Hello, and welcome to our new blog!

Every month we’ll give you an update of all the goings on in Alumni Relations through the work of our three interns, Sarah, Grace and Joe.  

With events planned in each of the four faculties, as well as across the wider university as part of the upcoming 150th Anniversary in 2015, it’s going to be a busy twelve months for our interns.  Whether you’re a current or former student, a member of staff or just have a general interest in university life here at Oxford Brookes, there’s bound to be something that interests you below.

But first, let’s get to know our three interns a bit better…

Joe Parton '13

History Graduate from Oxford Brookes

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

I’m originally from Loughborough, and came to Oxford Brookes to study history in 2011.  Throughout my time here I thoroughly enjoyed both living in Oxford and studying at Brookes, and when the John Henry Brookes Building opened in my third year I realised how much of a privilege it was to be studying at such a prestigious and well-regarded university.  That is why I chose to remain a part of Brookes after I graduated, becoming an intern in DARO.  I am working for specifically with the HLS Faculty, and although my degree was in a different faculty, I’m very excited to get stuck in with all the events going on across the four departments here.  I’m also looking forward to helping the University’s reputation grow even further during the 150th Anniversary celebrations next year, with loads of events planned already.  

Grace Kinnaird '13

Publishing Graduate from Oxford Brookes

Faculty of Technology, Design and the Environment

I studied Publishing Media at Oxford Brookes, which is pretty near to my home town of Marlow in Buckinghamshire. I absolutely loved what I studied for all three years of my degree and made some of the best friends both through lectures and student societies. I chose to do this internship because I think that the high level of training and experience available is difficult to find elsewhere. By working for alumni relations within the faculty of Technology, Design and Environment I have already been able to work with colleagues from a wide variety of teams while promoting and organising alumni activities. As we celebrate our 150th anniversary over the coming year, I’m looking forward to working alongside the faculty to reconnect with our alumni and help them to celebrate this occasion alongside the university.

Sarah Brice '13

Business Graduate from Oxford Brookes

Faculty of Business

I studied International Business Management at Oxford Brookes, and I’m originally from the Swindon area (so reasonably local). I’ve really loved living and studying in Oxford, and working here for an additional year is such a good experience. I chose to do an internship as I needed more experience in engagement and fundraising to get into the third sector (charity work). The specific internship I chose was linked to alumni relations and fundraising, which enables me to get the skills linked to the career I want to do. In the role, I’m linked to alumni relations in the Faculty of Business, and so I get to see the careers that other business graduates have gone on to do, from banking, to marketing, to starting up their own businesses, social enterprises, or charities. One of the best things about being an intern this year, is that it’s a unique opportunity to be part of the 150th anniversary celebrations, and I’m looking forward to helping out with organising these events for my faculty.