Meet the team

Head of Careers: Claire Aydoğan

Joining us in April 2019, Claire came to the University of Huddersfield after 5 years as the Head of Careers at Leeds Beckett University. She brings a wealth of experience from a background of career coaching and career development.

Claire lists her areas of expertise as:

• Excellent track record of delivering results for both individuals and public, private and 3rd sector organisations
• Designing and delivering training seminars on a wide range of topics from management development programmes, leadership training, sales and customer service
• Highly successful in helping organisations through career transition delivering a fully managed outplacement
• Transforming non-performing services, empowering change to drive results across teams with impact at a strategic level
• Successful career coach who has positively talent managed a number of individuals at all career levels with impacting behavioural changes post coaching

Alongside running our Careers Service Claire also runs her own hypnotherapy company helping people overcome some problems they come to her with- such as weight loss, quitting smoking and hypnobirthing. 

Deputy Head of Careers: Dave Stanbury

I joined in July 2019 from the University of Stirling in Scotland by way of Essex prior to that. I bring a lot of strategic thinking and planning to the role.

My areas of expertise are:

• Wealth of pedagogic experience, expertise and knowledge of working on sector/institution-wide employability projects in the UK and beyond.
• Extensive knowledge of the operational works of Careers support in universities with experience as a Careers Adviser, Project Officer and Head of Service.
• Currently undertaking research into using Positive Psychology to increase happiness and improve employability outcomes.
• Training and coaching, promoting personal development and team effectiveness. 

Careers consultant: Jo Timmins

Hi I’m Jo Timmins, Careers Consultant linked with the Huddersfield Business School.  

My advice to students are as follows:

• be proactive whilst you are at University.
• get involved in new opportunities and push yourself out of your comfort zone – become an academic rep or offer to be the presenter in group work sessions.
• take the time to explore your career options - attend employer events, use our online resources to do your research, also gain some experience to find out what you like/don't like in different situations and environments.
• and don’t forget – preparation and practise is key when applying for jobs, attending interviews and tackling psychometric tests.

Careers Consultant: Katie St Quinton

Hi, I’m Katie and I’m a Careers Consultant linked to Applied Sciences and Human and Health Sciences. I work within the central Careers Centre (found in Student Central), so you may see me in appointments, workshops and sessions.

The best advice I was ever given was:

• to “get involved”

So that’s the advice I’d give to you. “Get involved”, no matter your course, interests or hobbies. Whether it’s a society, part-time job or new activity try something new and give your best.

Careers Consultant: Abi Blower

Hi, I’m Abi and I’m a Careers Consultant linked to the School of Computing and Engineering and the School of Education and Professional Development. I run guidance appointments and deliver careers education and decision making sessions to students at all stages in my Schools across the academic year.

I am also responsible for working on our disability remit, working collaboratively with teams across the University to close the gap in career outcomes for our disabled students and graduates.

My biggest piece of advice is:

• start thinking about what you have on your CV to make you stand out as soon as you start at University.
• Join societies
• get a part time job
• volunteer
• do summer internships. Basically, get involved with things outside of just your course!

Anything you can do to enhance your CV and give you plenty of experiences to talk about in applications and interviews. Even if you haven’t started early on in your University journey, it is never too late to start getting those experiences and enhancing your CV.

Alumni Engagement Career Consultant: Chris Webb

Hello! I'm Chris Webb and I am the Alumni Engagement Career Consultant within the Careers and Employability Service. I help our graduates to stay connected with the university and our Careers Support for Life offer, as well as providing 1:1 careers guidance appointments myself.

My advice to any students or graduates would be:

• Stay connected - You and the individuals you study or graduate with today are going to be the professionals, leaders and trailblazers within your career, so keeping connected with your peers can be a massive benefit in your professional life! Also, don't forget to utilise the experience of Huddersfield graduates who have come before you by using tools like the Alumni Finder on LinkedIn.
• Talk to us - The careers support we offer at the University of Huddersfield is much more than just helping individuals find a job; we support people who are wanting to develop new skills, considering career moves, weighing up important career decisions and much more, so don't hesitate to come and speak with us if you feel you might benefit from support with your career.
• The first step isn't the final step - It can often feel like there is a lot of pressure to know what you want to do after finishing your studies but very few people genuinely plan their careers. Consider how you can experiment and test out different options while you are completing your degree (for example, through work experience, placements or extra-curricular activities) but don't worry if you haven't got it all figured out by the time you graduate, as you can access our careers support for life!

Oh, and don't forget to enjoy yourself along the way!