Previous Institution
Dominican University of California - BS Psychology and BA International Studies
Which country are you from?
USA and Turkey
Which country do you currently live in?
USA
Tell us about your educational and/or career journey since you graduated from Brunel?
Since graduation, I have been working at the Academic Senate at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) as a policy analyst. At this position, I do a number of things in relation to faculty welfare and policy development at the university, including minute taking and stakeholder coordination.
What does a typical day at work involve for you?
This job is diverse in nature, but I typically spend a lot of time doing research, collecting information from committee members and stakeholders as well as taking minutes, writing reports, letters, and cover letters.
What’s been the highlight of your career journey so far?
I enjoy the environment I am in. At this job, I am constantly surrounded by faculty members and researchers who do incredible research. I am thrilled to be a part of this community!
How would you say your Brunel experience has helped you to get where you are today?
Brunel has helped me gain the necessary skills in public health and writing to be able to perform well in my current duties. I also had the privilege of participating in the READY program, where I gained hands-on experience in intervention development. I adored the coursework that Brunel offered. The content was 100% online, which allowed me to continue my education despite the difficulties that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, I was able to publish my thesis at a renowned journal in Turkey! All of these achievements would not have been possible without Brunel.
Why did you choose to study at Brunel and why would you recommend Brunel to others?
I chose to study at Brunel for its flexibility in mode of learning. I was working in Morocco at the time and when the pandemic hit, all the embassies were closed. Brunel offered an online program that allowed me to continue my education. Furthermore, I chose Brunel for its welcoming atmosphere. Immediately, I could tell from my interactions with the admissions team that Brunel would provide a welcoming and supportive learning environment, and it did just that.
What is your best memory of studying here?
I particularly enjoyed the extra-curricular activities that Brunel offered, such as the READY program and the foreign language classes. In particular to my coursework, I especially loved doing my dissertation to showcase the skills I learned throughout the year and to learn more about a topic that I am passionate about, which for me is mental health.
If you could give one piece of advice to current Brunel students, what would that be?
Take advantage of what Brunel has to offer. Do not just do your coursework alone but search around for additional opportunities to expand your skillset and learn more about what is available in today's job market.
What would be your top tip or key advice for new graduates as they begin their career journey after leaving Brunel?
Be patient because the right opportunity will come when you least expect it. I took a considerable amount of time and effort looking for work and I was at a loss until, by chance, I came across a job that has helped me grow immensely from understanding policy development to improving my writing skills.
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