UofG Sound Tracks

Melvin’s career in social and economic policy has taken him from the Dominican Republic to East Timor, China and now New York City where he is a Policy Specialist at UNICEF. Melvin is a self-described ‘technology enthusiast’ and tech is a theme we return to throughout this episode. Melvin discusses the implications of new technology for policy work and how students and graduates can harness tech to prepare themselves for a rapidly changing workplace. He has some great advice on how to make the most of new tools and apps and how AI can function as a thinking partner, freeing up your time for generating new ideas. Melvin has some top tips on how to prepare yourself for landing that international role you had always dreamed of. He shares his experience of arriving in China, with no Mandarin, and turning to technology to survive – learning very quickly how to order food on delivery apps.

Kirsty takes us on her journey from UofG history student to working at the V&A, where she’s been involved in exhibitions ranging from nightclubs to robotics, and now Tartan, the first exhibition to be curated solely by V&A Dundee. You’ll get an insight into the day-to-day work of a curator, from researching and choosing objects, to speaking to press, shaping learning programmes, installing exhibitions and ultimately feeling an enormous sense of pride when a new show opens its doors. No week is the same in this hugely varied job! Kirsty landed her first job at V&A after a string of rejections, and she shares her sound advice on how to shine in the competitive museum sector. Kirsty shares how to get the most out of volunteering and work experience to ensure you build your expertise and don’t feel exploited. Kirsty’s passion for curating and telling stories through objects shines through in this episode!

Salem Avan has worked on UN peacekeeping missions in Africa, the Middle East and Europe, an experience which he tells us fundamentally changed his understanding of the world and how people live. Salem progressed from management to leadership roles, and in this episode he discusses the important differences between the two, and why he takes a ‘heart based leadership’ approach, focusing on respect, dignity, equality and psychological safety at work. Now based in New York City, he oversees technology within the UN, the projects he leads are seismic and have global impact, such as understanding the financing and travel of terrorists. Salem provides a fascinating insight into how the proliferation and development of technology impacts the work of the UN and discusses the topics that will confront humanity in the future, from human rights and ethics in AI, to cyber security and how to govern technology.

In this special two-part episode get the inside track on working in the civil service from two recent graduates who both made early career changes into policy roles. Neither Claire nor Cristina did the Civil Service fast stream programme. They found their own paths. In this episode, we take a deep dive into what these unconventional routes can look like: what inspired them to work in government, the application process, and important knowledge and insight learnt along the way. Claire found the application and interview process clear and simple, but it took her a few attempts before landing her first role. Taking on feedback and persevering paid off, resulting in an environment she finds supportive, open, and filled with opportunities. Claire shares her tips for mastering the STAR approach to applications and how to build up a bank of examples that showcase your skills and experience. Cristina has worked in several high-profile departments including the cabinet office and the treasury and hasn’t shied away from challenging policy topics, such as crisis including Brexit, covid and climate change. Throughout the episode, she shares her knowledge of government, introduces us to civil service culture, and explains what team dynamics she thrives in. As she's progressed, Cristina has learnt to have confidence in her knowledge and skills whilst not being afraid to ask questions of the experts. Her advice to herself? Put less pressure on yourself, be kinder, and avoid comparing yourself to others.

In this special two-part episode get the inside track on working in the civil service from two recent graduates who both made early career changes into policy roles. Neither Claire nor Cristina did the Civil Service fast stream programme. They found their own paths. In this episode, we take a deep dive into what these unconventional routes can look like: what inspired them to work in government, the application process, and important knowledge and insight learnt along the way. Claire found the application and interview process clear and simple, but it took her a few attempts before landing her first role. Taking on feedback and persevering paid off, resulting in an environment she finds supportive, open, and filled with opportunities. Claire shares her tips for mastering the STAR approach to applications and how to build up a bank of examples that showcase your skills and experience. Cristina has worked in several high-profile departments including the cabinet office and the treasury and hasn’t shied away from challenging policy topics, such as crisis including Brexit, covid and climate change. Throughout the episode, she shares her knowledge of government, introduces us to civil service culture, and explains what team dynamics she thrives in. As she's progressed, Cristina has learnt to have confidence in her knowledge and skills whilst not being afraid to ask questions of the experts. Her advice to herself? Put less pressure on yourself, be kinder, and avoid comparing yourself to others.

