Nicolas Weir, International and HE Partnerships Director

Describe your role

As Head of International Sales and Delivery, I'm responsible for looking after our international area managers. I also devise our strategy for how we can grow the international arm of the business, and how we can best look after our current network of partner schools to make sure they use our platform effectively.

On top of this, I'm the Area Manager for Switzerland, so am personally responsible for growing our number of partner schools there, and maintaining great relationships with the schools we work with there already!

What’s at the top of your bucket list?

I love snorkelling, snowboarding, fishing and climbing - any 'outdoor' sport really! Last summer I went to the Alps and climbed the Zinalrothorn, from where you get to see lots of other peaks in the Alps. One of them was Dent Blanche, or ‘White Tooth’, which is just over 4,000m high - it’d be great to climb that next summer.

What motivates you at Unifrog?
 
I’d say there are three main things: firstly, I love building great relationships with counselors and teachers at schools around the world; secondly, it’s great to provide students with access to a fabulous tool that I would have found immensely helpful myself when I was a student; finally, I love working with a brilliant team of people and doing my bit to help the company grow!

What’s your favourite memory of being on the road for Unifrog?

Greg and I recently went to a conference in Bangkok and on our way to the venue we were fortunate enough to be able to take a Hello Kitty tuk tuk through the streets. We saw some great views of the city and I won’t forget that journey easily!

Aishah Nahar, Content Creator

What motivates you to work at Unifrog?

I am motivated by empowering students to make well-informed decisions about their future, regardless of their background. I think there’s a lot to be said for the power of young minds. Working at Unifrog gives me the opportunity to support the growth of independence and resilience of young people across the world. As a bonus, the team and company culture also drives me to be the best Unifrogger I can be. It’s a truly wonderful and inspiring environment to work and grow in! 

What's your favourite Unifrog tool?

My favourite has to be the Know-how library, of course! I have a child-like curiosity about things which I’ve never really outgrown. So while I am a Know-how library content creator, I often find myself lost in the wide array of existing guides. This same energy is what helps me get into research rabbit holes for any new content I create. The other great part about the Know-how library is that we listen to what students want and produce it. So if you have any suggestions, you can always get in touch with the Content team and we’ll see what we can do!

If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose and why?

Although she is very much alive, it would have to be the iconic Kimberlé Crenshaw. She’s a prominent scholar of critical race theory and a civil rights activist. Crenshaw coined the term ‘Intersectionality’ in 1989 to refer to the specific challenges or discrimination people may experience as a result of their intersecting identity markers. She transformed my understanding of feminism in a way that influences everything I’ve done since. I would love to meet her for a game of crazy golf (and some light discussion on the evolution of third wave feminism and how online campaigns have become a vehicle for global change). I feel like she would be a great mentor and I could learn a lot from her about female leadership. 

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Firstly, you don’t have to have it all figured out. Secondly, surround yourself with people, places, and activities that help you be your best self. And finally, trust your gut instincts more. The older you get, the more you realise that the best thing about life is being in good company (including your own), making mistakes (and learning from them), and self-actualising (we love a growth mindset). So, Yung Aish, stop being a perfectionist, locate your chill, and be kind to yourself! 

Alyssa El-Shamma, International New Partnerships Lead

What made you want to work at Unifrog?

Before Unifrog I was a tutor, and my students came from many different schools around the area. I was surprised to notice a lot more excitement and optimism in the students whose schools used Unifrog. I would sometimes catch them chatting about their aspirations and laughing about their ‘personality frogs’. So, I made the (brilliant) decision to join Unifrog so that I can spend my days reaching out to schools across the world, and growing the Unifrog community on a global scale!

How has your background in tutoring helped you in this role?

There are many ways my background in tutoring has helped me in this role. I think most importantly, it gave me perspective. I know how difficult it is to instil confidence in young minds, and I also know how overwhelming the world can seem after school. Unifrog helps both educators and students in countless ways, and this fuels my determination to find new partner schools around the world.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Without a doubt, my meal of choice would have to be Pad Thai. I love that Thai dish so much that I ate it nearly every day for three months without getting tired of it. I have even forced myself to get used to spicy food just so I can handle the red chilli on top - sad I know, but it has to be authentic!

