Anniversary graduates

Making an impact while studying

Aspiring solicitor Rachel Ndungu gained real-world experience in the legal world through the Essex Law Clinic and helped people in the local area.

“I was particularly drawn by how committed the university is to real-world impact and access to justice,” says the LLB Law with Criminology.

Rachel worked as Student Project lead for the Law Clinic, which sees students and lecturers work together to provide free legal advice to the public on a range of issues such as housing, immigration, and family law.

She is full of praise for the lecturers who have inspired her: “Liz Fisher-Frank ignited my passion for family law, not only the legal technicalities but the human side of ensuring the families have the best outcomes, not just the legal results.”

Rachel hopes to build on her experience by working in either dispute resolution or family law, she adds: “I’m excited to continue making a difference through the hours I commit to legal work and volunteering.”

Securing the perfect job

Phebe-Lee Want has secured her dream job as a detective with Essex Police after completing her psychology degree at Essex.

She has been selected for Essex Police's Investigate First scheme, a two-year programme that develops future detectives, and is looking forward to using the skills and determination she gained through her university studies.

The former personal trainer's advice to someone thinking about applying to Essex is simple: "Just go for it. There are so many opportunities here you don't realise. It is just the most supportive environment, and I never felt alone. There was always a lecturer to talk to. If I hadn't come to the University of Essex, I'd still be struggling as a personal trainer - but now I am about to start my dream career."

Phebe-Lee came through Clearing, completing a foundation course, before starting her undergraduate degree.

While studying, Phebe-Lee became fascinated with the criminal side of psychology after her mum began studying a forensic A-level course in her spare time.

"I think it’s the morals that Essex Police follow that made me want to work with them," she says.

"No other career appealed to me more, and it just suited me perfectly."

Placement makes a difference

BA Criminology graduate Amelia Roberts gained valuable skills and confidence during a placement year which also allowed her to make a real difference to the lives of people affected by homelessness.

Amelia, who is from Southend, spent her placement working at the Forward Trust, in their small Vision Housing department which supports people in need of housing, most often people recently released from prison.

Her proudest moment with the charity was when her team nominated her for a Best Volunteer award. She says she “felt extremely grateful and appreciated by all the team for nominating me and thinking I was worthy of an award.”

She cites her dissertation supervisor, Dr Magda Borkowska, with playing a critical role in her success in her course: “She believed in my abilities and helped me be confident in my work."

Amelia is now starting a postgraduate degree in Essex’s Department of Psychology.

Incredible opportunities open doors

BA International Relations graduate Mamadi Konde made a remarkable contribution to research, advocacy and student engagement during his time at Essex.

While at Essex he had the chance to showcase his research around conflict in Sudan at the UK's Parliament and travelled to Germany and Poland as a student ambassador for the European University alliance YUFE.

He says: “The university is incredibly diverse and welcoming, providing numerous opportunities to start a new chapter in your life.

“It equips you with tools to enhance both your social and academic skills. Attending this university has had a positive impact on my life, and I am confident it will continue to benefit any student who chooses to enrol here.”

He credits Professor Reed Wood, Professor Natasha Lindstaedt, Dr Prabin Khadka and Professor Faten Ghosn for “profoundly impacting my experience at Essex, offering not only guidance but also valuable opportunities that have truly helped elevate my career path.”

"Inspiration and laughter"

Natasha Richards-Crisp completed a PhD in Theatre at Essex, enjoying "the opportunity to undertake a funded scholarship and be part of a university with a reputation for critical and creative thinking”.

She adds: “I witnessed theatre’s potential to support young people’s sexual health and well-being. This sparked my desire to research this creative approach further in a UK context.

“I wanted to make a positive difference in the lives of young people and to contribute to the academic understanding of theatre’s role in social change.”

Natasha valued the support and friendship of fellow researchers “whose inspiration and laughter sustained me through the most challenging moments”.

She also leaves an indelible mark herself on her fellow research students. She was co-founder of a support and discussion group in the Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies while also serving as a student representative running events like writing sessions and wellbeing workshops.

Summing up her time at Essex, she said: “There’s a fire in the belly of everyone at Essex, a drive to improve themselves and the world. In my department, the creativity was both inspiring and demanding, pushing me to refine my craft and develop my expertise. It was a true privilege to be part of that community.”