Name: Rachel Carrigan

University from which you've graduated: 

University of Glasgow

Degree subject:

Politics and History

Which societies/sports clubs were you a member of:

Olive Tree Initiative. A collaborative programme with the University of California that used experiential learning to engage students with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This involved a year of academic preparation focussed on the various narratives of the conflict which was then used during a field trip to the region where students met with interested parties from all angles of the conflict.

Home town:

Paisley, UK

Host institution:

University College London

Why did you apply to the graduate trainee scheme?

During my undergraduate degree I toyed with what I would do when I graduated frequently. I knew I wanted to be in a career that made me feel like I was making a positive impact in the world but also allowed me to continue to learn and be immersed in the world of higher education. I went back and forth with the ideas of being in the charity sector, in academic research or humanitarianism but nothing fitted exactly. The CASE graduate trainee has allowed all of my needs as a graduate to be fulfilled as I can still be engaged in the current research and issues facing the world, and give me the opportunity to facilitate projects that speak to my values.

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

I hope that at the end of the trainee scheme I will have been a positive contributor to the Strategic Philanthropy team at UCL. I would like to have made recognisable impacts on the team and have learned from their experience and expertise. I would also like to have come to a conclusion of what area in Higher Education advancement I see myself being in long-term after having the opportunity to get involved in the different teams and roles in the department.

What are you career ambitions?

My career ambitions are to be in the higher education or not-for-profit sector in an advancement role that I have a high level of job satisfaction from with demonstrable contributions to the institution I work for. I have always been passionate about the humanitarian sector, having volunteered in grassroots development projects in Uganda and academic research projects in the Middle East. I have recently started volunteering alongside my trainee placement at a charity for Afghan refugees in London, leading their human rights campaign. I hope I can eventually combine my work in not-for-profit with my passion for humanitarianism.

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

I enjoy going to different gigs - living in London has given me the opportunity to see new bands/artists which is great!

Proudest moment?

Getting the job at UCL was definitely my proudest moment to date! I hadn't even graduated yet so it was a real motivation and made all of the hard work over the last few years feel completely worth.