I've made life-long friends in Sheffield. It's a place I feel safe and supported and free

Where did life take you after graduation?

After my degree in philosophy I studied for an MA in philosophy, part-time so I could work, I also did a photography course during this time and loved it. After graduating from the MA I moved to Barcelona for a couple of years and did all kinds of random jobs from selling spring rolls in the park to running kids' activities at a hotel in Ibiza. When I came back to Sheffield I worked doing web design and information projects for a community development organisation. I also facilitated creative community workshops. Then I did a course in photojournalism followed by a news job in Derbyshire for three or four years. Since then I've worked as a freelance photographer, photojournalist and artist and I facilitate creative community workshops.

How has your experience at Sheffield helped you during your career?

Greatly. I had a brilliant time at university both academically and socially. I've made life-long friends. It's a place I feel safe and supported and free. I've moved away twice and moved back here because it's a wonderful place to live.

How has your degree helped you in your career?

Enormously. As well as helping me to get jobs just by having it on my CV it has given me some really useful skills. It helped to develop my writing skills, my research abilities and reasoning so that I can now write publishable articles. It has helped me to analyse and understand different arguments and make my own decisions which is valuable in any aspect of life. It has also increased my confidence in myself.

What advice do you have for recent graduates?

Work hard, listen to others, be tolerant, enjoy learning, don't argue too much in the pub because your mind needs a break sometimes!