Name: Laura Wilkinson

University from which you've graduated:

Lancaster University

Degree subject:

BA Economics & International Relations
MA Conflict, Development & Security

Which societies/sports clubs were you a member of:

During my time studying at Lancaster I was a member of Lancaster University Boat Club and I was elected Alumni Relations Officer two years running. I set up a regular giving scheme for the boat club alumni and organised large events. I was also the Editor of the student newspaper, SCAN, for my final year. Following my studies I was elected as Vice-President Campaigns & Communications for my students' union and I worked full-time in this position for a year running campaigns on things like mental health and cost of living and also held lots of events for students on campus.

Home town:

Birmingham, UK

Host institution:

London Business School

Why did you apply to the graduate trainee scheme?

Throughout university I was involved in many different aspects of higher education fundraising without even knowing it. I became a trustee for a small children's mental health charity in Lancaster called ACE and I knew that I wanted to a job within the charity sector so when I saw the CASE graduate scheme I knew it was perfect for me!

What are you hoping to achieve from your year on the scheme?

I am hoping to gain a wide range of experience across different sectors within advancement and development. At LBS I'm lucky enough to be given a large amount of responsibility and different projects to be a part of, including working within the major gifts team, in alumni engagement for reunion and prospect research.

What are you career ambitions?

I am currently still deciding what I my career ambitions are, as I'm sure many others are too! I'm keen to get more experience throughout the year to further discover what interests me the most within fundraising. I'm also an avid mental health campaigner so I'm sure this will be something that I continue to be interested in as part of my career.

What are you hobbies/activities outside of study/work?

I enjoy visiting new places and if I have coffee, good food and a long book in hand I'll be pretty happy!

Proudest moment?

Seeing an event that I planned as part of a mental health campaign finally come to life and actually be successful after months of planning and stress, it was amazing to see the impact my efforts had on the students. And obviously, the moment I found my name under the phrase ‘Upper-Second' when I went to collect my university degree grade (although it was mostly relief!)

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-wilkinson-912663b1/