In this episode we meet Ian, whose hard work and determination has led him to success in a highly competitive industry. Graduate Ian quickly learnt that getting a foot in the door of the music industry would require rigorous preparation, and after beating 10,000 applicants to a BBC Trainee Scheme, embarked on a career in digital, radio, and TV that took him from Glasgow to London. At a time when video streaming was growing, Ian was tasked with the challenge of visualising BBC Radio on YouTube for the first time, which gave him the opportunity to start experimenting with TV production, filming live music sessions and creating editorial pieces with presenters. With this experience he made the move to Head of Video at Somethin’ Else, making TV for BBC, Sky Arts, during the explosion of visual content in the early 00s. He made BAFTA winning tv and built a business which was eventually bought by Sony Music. While Ian’s success is evident of his hard work, he’s not afraid to share his top tips that have helped get him to where he is today. Listen for interview pointers, what he looks for in recruiting new staff, and practical advice that’ll help you stand out from the crowd. We learn how he manages pressure, and why it’s worth trusting your gut. He is a strong believer in collaborative working, and that involving others at every stage can help take an idea from good to great. Finally, Ian reflects on the change he has seen over the last 20 years within the industry. Learn how this change has shaped career opportunities available to students and recent graduates, including his sense that there are more roles than ever in TV as it continues to experience a boom.

In this episode, Kirsten shares an honest account of how tough she found her first year out of university and the knock-backs she got from job applications — happily none of which she can even remember now! Hear about the temp job that changed the course of her career, sparked her interest in working in policy and helped build her confidence, eventually leading to her first permanent role with the City of Edinburgh Council. Join Kirsten as her passion for the third sector shines throughout this 40-minute episode. Her drive for creating positive impact for people and communities is a core tenet to her work, a strength she recognises in herself. We learn the qualities she considers important in a management role like her own, the buzz she gets from influencing policy and civil servants, and how global challenges have led her to embrace new ways of working. This episode is jam-packed with career advice, from top tips for smashing the early recruitment stages, through to identifying skills that help leverage leadership opportunities. Plus, we learn why young people should get involved trustee roles, which Kirsten describes as super CV boosters!

In this episode Zuzia Boguslawska, UofG Careers Intern, gets the low-down on working in science communications and public engagement from Zara Gladman. Strap in as we follow Zara’s journey from volunteering with Glasgow Science Festival to leading Public & Community Engagement at UofG as she reflects on the ups and downs learnt along the way. Zara has built her career pairing creativity with science. She talks about taking part in the Bright Club Glasgow, where stand-up comedy meets science. It’s a unique example of taking science communications to places you wouldn’t expect to subvert expectations and reach new audiences. In addition to public speaking and writing, Zara highlights the importance of listening to help get to know your audience, and explains how important it is to empathise with the groups and researchers she works with. To the listener, she offers some fantastic life advice to help balance our time and commitments: It's okay to say no, and it’s okay to ask for help. Know your limits, remember — nobody benefits from working crazy hours. Her proudest career achievement is a surprising one... have a listen to find out!

Laura made the difficult decision to leave her cancer research institute to pursue a career in science communications, and the career change opened a wealth of new opportunities and personal accomplishments. Since making this leap, Laura has worked for organisations including Cancer Research UK and the MS Society in communication roles ranging from public health, policy, fundraising, and research. In her current role as programme lead at Glasgow City of Science and Innovation, Laura describes it as telling a story — a story that puts Glasgow at the centre of science and research and one that she is passionate about telling. Laura's take away message for listeners is that Glasgow can offer a wide breadth of opportunities in science comms and engagement roles. Listen out for Laura describing her ‘scientific approach to networking’, she felt as a scientist that networking didn’t come naturally to her, so she developed her own step-by-step process for making connection and getting the most out of her professional network.

Laura’s passion for working in the museum sector shines through in this episode, from the importance of creating an inclusive environment and bringing diversity of thought and representation, to the ways museums can affect change and make a difference to people's lives. You’ll hear about the enormous value that Laura places on authenticity and how she encourages her team to bring their personality to work. Laura shares her inside knowledge on the breadth of opportunities in the museum sector and explains how museums and the cultural sector need people with a diverse range of skills and experiences, from retail, IT and cyber security, to community engagement and education. She encourages listeners to be open to new ideas and to take time to reflect on their own skills and interests throughout their career. Laura also explores some of the current challenges facing the museum sector, including adjusting to a post-covid landscape and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis. With years of recruitment experience, Laura shares what she looks for in candidates, including passion, curiosity, initiative and integrity. She shares her unique for advice for making the most of networking opportunities (even when you feel out of place) and busts some myths around working in museums.

