As part of the PPLS People’s alumni spotlights, we asked Poppy Jeffery, a Philosophy alumna currently working in Student Development in the School of Social and Political Science here at the University, to shed some light on her career path in marketing, communication and events. Read on to understand how different roles can offer opportunities to develop your skills and enjoy a non- linear career path.
I’m excited to share my career journey exploring how I moved from studying Philosophy at the University of Edinburgh to my current role in Student Development! Along the way, I’ve completed internships, faced challenges and discovered that career paths aren’t always straight lines.
Starting out in Philosophy
My time studying Philosophy wasn’t just about trying to understand complex ideas, it was about applying those thoughts to the real world. My favourite courses were on topics like Ethics and the Philosophy of Feminism and Race.
Alongside my studies, I coordinated PhilosophyPALS, where I got a taste for organising events and encouraging student engagement. At the time, I viewed tasks like organising and promoting sessions as just part of the job, not realising I was building a toolkit of professional skills. This experience refined my critical thinking, analytical skills and interpersonal communication, which have all been crucial in my career!
Deciding to do a MSc
The subjects I enjoyed most in Philosophy often brushed up against Sociology, which led me to pursue an MSc in Equality and Human Rights at the University of Glasgow. For my dissertation, I researched the experiences of Widening Participation students at the University of Edinburgh. This was a personal and professional full circle moment for me having been a Widening Participation student myself. I realised that supporting the student voice was something I would enjoy doing for my job, but at the time I wasn’t sure what to do with this realisation.
Career confusion
In the lead-up to graduating, I thought a natural next step would be to join a graduate scheme, but I couldn’t seem to find one that aligned with my career interests and would allow me to live in Edinburgh. I didn’t have a professional network like some of my friends, and I found it very difficult to figure out what alternative career options would be a possibility for me. I had worked in hospitality part-time for many years, but I wasn’t sure how to gain experience outside of that environment or how to translate my skills to a different job.
I decided to pivot my approach and organised a meeting with the Careers Service to talk about my options. This chat helped me appreciate and articulate the skills I’d gained from working in hospitality toward something office-based.
My first office experiences
After many weeks of applications, I was accepted onto two six-month internships with a local charity and a small organisation. While there, I spent as much time as I could organising and promoting events and developing my digital communication skills. I gained valuable insights into office dynamics, enjoyed sharing tasks with a team and even led a few small projects, which was a great learning experience.
After my internships, I took on a role as a Marketing Assistant, where I wrote blogs, created social media content and crafted newsletters. In the role, I learned to use various digital tools, many of which I still use today. The role also made me realise that I truly missed working with students and organising events. This insight helped me redirect my career path toward roles within the University that involved interactions with students and event management.
Settling into Student Development
Now, I work in a varied and rewarding role in the Student Development Office in the School of Social and Political Science. It’s a great blend of my backgrounds in marketing, communications and events. I really appreciate the chance to make a positive difference to student experience, blending my personal interest in supporting students with hands-on event management and development work.
On my journey to my current role, I’ve found it helpful to remember that my path might zigzag. As you navigate your own career, be open to unexpected twists and turns. They can provide the opportunity to learn new skills and teach you more about yourself!
