Real stories from Royal Holloway graduates. Where they started, what they've achieved and where their careers have taken them.
Every student's journey is different. Postgraduate study has helped our alumni to shape their futures in different ways. Read their experiences in their own words.
The career-focused way
Frederich
MSc Information Security
‘I already worked in information security when I started my Masters’ programme at Royal Holloway. After graduating I continued on that path, taking on more responsibility and developing my career further. I’ve worked across Europe and Africa, where I led big IT transformations in the public and private sectors before returning to the UK. I’m currently in a senior management role at BAE Systems, managing a large and complex team delivering sensitive Ministry of Defence related programmes, whilst also pursuing a doctorate in information security.’
Read Frederich's full story here
Andrada
MSc Forensic Psychology
'The careers service was brilliant! They helped me with my CV prep, as well as mock interviews. I also had a lot of part-time job opportunities as a student. During my MSc, I worked part-time as a Duty Manager at the Students’ Union, and as a Research Assistant for the Law and Criminology School.
The people I met while studying at Royal Holloway and the collaboration that followed was critical to my career path and achievements.'
Read Andrada's full story here
Susan
MA Contemporary Performance Practices
'Gaining an MA has opened doors for me, there is no question about that! While at Royal Holloway I collaborated with an MA Playwriting student, and we created three shows together. He remains a good friend more than 10 years later. What I learned doing the MA, and the rigor at Royal Holloway, have helped me become more articulate about my artistic practice.'
I came to study the MA as a mature student, with already 30 years of professional experience in dance and the performing arts. Getting my MA enabled me to work in higher education institutions across UK. Since graduating, I have taught at London Contemporary Dance School, London Studio Centre, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, and Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance - some of the top institutions in the UK. I am currently the Course Leader for the MA in Choreography at Central School of Ballet.'
Read Susan's full story here
The supported way
Prameet
MSc Informational Security
'The support from lecturers and staff went beyond academics - they helped me secure my Year in Industry, prepared me for interviews, and checked in with me even after I started my job.'
Read Prameet's full story here
Lilia
MA Creative Writing
‘To any potential international students, I would say that I found the most welcoming home at Royal Holloway that I could have ever asked for. I was always supported in my personal life and in my academics. I also felt perfectly placed, with London and its opportunities at my doorstep, and a close-knit community to belong to and fall back on.’
‘I loved that Royal Holloway gave me the support, space, and time I needed to learn more than what was on my course, and end up in exactly the right place because of it.’
Read Lilia's full story here
Sunika
MSc Clinical Psychology
'Some of my happiest moments were spent studying in the library, laughing with friends on the sprawling lawns, or simply admiring the stunning views of the building against the changing seasons. The iconic Founder’s Building left me in awe every single day! Most importantly, I met some of my closest friends here, making Royal Holloway not just a university, but a place where I created lifelong memories. It was truly one of the most magical chapters of my life.'
Read Sunika's full story here
The transformative way
Anishka
MA International Media Management
'I’ve changed a lot. A year ago, I was shy and hesitant to talk to strangers. Now I’m confident and open. I say yes to opportunities and push myself beyond my comfort zone. My personality, habits, and mindset have all evolved and I know that when I go back to my home country, I'll be a very different, more independent person.'
Read Anishka's full story here
Izabela
MSc Media, Power and Public Affairs
'At Royal Holloway I was able to explore many courses, learn from others, gain practical experience but most of all, gain lifelong friendships. My critical thinking and curiosity for learning has grown. This has widened my understanding of the world and fostered an environment in which I became my own person.'
Read Izabela's full story here
Roshni
MSc Clinical Psychology
'The course taught me many clinical frameworks and professional research skills that I still use today. The professors encouraged me to develop a critical lens, and the structure of the program instilled a strong sense of rigour. However, more than the course itself, it was the open and empathetic environment that helped me develop many of the soft skills essential to being a psychologist. I made lifelong friends from around the world, and the exposure to such diversity played a significant role in shaping who I am today.'
Read Roshni's full story here
