19.07.2006
Over 5,000 students will be receiving their awards this year from the university - graduating in a range of subjects as diverse as: automotive engine design, law with accountancy, midwifery, three-dimensional design, architecture, and pharmacy.
Eight ceremonies will take place over four days from 25 to 28 July at the Dome in Brighton. Students will receive awards which range from degrees to diplomas, from the university's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Julian Crampton and Chairman of the Board of Governors, Sir Michael Checkland.
"Graduation is a time of great celebration for the university and its students," said Professor Crampton. "It provides an opportunity for us to congratulate our students on their academic endeavours and to wish them well as they make the transition from student to graduate."
"We hope however, that is not the last we see of them. On graduation they will join tens of thousands of Brighton graduates who make up the university’s alumni society and we look forward to hearing about their future successes."
Many of our students are celebrating remarkable achievements and have interesting stories to tell about their experiences of being a student at Brighton. Below is a sample:
Kayley accessorises at Burberry
Buying handbags for a
living would be most women's idea of a
dream job. Kayley Johnson, a graduate in retail marketing is doing just
that for luxury brand, Burberry.
Kayley is an Assistant Planner with the company, placing orders for high quality accessories including leather goods and analysing purchasing trends.
Kayley's degree in retail marketing, allowed her to learn the theory and then put it into practice during her placement year when she secured an internship with Burberry. On graduation she was offered a full-time job.
"My degree helped to give me direction and to clarify my decision that I want to work in fashion," said Kayley. "I absolutely love my job; it's always busy and so varied."
Course leader, Harvey Ells said: "Employers are now recognising the value of work placements. They get a real idea of how potential employees can perform and ultimately in Kayley's case this has resulted in a job offer."
Wake up with GMTV graduate
John Hiscock is the envy
of his friends - having graduated in Communications and Digital Media
he is now working for GMTV - Europe's
biggest breakfast show.
As part of John's course at Brighton, he undertook a month's placement at GMTV which was organised by the university's placements office. The work was varied and included stints in the promotions office and out on location. He was invited back for a further month's work experience and was then encouraged to apply for GMTV's graduate training scheme.
He is now working as a runner and will then have the opportunity to become an assistant researcher.
"The university really helped to get my career started by arranging for my placement and helping me to break into what is a really competitive industry," said John.
"I'm really enjoying my job at GMTV and the whole team including the presenters are incredibly friendly. The training at GMTV is very comprehensive and I know that if I work hard here then I’ll succeed."
Nick's focus on success
Throughout his school years, Nick Apostolidis was keen to prove that
his severe sight impairment would not be a barrier to educational achievement.
Nick was accidentally given too much oxygen at birth which left him
blind.
He has now surpassed even his own expectations and has just been awarded a first class degree in Software Engineering BSc (Hons). Nick was delighted to win a place at the university due to its commitment to student welfare and support for disabled students.
He said:"I honestly couldn't have completed the course without the university's help. The university funded people to help me learn the layout of the campus and the local bus routes. I also had an academic support worker throughout my time here and the welfare department bought specialist equipment including a screen reader for my computer. All my tutors were extremely helpful and flexible - if ever I had a problem they went out of their way to help - it was awesome!"
Course Leader Mike Smith said: "Nick displayed real dedication to the course and together with the use of technology; he was able to complete his studies alongside the other students on the programme."
Nick's final year project looked at making digital and interactive TV more accessible. He is now looking for a job helping to design software for people with sight impairments.
Chris comes up with a device to help golfers
Winner of the university's student Entrepreneurial Award went
to keen golfer Chris Sears who graduated with a BSc in Design and Technology.
Chris designed a series of novel golf practice mats suited to different
heights and ages which he hopes to take to market by Christmas.
"My degree helped give me a framework to apply to the design process," said Chris. "Winning the university's Entrepreneurial Award has kick started my design career and has given me the confidence in my designs."
Contact: Marketing and Communications, University of Brighton, 01273 643022
