Alumni in Focus

Little or large, the value of a gift is priceless. Whether it’s a donation of time or money, the impact is evergreen.

Now more than ever, the desire to switch off from the world’s noise becomes more pressing. That idea of escapism is something Laura of Juniper Press has found through her creative process.

What changes can we all make to shape a more inclusive world? Eilidh Southren (Computer Science, Class of 2019) who shares the “quick wins” to boost equality in all its forms.

What’s the secret to building a successful start-up? Time, money, passion – the list goes on. We catch up with a juicing entrepreneur to learn what ingredients are in the blend of their growing brand.

Following the release of 'Conversations', we connected with alum Chris Burnett to delve into his author journey and how his studies at RGU aided his personal project.

Alumni return to campus to share their career insights with students and graduates at to our upcoming career networking events. Robbie Leith joined our first session and answers our career Q&A.

The CV is updated, the cover letter has been crafted and the hit list of roles is building – the career search is on. But have you covered everything?

It's a triple alumni-whammy this month as we spotlight three alums working at the National Subsea Centre.

After studying Fashion Design at Gray's School of Art, it didn't take long for Laura Sherriffs to start producing outdoor accessories under her brand Fernweh.

"Even after graduation, the learning never stops,” says 2015 events management alum Emma Grant who now works as assistant director in the events team at Moody’s.

The Gray’s School of Art Masters Degree Show is back for another year and during the show is your chance to see the exhibitions of school’s Graduate in Residence (GiR) exhibitions.

Not knowing what path to take after university can be a daunting and alum Emma Murray assures students that not having your career steps planned can be a blessing.

In any industry, change is inevitable and how you react to change can either make or break a business. Mark Kemp shares the opportunities evolving industries and careers can bring.

In 2007, Stuart Common stepped through the doors of Mackie's of Scotland for his placement year while studying Management at RGU.

On the publishing of her book ‘Memories from the Frontline’, we caught up with nursing alum Kairen Griffiths to learn more.

As Gray’s Degree Show celebrates its 2023 graduates through the theme Neon Future, we’re stepping back in time with memories from the school’s alumni.

Aberdeenshire artist and illustrator Gabrielle Reith, takes us back to her Gray’s Degree Show in her Q&A blog.

Throughout this week, alumni from Gray’s School of Art are taking us back to their Gray’s Degree Show. Emmajane Kingaby turns back the clock to her 2022 exhibit.

As the Gray’s Degree Show 2023 opens its doors to the public this week, contemporary art practice alum (Class of 2017) David Iain Brown, shares his degree show memories.

Following his studies in social work (Class of 2012), Ica Headlam paved out a career using his interest in arts and culture to create impactful learning opportunities for young people.

Teamwork makes the dream work they say and a collective of Gray’s School of Art graduates and staff have rallied together to open Aberdeen Ceramics Studio.

The final showcase of this year’s Startup Accelerator is hours away. Tonight (Thursday 11 May), six of this year’s participants will leave with a share of £30,000 in equity-free funding to make their business dreams a reality.

Bagging your first job off the back of your first interview would be a dream for many graduates, but that was quite the reality for 2022 Business Analytics alum Olasoji Amujo.

Less than a year after her studies at Gray’s School of Art, Pop Portrait artist Leah Davis brings her first post-graduation exhibition to the eyes of the public.

Lecturer in Events, Hospitality and Tourism, Kirstin Bell takes a seat in the Alumni in Focus chair to share her full-circle career journey from events student to lecturer at RGU.

Choosing which university to study at is a big decision, especially if you’re an international student planning an overseas move.

So, you’ve graduated from studying Public Relations at RGU but what does your first year in PR look like? Nadia Hassan shares her reflections on her year with Muckle Media.

From living in Bangalore to living in Aberdeen, international student Swetha Akshita gives an insight to what international graduates can expect when looking for work in the UK.

Since graduating from RGU in 2012, Jasmin Corbett now spends her days transforming the lives of her clients through her health coaching business Wellthy You.

From “howler” tax implications to career opportunities, the ability to roll with change has been a consistent for 2012 Accountancy and Finance graduate Frazer Nicol.

Lydia Ofori, Founder, CEO and formidable force in the finance industry, is changing how people invest by levelling out the playing field for millennial investors.

Henry Blake, Dragon’s Den contestant and managing director of Scottish company WoodBlocX, studied Architectural Technology at RGU in 2001 and now runs a successful business in the Highlands of Scotland.

Ciarán Russell, Liquid Innovation Manager at Sipsmith Gin in London, graduated from RGU in 2017 with a BSc in Bioscience with Biomedical Science before studying an MSc in Brewing and Distilling at Heriot Watt.

Mostafa Adel, a PhD researcher at the University of Illinois, has over nine years’ experience working with and volunteering for leading international organisations including Save the Children, United Nations Volunteers, GIZ and UNICEF.

Willy Findlater, Architect Alumnus of RGU, graduated from three degree courses in the 70s. By 1984 he was Director of Architecture on the board of Valtos, an international multi-disciplinary practice.

Matthew Head, Senior Design Engineer for RML Group and Alumnus of RGU, completed an MEng in mechanical and electrical engineering in 2015, on the fast-track Master’s programme.

Anna Smith, alumna and entrepreneur, launched her new book and wine subscription business Words With Wine seven years after graduating and during the global Covid-19 pandemic.

Bethany Galley graduated in 2019 with a BA (Hons) in Communication Design. Her final year photography project - ‘Through the Lens’, won her the prestigious BP Design Award 2019.

Erin Smith took the bold step of starting her own creative film and video production company, Pink Sphynx Media, straight out of university and during a global pandemic.

Ed Pollock joined RGU as a student of Events Management. Fast forward nine years and several roles with the university, he’s now Innovation Manager for the RGU Entrepreneurship and Innovation Group.

Rachel Sim started her homeware and soft furnishings business Spruce Homeware in 2020, after graduating into a global pandemic and at a time when employers were not taking on new staff.

Bibo Keeley graduated in Contemporary Art in 2019 and lives in a two-artist household with her husband Brian Keeley. Her art focuses on her life experiences and being deeply connected to nature.

Alumna Sofia Pellaschiar, who graduated with a BA (Hons) in International Business Management in June, runs an inspiring platform called My Self-Love Supply, which she launched during her third year at RGU.

Madame Modish runs a fashion and style consulting agency in her home city of Lagos, where she has recently authored the first fashion and style book to come out of Nigeria.

Patrick Baker, RGU Alumnus and published author, recently released his third book, The Unremembered Places - Exploring Scotland’s Wild Histories, which has been shortlisted for the Boardman Tasker Mountain Literature Award.

Andrew Davidson is a young inventor who last month launched M:X®, a sports nutrition brand with innovation at it's core.

RGU Alumna and frontline NHS doctor Dr Christina Mackaill develops zero gravity method of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) suitable for astronauts in space.

Clare started a Highland Tartan Uprising on 14 October 2017 and with the help of her rebels, has built a brand that truly understands the value of authenticity and integrity.

The Forensics graduate is fighting crime with chemistry, being one of only twenty students selected to complete a STEM graduate research fellowship funded by the U.S. Department of Justice.