Alumni share insight into university journeys for Inspiring Minds sessions

Volunteering
Four people stand together in the seated area of a lecture theatre. Left to right: Vijay Chithambaram, Jack Dabbs Melissa Feaviour, Hunaynah Abdulgafar

Left to right: Vijay Chithambaram, Jack Dabbs, Melissa Feaviour, Hunaynah Abdulgafar

Two panels of alumni came together this week for the University’s Inspiring Minds days. The events, which are organised by Loughborough’s School and College Liaison team, support young people who are interested in studying at university.

The two events that took place this week focused on STEM and sports, with taster days for other subject areas planned for later in the year.

On Tuesday, four alumni formed a panel to discuss various areas of STEM studies, sharing insight into building services engineering, chemistry, and manufacturing engineering. The speakers were:

  • Hunaynah Abdulgafar (BEng Materials Science and Engineering 2021), Graduate Trainee Engineer at WMG
  • Vijay Chithambaram (MSc Low Energy Building Services Engineering 2019), Principal Engineer at Cundall 
  • Jack Dabbs (BEng Materials Engineering 2021), Product Development Engineer at Reactive Components
  • Melissa Feaviour (BSc Chemistry and Sports Science 2013), Account Partner - Professional Services at Salesforce

Today, a group of sports graduates joined forces to discuss their career journeys both in and out of the sports industry. Our alumni panellists were:

  • Mehul Karia (BSc Sport and Exercise Science 2017), Health and Wellbeing Coach at Leicester City Football Club
  • Alex Laybourne (BSc Psychology 2009 and MSc Sport Coaching 2011), CEO at Power2Inspire, Head Coach at Sweden Rugby Mens 15s and Director and Co-Founder at Inspiring Coaches
  • Aimee Ramm (BSc Sport and Exercise Science 2003 and MSc Management 2005), Superintendent at Leicestershire Police
  • Jonathan Rudge (BSc Sports Science with Management 2006), Head of Fundraising at Thera Trust 

Four people are pictured together in front of a blank wall. Left to right: Aimee Ramm, Alex Laybourne, Jonathan Rudge, Mehul Karia Left to right: Aimee Ramm, Alex Laybourne, Jonathan Rudge, Mehul Karia 

Across the two sessions, alumni were asked about their university experiences, favourite memories, current roles, and insights into their industries. Attendees, who are post-16 students currently exploring higher education options, had the opportunity to ask questions during the session and to network with panellists afterwards.

Thank you to everyone who contributed.

Find out more about Inspiring Minds online. If you are interested in contributing to a future event, please get in touch.