Emma's Journey 

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Though I grew up in one of the most disadvantaged areas of the country, I went to a very supportive secondary school and sixth form college who encouraged my inner nerd and to progress to the University of Birmingham for my Undergraduate degree, followed by the University of Oxford for my Masters degree. Whilst attending the University of Oxford part-time, I worked a full-time outreach job at the University of Hull. After my Masters degree, I took 2 years out of education and continued to work. In 2020, I secured a PhD at the University of Otago in New Zealand,  however, due to COVID-19 this was no longer an option due to New Zealand closing it's borders and revoking all international student offers. Much to my disappointment, I thought I may not continue in education. However, a perfect opportunity arose at the University of St Andrews, Scotland and I started my PhD there in January 2021! I hope to be Dr Emma Gale by summer 2024!

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Craig's Journey

Craig left school at 16 to enter employment and, in current times, it is an option that many students consider – to enter work through training /apprenticeships. Following a decade in the Royal Air Force he went on to work for multi-national companies such as BMW and Jaguar before finding himself in the education sector.  It is some turnaround but with over 15 years’ experience in schools and colleges, allied to several years of professional development, Craig brings a wealth of life experience to the workshops and talks. Students appreciate the personal and professional life journey that encompasses the realism of work and travel snippets, but moreover the importance of reflective decision-making and grasping opportunities. By re-entering education, culminating in a Master’s degree graduation in 2022, he is able to engage students in an interesting, informative journey….