Alumni

Rukayyah Yussuf

First-class degree in BSc (Hons) Business Economics

Ruky graduated from Huddersfield Business School in 2021 with a first-class degree in Business Economics. She was keen to go to University as she wanted to ensure she had the best possible education. However, she was devested to discover that she was not eligible for funding due to her status as a refugee.

After attending an Outward Bounds course in Wales, Ruky completed 19-day skills for life course and became more confident in public speaking. As a result, she was invited to speak at Buckingham Palace, twice, where she met Professor Bob Cryan, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield, who told her about the support available at the university. After Ruky shared her A-Level results and personal circumstances with the university, she was offered a scholarship to study.

Since finishing her degree, Ruky now runs an online tutoring program, designed to support students with English as an additional language and aspires to help low-income families afford vital additional tuition as she believes in - and champions - equal access to education for everyone!

Read more about Rukayyah's story here.

Dr Owen Williams

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Dr Owen Williams OBE, Chief Executive of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Trust, graduated from Huddersfield Business School with a doctorate degree in 2020. Prior to his role at the Northern Care Alliance, Owen was Chief Executive of the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust for over nine years having consecutively served as the CEO of Rossendale District and Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Councils.

Owen is passionate about reducing health inequality to ensure that no community - regardless of race, colour, or creed - gets left behind and was invited by the Board of NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSE/I) to chair a National Task & Finish Group that would focus on addressing inequalities in NHS provision and outcomes.

Owen’s thesis looked at how to increase the number of black, Asian, and minority ethnic Chief Executives who were working across the public sector on the basis that the number of colleagues who were BAME, was particularly small in comparison to the working-age population.

Owen has been able to apply the findings of his thesis to both his current and previous roles and in doing so, has helped him gain an understanding of the thought process on how organisations approach recruitment.

Read more about Owen's story here.

Dr Steven Michael OBE

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Dr Steven Michael OBE, Company Director at SPM Creative Consulting Limited, graduated from Huddersfield Business School with a doctorate degree in 2020. Throughout his career Steven has encompassed roles in clinical leadership as well as the charitable sector. Prior to his current role, Steven was the CEO of the Southwest Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, a post which held for nine years.

Steven’s thesis examined asset-based development, also known as community assets, and how they could provide support to mainstream healthcare and, in particular, by sustaining different types of innovation, what strategy and business model design would need to be employed.

Steven believes at the Southwest Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, where he was CEO, the findings of his DBA research have added and provided more clarity in terms of the strategy they’ve adopted to date and the business model they will need to implement if they are to move forward in a more sustainable way.

Read more about Steven's story here.

Eloise Wright

First-class degree in BSc (Hons) Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Eloise graduated from Huddersfield Business School in 2019 with a first-class degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Since graduating from the university Eloise has worked in various roles at PZ Cussons, an international consumer goods business that champions the wellbeing of people, families and communities everywhere. During her placement year, Eloise worked at PZ Cussons as Customer Supply Chain Coordinator. After coming back to university to complete her final year, Eloise returned to PZ Cussons full time. She has since been promoted to Materials Scheduler.

In 2020 Eloise won the CILT’s Logistic Undergraduate Dissertation of the Year Award, a fantastic achievement in an increasingly competitive area in which Eloise took the top award over and above other national submissions from other universities.

Read more about Elise's story here.

Jordan Yelland-Hey

First-class degree in MLP Law

Jordan graduated from Huddersfield Business School in 2019 with a first-class degree in Law. Since graduating from the university Jordan secured a training contract with Clarion Solicitors, a law firm in Leeds, where he is currently training to become a solicitor.

Jordan champions the university and the skills and support it gave him in preparing him for the world of work.

“My degree prepared me for the world of work by introducing practical elements into my study alongside the theory. Similarly, the lecturers and tutors had a variety of career backgrounds, and the sharing of their experiences was invaluable in that preparation.”

“The University was extremely helpful in assisting me to gain my postgraduate role. The mentoring schemes provided by the University allowed me to gain valuable contacts in the form of legal professionals in the local area who were keen to share their experiences. The careers teams assisted me through the process, providing open and honest environments for sharing options right through to assistance with the application processes.”