As a student at UofG Richard travelled the UK performing and regularly taking shows to the Edinburgh Fringe, unbelievably he never missed a single lecture or tutorial during his four years of studies. This commitment and drive set him on an award-winning career path as a writer, comedian and actor, and here Richard shares his professional highs and lows. Richard’s 2016 show ‘Monkey See Monkey Do’, written about his experience of being sexually assaulted and his subsequent battles with mental health, won the prestigious Edinburgh Comedy Award. In this episode Richard talks about his anxiety ahead of performing the show and how writing from a place of personal experience was deeply cathartic. His debut play ‘Baby Reindeer’ premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2019 and was another profoundly personal narrative exploring obsession and delusion. The show was Olivier Award nominated in 2020. Richard is also a successful actor, starring in BAFTA-nominated BBC2 drama ‘Against the Law’, in BBC3’s ‘Clique’ and E4’s ‘Tripped’. He has also written episodes on Netflix’s ‘Sex Education’. In this episode Richard shares his tips for budding writers and performers. He encourages you to follow your gut and to write from a place of experience, and explains how hard graft and taking the odd gamble have helped to shape his success. Please note this episode contains references to sexual assault and harassment. What's your soundtrack? With - Alex from Student Theatre at Glasgow (STAG), with 3 awesome tracks to his student theatre journey, now added to the UofG SoundTracks Spotify playlist! For resources and links to take next steps visit www.gla.ac.uk/soundtracks

Statistician, political commentator, television chef and author – Liberty Vittert has developed so many strands to her career. In this episode, we travelled to Boston to meet Liberty and to find out how. Liberty is a passionate believer that data can be used for good – and tells us about how the work she has done on the Board of USA for UNHCR, the north American arm of the of Refugee Agency has done just that. Liberty’s research, as a PhD student at UofG, focused on facial shape analysis with Dr Adrian Bowman, who she describes as the ‘greatest supervisor on the planet’. During her time at Glasgow Liberty hosted an STV cookery show and amongst her many accolades was named one of the "Coolest People in Scotland" by the Herald in 2018! Hear Liberty’s thoughts on the importance of learning to use maths, just like we learn to read, and how we can encourage more women and girls to study and work in STEM. Liberty explains how – no matter your background – there are so many opportunities to train and work in stats and data analysis. Liberty also shares awesome advice on finding volunteering opportunities that match your skills and interests and building connections as a PhD student and early career academic. Listen out for a special cameo from Henry – Liberty’s rescue dog who she adopted in Glasgow and now lives with her in Boston! He is officially the first guest pet to appear on Sound Tracks. What's your soundtrack? With - Aine O'Brien, UofG PhD student in Planetary Science who has 3 space-tastic themed songs, now added to the UofG SoundTracks Spotify playlist! For resources and links to take next steps visit www.gla.ac.uk/soundtracks

This is the Inside Track on turning your great idea into a world-class business with Darina Garland, Co-founder and Chief Experience Officer at Ooni pizza ovens. Are you thinking of creating a prototype of a product idea? Have you ever wondered how much funding to ask for? Have you got a business idea but don’t know where to start? Hear Darina tell how Ooni began as an idea (and a desire for great pizza!) in her backyard, to a simple scrappy prototype and now the fastest growing company in Scotland selling outdoor pizza ovens all over the world. Get the low down on how Darina and her team have used crowdfunding campaigns to fund innovative new products, to test new ideas with customers and backers and to grow the ‘Ooni-verse’. Resources and references from this episode can be found at www.gla.ac.uk/soundtracks

Get the Inside Track on an early career mindset. Not everyone has ‘always known’ what they want to do and even if you do… it might be altogether different when you get there. In this episode, Dan tackles four different myths surrounding the early career decision making process. Myth 1 – You have to know what you want to do, to be successful. Myth 2 – The hardest part is getting your foot in the door Myth 3 – You have to specialise to become valuable. Myth 4 – Networking is all there is to getting ahead Listen to him bust 4 myths, share his personal experience working at Ernst and Young in London and give lots of practical tips along the way – all in under 10 minutes!

