities I was looking at, and Nottingham was not too far away from Cambridge.

When I was working out where to study a policy masters course, NTU became my first choice again. I knew how supportive and helpful the lecturers and tutors were, I had the benefit of the alumni discount, and the module topics and the opportunity of a policy lab, where we could write a report for an external partner as our final assessment, were what I was looking for in a policy course.

Tell us about your memories of NTU, what did you learn?

My undergraduate degree expanded my knowledge of politics, current affairs, and international relations, which I learned during my Politics A Level course. I found what I am most interested in through the degree and its various modules. My favourite aspect of both the undergraduate and masters courses was that I was often able to choose the topic I wanted to write about.

The public policy masters also allowed me to research my interests; within one module, we studied around five sub-topics and could choose one as our final assessment.

Reflecting on my time at NTU, I am grateful for all the opportunities I was given to improve my knowledge, experience, and confidence. These opportunities have been crucial in helping me secure full-time employment post-graduation.

What did you do that enhanced your employment prospects whilst studying?

Both courses gave me excellent practical experience that I could take into the world of work, due to the simulations, debates, and opportunities to work with external partners and members of the community to bring around real local change. For my Service Learning assignment, as a group, we organised and participated in a discussion on Nottingham as a Human Rights City. I also co-wrote a report for an art gallery in Nottingham to improve and increase their impact and partnerships in the community.

The NTU Employability Team were extremely helpful running workshops, discussions, and 1-1 meetings on topics such as CV reviews. NTU also have many opportunities for gaining experience whilst working, such as working on open days, or working as a Student Mentor helping first-year students transition to university.

What does your current working day involve?

My current role is a Programme Manager at Cambridge Judge Business School. My typical working day involves planning and managing the on-site, online, and live online delivery of business education programmes for senior executives from local, national, and global organisations. Stakeholder management, budget management, and events management are significant aspects of my role.

What attracted you to this field of work?

I have a strong interest in education, and with my experience in policy and projects, project management of education programmes was a great opportunity!

Can you recall some of your biggest highlights and challenges so far?

My biggest challenge out of university was figuring out what I wanted my first full-time job to be while navigating many job applications. I learnt that you must keep applying for roles you are interested in; the right one will come to you! Be honest about what you seek in a job, and do not reduce your expectations. You may find that the perfect job appears unexpectedly - even if, at first, it is not a role you have ever considered. Take all of these opportunities!

So far, the highlight of my career has been being assigned our Global and Latin American Senior Management Programmes. It is always challenging when you start a new job, but asking lots of questions and having supportive colleagues will help you succeed.

What are your plans for the future?

My current plan for the future is to continue learning in my role as a Programme Manager and taking advantage of all the opportunities I am provided.

Finally, If you had a time machine, what would you go back and tell yourself at Uni?

If I could go back and speak to myself at university, I would say that everything will work out, so do not stress about what you will do after university and what career you will end up in!

Connect with Georgia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgia-w-0199a9180/