Featured profiles

University of Glasgow alumni represent a wealth of talent and expertise reaching around the globe.  They have different memories of their time at Glasgow and have embarked on a variety of career paths.  We are always interested to hear what happened after graduation.

Here are a selection of Alumni Profiles that the graduates have kindly agreed to share with the alumni community.  These profiles are rotated on a quarterly basis so check back again in July to view a new selection.


My Degree

I did Civil Engineering for my undergraduate and was looking to broaden my horizons. I was initially thinking of doing solely Management but when I found the program of Engineering and Management, it suited me perfectly. Between my BSc. and my MSc, I worked for two years for an engineering firm and found that I was more interested in the management side of things. I honestly loved everything about my course. The Professors were just great and the subject was interesting. It was more than I had dared to hope for. It was easy getting a job right after graduation, and working now as both Manager and Engineer, I feel like I have advantage, having studied both sides. Understanding the management techniques as well as the technical engineering side is helping me deal with different type of things every day. I get better projects and have a unique view of both people and projects.

My Glasgow Experience

I was somewhat active in the International Society, although most of my social activities involved the great group of people that were in my classes. The benefits of socializing with people from all over the world, who can become the friends you make for life, can enrich not only your personal life but also help your professional career at the same time.

I got a different view of things from my time at Glasgow. I really enjoyed making friends from all corners of the world and seeing how different people perceive things depending on their cultural background, has for sure helped me in my career, made me a better person and a bit more understanding towards the different needs that people have. I have many memorable experiences from my time at Glasgow. One that stands out was the Tall Ship Gala that the Management Department threw for all postgraduate students. The location was great and there are few things more fun than a Scottish ceilidh. I gained a lot studying in Glasgow; self confidence and believing in my own capabilities was just the tip of the iceberg. One of the best things are all the friends that help you grow and shape you into a better and more understanding person.

Life after Glasgow

I was lucky enough to get a job right after graduation, which was related directly to both my Civil Engineering degree and my Management degree. It was as Project Manger for a Development Centre, managing international EU founded projects, mainly about public transportation. I was working with people from Sweden, Iceland, Scotland (Dumfries & Galloway, and Shetland) and Finland. My current position is Deputy Manager Engineer as well as being Senior Airframe/Interior Engineer for Icelandair Technical Service.

After working as a Project Manager for two years in East-Iceland I wanted to change it up a bit and work for a bigger company so I applied for the position of Senior Airframe/Interior Engineer at Icelandair Technical Service (ITS) which I got. After working there for fifteen months I was offered the position of Deputy Manager Engineer at ITS. I am responsible for a part of the technical support of the maintenance Icelandair's aircrafts. As a Deputy Manager, I manage the Engineering Department of Icelandair Technical Service, people and processes, and am partly responsible for making sure we are obeying the regulations of both European and American Aviation Authorites. As Senior Airframe/Interior Engineer, I am responsible for the structural components of the fleet as well as the interiors as well as the maintenance there of.

My Degree

I chose to study French purely because I enjoyed it and was good at it! I didn't plan to work in languages, but knew I could get a great degree and superb life experiences (living in France for a year) through extra-curricular activities and these made for a good CV. I found that the passion of the lecturing staff was the best thing about my course, but the fun in the city and the all-round activities available at the campus, also contributed to my experiences. My degree enabled me to walk in to a great graduate job at British Airways two months after graduating. I have had to show my degree certificate for every job I have had since then and it gives an employer confidence in my abilities. It's a good degree from a good University, people recognise that and I will always be very proud of it.

My Glasgow Experience

I was a member of the Trampoline Club and the Officer Training Corps. I loved the social aspect of the OTC; it enabled me to travel and put some amazing things on my CV (I patrolled the peace line in Nicosia, Cyprus). As well as being great fun, it definitely helped me to get jobs and stand out above the competition. I also loved my final year. It might not be for everyone, but I really enjoy exams but of course the best bit was finishing the last one and getting the results. I will have that qualification with me for life and it's one of the best things I have ever done. During my time at Glasgow I also learned to apply myself to work (studies), I travelled and learned about the world and I became an independent adult able to socialise with everyone from peers to Brigadiers.

Life after Glasgow

As I mentioned previously, I started work on a graduate scheme with British Airways in London. The job title was Business Analyst and the role was in the IT department. I quickly moved in to a Marketing Executive role and stayed at British Airways for three years.