Get the Inside Track on building your personal brand. Cat Hepburn has a portfolio career as a voice over artist, script writer and spoken word performer. Having started her personal brand early on, she’s sharing all her top tips on how to get started, how to use social media to best effect and how to ensure you’re staying true to yourself. Cat talks Instagram culls, Bryony Gordon and how to start a website if you’re not tech savvy… so if you need to work on your personal brand, press play! Resources and references from this episode can be found at www.gla.ac.uk/soundtracks

When Kevin Sneader submitted his application to McKinsey, one of the world’s largest consultancy firms, as a UofG law graduate, he couldn’t have known it was the start of a career that would span decades, cross continents and ultimately take him to Hong Kong, where he is now Global Managing Partner. In this latest episode of UofG Sound Tracks, Kezia travelled to Hong Kong and met Kevin at the McKinsey office to hear about his incredible career journey. From technology and artificial intelligence to the global climate crisis, Kevin touches on some of the major issues facing the world, and the global workforce, today. He explains what skills good leaders need to have and why. Plus he shares how effective time management can help to ensure that we all pursue our passions and get away from the daily grind. Kevin describes himself as an optimist - and he truly is! His belief in the power of curiosity, seizing opportunities and being yourself is something we can all learn from. Listen out for: What's your soundtrack? With - Florian, GU Consultancy Society President with 3 fantastic songs, now added to the UofG SoundTracks Spotify playlist! For resources and links to take next steps visit www.gla.ac.uk/soundtracks

Jordan Daly co-founded the campaign group and charity Time for Inclusive Education (TIE). TIE has one aim: to tackle homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia with LGBT-inclusive education in schools. Jordan’s experience growing of up as a young gay man, and his feeling of isolation at his most desperate helped to shape the work that TIE do in schools. In this episode Jordan tells the incredible story of TIE and how he took the organisation from grass roots campaigning to making LGBT history, it all started with one petition. Hear how Jordan balanced his second-year UofG studies, alongside working part time and launching the campaign. Hear how he learnt to navigate the Scottish Parliament, to meet MSPs and persuade them to support the TIE campaign. Jordan shares how he looks after himself in the face of social media criticism and attacks from anonymous accounts. You’ll get insights from TIE’s innovative digital campaigns, including how they used social media as an integral campaign tool to gain traction amongst politicians, young people and teachers. Jordan even offers up the TIE press release template! Listen out for: What's your soundtrack: With Ali Noble UofG History student who's making it easier for students to give to charity More info and episode links at: www.gla.ac.uk/soundtracks

UofG grad and Human Rights Barrister Isabel must have made one of the most brave post-graduation decisions covered on the Sound Tracks Podcast. At age 23, after graduating from the Law School, Isabel went to work in Pakistan, on death row. In this episode, Isabel discusses the decisions she made along the way to becoming the Barrister she is today and how it’s a balance of listening to your gut and then analysing the available information that works for her. Isabel has written an award-winning book – Trials on Death Row in Pakistan – which documents her transformative experience working in a new legal chambers in Lahore. From UofG law student, to lawyer, to author, to Barrister… the verdict is unanimous that Isabel’s story is not one you can skip. What's your soundtrack: With Scott James Meyer. More info and episode links at: www.gla.ac.uk/soundtracks

Check our Erin's bio and recommended career resources: www.gla.ac.uk/alumni/welcomehome/soundtracks/erinmacdonald/ In this episode of Sound Tracks you’ll hear from Dr Erin Macdonald the self-confessed ‘tattooed Scottish-American N7 Slytherin Rebel from Starfleet’. Not sure what to make of that? Then take a listen! Dr Erin is the awesome host of YouTube series Dr Erin Explains the Universe, where she explores space science found in our favourite sci-fi TV shows, movies, books, and video games. She is a science fiction consultant to the entertainment industry where her specialty focuses on the use of general relativity in sci-fi through faster-than-light travel, artificial gravity, alternate universes and more. Erin tells us about how she fulfilled her life goal…. of becoming a warp drive expert! If you’re not sure what that means… nor did Rosie. Listen out for: How comedy improv classes helped Erin to gain confidence, her tips for improving your communication skills and the reality of ‘faking it until you make it’ in Hollywood. What’s your Soundtrack?: This week we ask UofG PhD candidate Anna Henschel to pick 3 songs along the theme of science! Anna also tells us about her research exploring human interaction with robots.

Check our Neil's bio and recommended career resources: www.gla.ac.uk/alumni/welcomehome/soundtracks/neiloliver ‘That guy from Coast’, Neil Oliver, has one of the most recognisable voices to give you sound advice in this latest episode. Archaeologist-broadcaster-author-journalist... he’s carved out a unique niche for himself in his multi-hyphen career and he’s about to give you the tools he used to do it. Listen out for: Neil’s advice for those in a job they’re not in love with, what he thinks about career planning and how he’s used contacts, connections and friends all the way along his journey. What’s your Soundtrack?: this week we ask UofG Future World Changer Student Kenny to pick 3 songs along the theme of Neil’s career! Is this the trickiest challenge yet? Find out how Kenny got on and more about his own archaeological project.