Since graduating from Bath in 2021, Daniel has built a varied career spanning international development, communications and the heritage sector. Alongside his professional work, he has remained closely connected to Bath as a volunteer.
He recently hosted a Careers Conversation for current students, sharing the lessons he's picked up along the way. If you'd like to support current students, email advancement@bath.ac.uk.
Why did you choose to study at Bath?
Beyond the modules offered on my MSc International Development course, the opportunity to complete a summer placement really stood out. I'd only recently finished writing a dissertation for my undergraduate degree, so gaining practical work experience instead of writing another thesis was a huge draw.
It proved to be the right decision. My placement with the University's Institute for Policy Research (IPR) as a Research Assistant gave me valuable experience and skills that helped me secure my first full-time role after graduating in 2021.
Did you have a particular career in mind when you chose your course?
Yes. I'd developed a long-standing interest in international development through my parents' work in the sector, as well as my own reading and research. Studying at Bath felt like the natural next step and ultimately led me to my first full-time role with Oxfam GB.
Can you tell us about your experience of studying here? Any favourite memories?
I'll always have a soft spot for Bath. Although I studied during the pandemic and missed out on some of
the usual student experience, I still made the most of my time, enjoying walks around the city and making plenty of memories with my course mates.
As Academic Representative, I organised virtual events throughout the year to help keep our cohort connected, and I'm proud of the community we built despite the circumstances.
Describe your career journey since graduating.
Soon after graduating, I moved to London and began building my career through a mixture of internships and communications roles. After an internship spanning ESG, Public Affairs and Corporate Reputation, I joined Oxfam GB as a Supporter Relations Executive, where I delivered multi-channel communications, supported campaigns and worked with colleagues across the organisation.
Alongside my career, I've remained committed to volunteering, including supporting the British Heart Foundation, my church and, since 2023, the University of Bath through a range of student engagement activities.
What do you enjoy most about your career?
The variety. I've had the opportunity to work across communications, fundraising and public engagement, and every role has taught me something new. Volunteering has also remained a constant and continues to give me a real sense of purpose.
Has anything surprised you along the way?
How much more competitive the job market has become. It can be challenging, but it's important not to lose heart. Every opportunity, whether it's volunteering, an internship or learning a new skill, helps you grow professionally and brings you one step closer to where you want to be.
How did your studies help you to develop?
My studies gave me a strong foundation in international development, but they also encouraged me to think critically about power, representation and the impact we can have through our work. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my career.
What are your career highlights so far?
Leading an ethical storytelling project at Oxfam is one of my proudest achievements. It reminded me that you don't need a senior job title to make a meaningful difference.
Tell us more about the project with Oxfam.
Early in my role, I reviewed our team's communications and realised that some of our 'Impact per Pound' messaging unintentionally reinforced stereotypes by focusing on communities' needs rather than their strengths and agency.
Drawing on what I'd learned at Bath about power and representation in international development, I presented a proposal to senior management to change this approach. Once approved, I led a review of Supporter Relations communications.
Working closely with Oxfam's Head of Brand, I helped update communications guidance and replaced the old metrics with community-led stories that reflected people more authentically and respectfully. I also developed new internal guidance and training, helping colleagues across multiple teams adopt more ethical storytelling practices.
Although my project concluded when my contract ended, it was later followed by an organisation-wide communications refresh that built on many of the same principles.
Can you tell us about your experience delivering a Careers Conversation for the Black Students' Network?
It was a real privilege to be the first speaker in the Careers Conversation series. Having lived and worked in environments where people of colour have often been underrepresented, I know how valuable it is to see someone with a similar background sharing their journey. Representation matters, and I wanted to be open about both the opportunities and the challenges I've experienced, while encouraging students to pursue their own ambitions with confidence. It was a pleasure to get involved.
Why do you choose to give back to Bath as a volunteer?
Volunteering has been an important part of my life since graduating, whether through charity work, my church or supporting the University.
Having benefited from mentors myself, I know how valuable it is to hear from someone who's already navigated the challenges you're facing. While online resources are useful, there's something uniquely reassuring about having an honest conversation with someone who's been there before.
If sharing my experiences helps even one student feel more confident about their own journey, then it's time well spent. Seeing students grow in confidence and realise what's possible for them is one of the most rewarding parts of volunteering with Bath.
What advice would you give to prospective students thinking about studying your course at Bath?
I couldn't recommend it highly enough. The course, placement opportunities, lecturers, Careers team and sense of community all played a huge role in shaping my experience. Looking back, choosing Bath was one of the best decisions I made.
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