Now, I am the Founder of a unique new food product called Moorish Smoked Humous, which launched in Waitrose in 2012. I am also a part-time Newsreader on BBC Radio. I am currently driving my business to bring out our next range of smoked dip products. Starting and running a business means I am responsible for everything from sales, to the finances, to dealing with our manufacturer.

My Degree

I initially chose Medicine (as a High School student) and did envisage a career in Clinical Medicine as a Paediatrician. I did an intercalated degree in Physiology and Sports Science and came close to pursuing a career in research, however I ultimately managed to combine my interests in a Paediatric sports medicine career. My course provided me with a great education and I was taught by excellent teachers and role models. My degree from Glasgow gives employers confidence that my training was unrivalled worldwide in terms of curriculum, teaching and exposure to patient care.

My Glasgow Experience

I was involved in the GUU, our year club and Med-Chir. I played football throughout my seven years at Glasgow with various clubs including the infamous ‘Chicken Kiev’ and the equally tragic ‘Parklife’. There are too numerous memories to list, but my favourites mostly revolved around sharing a flat off Kersland St with my friends. We had some great times. I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of student life. Glasgow is just a great place to live, study and explore. I think living in a relatively big city and learning to balance study/work and play were the big life lessons I learned in Glasgow. I continued to do the things I love such as playing football and spending quality time with friends despite the increasing burdens of studying and exams. That has shaped me since as I have gotten busier, I still prioritize the same things I did at Uni.

Life after Glasgow

Currently, I’m an Attending Physician, equivalent of a Consultant, in Primary Care Sports Medicine. I graduated with a medical degree in 1998 before moving to the USA after my house jobs. I completed a four year residency in Internal Medicine/Pediatrics in Albany, NY then returned to Glasgow in 2003 to complete an MSc in Sports Medicine. I moved back to the USA in 2005, and finished my sports medicine training at Harvard in Boston where I worked as a Fellow. I now work in Albany at the Medical College running my own fellowship and acting as team Doctor for a local college (Siena) and for the US Rugby team. My main responsibilities are the clinical care of area athletes and active people including musculoskeletal injuries and concussion in sport. I teach medical students, residents and a sports medicine fellow. Additionally, I also work on biomechanics research into contact sports including football, rugby and martial arts. I chair the US Rugby sports medicine committee.

My Degree

I wanted to study the History of my own country in an international context. Glasgow University offered this. I was also keen to study Politics as I was interested in a career in journalism and the Glasgow course had a good reputation, as did the student newspaper, the Guardian. I got my first job in television because a then Professor of the Politics Department who recommended me to the politics team at Scottish Television. I got a three month contract with them in 1986 and have worked in the television industry ever since.

My Glasgow Experience

I was on the SRC and edited the Guardian. I also was active in GUSNA throughout my university career and enjoyed the GUU debates. The Ossianic society and the Archaeology Society were very important to me too. I have too many memorable experiences to mention but some that spring to mind; Campaigning in the rectorial campaigns, the Hillhead by-election, going on archaeology field trips, being invited to Jenny Wormald's flat in the West End, being treated as a grown up, engaging in the rough and tumble of student politics and finally enjoying Daft Friday and Slade! I grew up during my time at Glasgow. It made me into a Journalist and also encouraged me to be ambitious (I got a first and won the prize for best female Arts graduate in my year). It gave me confidence. I would say that this came mainly from the political and journalistic activities as much as from my degree course.

Life after Glasgow

I joined STV's political programmes team as a Journalist and used my knowledge of Scottish politics. I am currently Executive Producer, BBC Wales Commissioning.

After two years at STV I moved to BBC Scotland political programmes. I then switched to Arts programming - always a passion of mine. In 1993 I moved to BBC Wales to set up their Arts coverage. I did a couple of years as a Commissioner with Channel 4 before returning to BBC Wales (and having two children). I took on an unpaid position as Trustee of National Museums Scotland - for eight years - and was involved in the Royal Museum redevelopment. I'm currently in my second term as a Trustee of National Museums Wales. I have worked for BBC Wales on local and network programmes. The role I currently have is commissioning English language programmes for Wales. I work with independent companies and in-house teams to deliver the highest possible standard of programmes on tight budgets.


These profiles have been submitted as part of the Glasgow Careers Alumni Network.  They have been made available to view on this page with the permission of the graduate.

To submit your own Alumni Profile, go to our Profile Form where you can also elect to take part in the 'Ask Our Alumni' initiative.