Alice Roper

First-class degree in BA (Hons) Hospitality Business Management

Alice graduated from Huddersfield Business School in 2018 with a first-class degree in Hospitality Business Management. Since graduating from the university Alice has worked at The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, a family-owned collection of boutique luxury hotels and award-winning spas, in a variety of roles. After completing her degree Alice joined the hotels graduate management programme, and has since been promoted to Reservations Manager.

During her placement year, Alice moved to Connecticut, USA to work in one of America’s most prestigious country clubs, Greenwich Country Club.

“Throughout my placement, I was able to learn about every aspect of working within a hospitality establishment, within both the food & beverage and rooms departments. Whilst working within Greenwich Country Club's three restaurants I was able to develop my understanding of silver service and service-scape design. I was also given the opportunity to manage several large-scale events during my placement, allowing me to develop my fundamental knowledge of managing a team.”

“Greenwich Country Club also provided us with weekly training sessions on a range of topics, such as pairing wines with different foods and different service styles. These pieces of training, alongside the hands-on experience, provided me with the skills that I needed when I graduated and started my career in the hospitality industry.”

Hina Niaz 

Distinction in MSc Management 

Hina moved from Faisalabad in Pakistan in 2021 to complete an MSc in Management at Huddersfield Business School. She graduated in 2022 with a distinction and is now continuing with a PhD in Business and Management. Hina praised the university for its facilities and its support for students and says this is one of the main reasons she has decided to continue her studies at Huddersfield Business School.

"I would recommend the university to students because the educational services, on-campus huge library, support with assignments, continuous support for well-being, and carefully constructed modules’ content are the main factors that make the university of Huddersfield ideal for studies. The student life itself is amazing because everything a student needs including restaurants, places for shopping, and the train station is just minutes away from campus."

"The university’s educational environment, teaching style, the support system for students, and the room for growth as an international student and professional were the main factors why I decided to continue my studies at Huddersfield."

Zach Wood 

First-class degree in BA (Hons) Business Management 

Zach graduated from Huddersfield Business School in 2018 with a first-class degree in Business Management. Since graduating from the university Zach has worked at DHL Global Forwarding, a logistics company providing courier, package delivery and express mail service. After completing his degree Zach joined the company's graduate management trainee programme, and has since been promoted to Customer Program Manager.

During his placement year Zach did a year at DB Cargo UK Ltd, a rail freight company in Doncaster. 

“My placement year gave me my first insight into the world of logistics and supply chain. The year allowed me to understand what I wanted to do after graduation as well as what I did not want to do. The placement gave me my first real feel of working in a business environment and helped me start a network that I still use now for advice and support. The placement also gave me a lot to talk about in my interviews when applying for a post graduate role."

Zach commended Huddersfield Business School and the placement team for their support before, during, and after his placement.   

"The university offers no end of support both whilst studying and also whilst trying to find employment - the placement unit is first class. I also find the way the business school helps support the change of mindset in the final year to more focusing on employment and making an impact inside the organisation when you start your post-grad employment."

Marasha Nathania Fernandes 

Degree in BA (Hons) Events Management and MSc in Marketing with Event Studies 

Marasha moved from Kuwait in 2015 to complete a BA (Hons) in Events Management at Huddersfield Business School. After graduating in 2019 Marasha progressed onto an MSc in Marketing with Event Studies which she completed in 2020. Marasha now works as a Copywriter in the Creative Department at BPG Kuwait, a marketing and advertising agency for various brands, businesses, and, governing bodies. Marasha’s role consists of conceptualising campaigns briefed by clients meant for advertising purposes and creating content in terms of messaging and copy such as headlines, slogans, scripts, brochures, and concept ideas.

Marasha gives advice to other students wanting to secure a role in this industry.

“Grab any opportunity that comes your way. You don’t have to leave your comfort zone, but you can still explore different areas and aspects in that zone. And never stop learning. ALWAYS ASK QUESTIONS! And most importantly, keep hard work on your right side and patience on your left".