Alumni

Shahida Khatun

Career Path: Resourcing Account Manager, Department for Work and Pensions
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

From early in my working life, I knew I wanted to build a career that centred around supporting people, improving workplaces, and helping organisations get the best out of their teams. That interest naturally led me toward roles that combined people development, organisational capability, and service to the public. My career path eventually guided me into the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), where I found a strong match between my motivations and the department’s mission. Working within HR, I’ve been able to contribute to the development, wellbeing, and performance of colleagues who deliver essential services to millions across the UK.

What are you doing now?

In my current role within the HR function, I work closely with colleagues across the department to help shape a positive employee experience and ensure that teams have the support, skills, and structures they need to succeed. I also collaborate with leaders on initiatives that strengthen capability, enable continuous improvement, and support DWP’s wider strategic priorities.

Across my career so far, I aimed to combine a commitment to public service with a genuine interest in people, learning, and organisational growth. This path has allowed me to develop expertise in relationship-building, problem‑solving, and supporting colleagues through change all of which continue to shape the professional I am today.

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

I chose to study at Northumbria University because it offered the perfect balance of academic reputation, practical learning, and a supportive environment that matched the kind of career I wanted to build. I have always been drawn to universities that combine strong professional pathways with an inclusive, forward‑thinking culture, and Northumbria stood out straight away.

What particularly appealed to me was the university's emphasis on career‑focused learning and the way its courses are designed with real‑world application in mind. I wanted an education that would genuinely prepare me for the workplace not just academically, but in terms of confidence, communication, and practical skills and Northumbria had a clear track record of doing exactly that.

The university's ethos also resonated with me. Northumbria has a reputation for being inclusive, supportive and ambitious, and that aligned strongly with my own values. I wanted to study somewhere that encouraged growth, celebrated diversity, and created opportunities for people from all backgrounds to succeed.

Finally, the campus environment and the feel of the university played a big part in my decision. Northumbria had the right blend of professionalism and community the kind of place where I felt I'd be supported, challenged, and able to thrive.

Altogether, it felt like a place where I could develop both personally and professionally, and that's ultimately what made Northumbria the right choice for me.

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

Studying at Northumbria University was a genuinely positive and enriching experience. The teaching style was a well‑balanced mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, and team projects, which meant that learning never felt one‑dimensional. Lectures provided the core academic foundations, while smaller seminars encouraged discussion, debate, and the opportunity to develop ideas in a more interactive environment.

One of the things I appreciated most was the emphasis on collaborative learning. Group projects were a regular feature, and although they could be challenging at times, they played a big part in building confidence, communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with different people; all of which have been invaluable in my career in HR.

The feedback culture at Northumbria was also really constructive. Tutors were approachable, supportive, and clear about how to improve. Feedback wasn’t just about marking work; it was about helping you understand how to develop academically and professionally. That supportive but stretching environment really helped me grow and prepared me well for the workplace.

Overall, studying at Northumbria felt structured yet flexible, challenging yet supportive... the kind of environment where you’re encouraged to aim high but given the tools to get there. It was a place where I built confidence, developed practical skills, and gained experiences that continue to influence my work today.

How connected was your course with industry?

One of the things that stood out about studying at Northumbria University was how strongly the course was connected to industry. The teaching didn't just focus on theory it consistently linked learning to real‑world practice, which made the experience feel relevant and career‑focused.

Throughout the course, there were opportunities to work on practical projects that reflected real workplace challenges. These projects helped build confidence and gave a clear sense of how the skills we were developing would be used professionally. Collaboration and problem‑solving were a big part of the learning model, and that approach transitioned naturally into the kind of work I do now in HR.

There were also guest lectures and sessions led by industry professionals, which added an extra layer of insight. Hearing directly from people working in the field helped connect the academic content to current industry trends and expectations. It made the learning environment more dynamic and helped broaden my understanding of the types of roles and pathways available after graduating.

Although placements vary by course and are incredibly competitive, Northumbria places a strong emphasis on work‑ready skills, meaning even students without formal placements gained valuable exposure to professional expectations through applied assignments, employer‑informed curriculum design, and opportunities to engage with external organisations.

Overall, the course felt well‑connected to industry because the learning experience consistently mirrored the realities of modern workplaces something that proved incredibly beneficial in transitioning into my career.

What was the best thing about your course?

The best thing about my course at Northumbria University was the balance it struck between strong academic learning and practical, real‑world development. The course didn't just teach concepts it helped me build confidence, apply ideas in meaningful ways, and understand how the skills I was developing would translate into a professional environment.

I particularly valued the interactive and applied style of learning. Whether through group projects, seminars, workshops, or problem‑solving activities, the course encouraged active participation rather than simply absorbing information. It made the experience engaging and allowed me to grow in areas like communication, teamwork, and critical thinking all of which continue to shape the way I work today.

Another highlight was the supportive teaching environment. Lecturers were approachable and genuinely invested in helping students succeed. The constructive feedback they provided made a real difference, helping me improve academically while boosting my confidence and sense of direction.

Overall, the best part of the course was how it helped me develop both professionally and personally. It gave me the knowledge, confidence, and skillset I needed to move into the career I have now, and it created the foundation for how I approach learning, people, and challenges in the workplace.

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals / give your career an edge?

Studying at Northumbria University played a significant role in shaping my career and giving me a real edge when I entered the workplace. One of the biggest advantages was the university's strong focus on practical, career‑ready skills. The combination of theory, applied learning, and collaborative projects meant I didn't just leave with academic knowledge... I left with the confidence and capabilities to use it effectively in a professional environment.

The emphasis on independent thinking, problem‑solving, and teamwork helped me develop the kinds of core behaviours that are essential in roles centred around people, development, and organisational capability. These experiences directly supported my transition into a career within HR at the Department for Work and Pensions, where strong interpersonal skills, critical thinking, and the ability to work through complex challenges are vital.

Northumbria also provided a supportive environment where feedback was constructive and personalised. That helped me understand my strengths, identify areas for growth, and build the self‑awareness that has been invaluable throughout my career. It meant that by the time I graduated, I felt prepared not just academically, but emotionally and professionally for the realities of workplace expectations.

Overall, studying at Northumbria helped me develop a blend of professional confidence, practical skills, and personal resilience all of which have given me a clear advantage in my career and continue to influence the way I work today.

Which skills/knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most now/throughout your career?

The skills I use most in my career now are the strong communication, problem‑solving, and teamwork abilities I developed through Northumbria's mix of interactive seminars and collaborative project work, along with the emphasis on critical thinking and practical application of theory. These experiences helped me learn how to analyse situations, work effectively with others, and communicate clearly all essential in my role today.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Northumbria University?

What I enjoyed most about my time at Northumbria University was the strong sense of community and support that shaped the whole experience. The mix of engaging teaching, collaborative learning, and a welcoming campus environment made it a place where I felt encouraged to grow, both personally and academically. It was a positive, inspiring atmosphere that helped me build confidence, form meaningful connections, and enjoy my studies from start to finish.

What advice would you give somebody who is thinking of studying at Northumbria?

If you're considering studying at Northumbria, my advice would be to embrace the opportunities it offers; the mix of supportive teaching, practical learning, and a genuinely welcoming environment makes it a great place to grow both academically and personally. Be open to getting involved, ask questions, and make the most of the resources and people around you, because the more you put into your experience, the more you'll gain in confidence, skills, and direction for your future career.