What's your karaoke song?

If anyone with super cool music taste is reading this, then my karaoke song is definitely ‘House of the Rising Sun’ or something like that (but truthfully, I’d never say no to ABBA or High School Musical).

Andy McMullan, Employer Partnerships Manager

What made you want to work for Unifrog?

This might sound a little clichéd, but I really believe in Unifrog's mission. Having worked in HE for the best part of nine years, I've seen first-hand the advantages more privileged students have when they arrive at university, with a strong professional network through family and friends, and the benefit of some form of careers guidance early on. Those who haven't had the same level of support are playing catch up from day one. I wanted to join Unifrog to be a part of changing that narrative and supporting students earlier in life.

From a personal perspective, I wish I'd had access to something like Unifrog when I was at school. There was no career guidance or talk of other options, such as apprenticeships. I was someone who went to university because I didn't know what else to do and my school only supported this destination - although I think things worked out well in the end.

How has your background in relationship management and higher education helped you in this role?

My professional background has given me the knowledge and experience to work with employers from a variety of different sectors, and the skills to help them engage effectively with their target audience.

Prior to joining Unifrog I'd worked in the careers offices at The London School of Economics and the University of Essex, as well as in the Faculty of Business & Law at Anglia Ruskin University. During my time in HE, I have predominantly worked in an Employer Engagement capacity. I've been building relationships and partnerships with graduate employers to promote their opportunities; helping them develop and deliver skills and insights seminars; and supporting their strategic objectives regarding equality, diversity and inclusion. I have worked with many different organisations, from large multinationals to local SMEs, and I have learnt to develop solutions to their recruitment challenges. This experience I can now apply to Unifrog's employer partners, but with a focus on school/college students.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you want with you and why?

My survival skills are fairly non-existent, therefore I think my items would all be about trying to enjoy my time on the island. With that in mind, I would like to take some sort of board, maybe a paddle board or surfboard, because even if I can't escape the island I can at least enjoy being in the water. I'd bring snorkelling gear so I can see all the amazing sea life, and maybe get lucky catching some fish. Lastly I think I'd bring some rum, to enjoy while watching the sunset on the water, and so I can pretend I'm a pirate cast ashore by his mutinous crew. 

What's your coffee order?

If I can start the day with a flat white, I'm smiling. But I'm not really too precious about what type of coffee I drink, as long as it's strong.

Caroline Collins, Employer Partnerships Manager

Describe your role at Unifrog

As an Employer Partnerships Manager, I reach out to both national and international employers showcasing the Unifrog platform and helping them to raise their brand awareness with young people from a diverse range of backgrounds. I plan different opportunities in which students can engage with employers, such as webinars, and help collect information from our employer partners to populate the Know-how library, our Special opportunities tool and our Apprenticeship tool. It’s a very exciting time to start this role as it’s a brand new part of Unifrog, so I’m looking forward to seeing how this area develops and the employer partnerships we create!

How has your background in social enterprise and higher education helped you in this role?

Before starting at Unifrog, I worked as a Partnership and Engagement Manager at Enactus UK, a youth social enterprise charity which works with university students. My role involved building and delivering partnership plans to ensure that the corporate sponsors achieved return on investment. This role involved exciting opportunities such as working with Amazon’s Black Employee Network to build 1:1 mentoring opportunities, creating virtual work experience weeks with Schroders, building grant funding opportunities with SAP and Sodexo, and helping to change Unilever’s graduate recruitment processes based on Enactus student feedback. I’ve also had the opportunity to work with the Careers and Employment Service at the University of Derby.

Both experiences have built my awareness of employability skills, which are vital for the world of work, and what activities I can create with partner employers to help young people build these. I’m excited to bring my experience to Unifrog and continue to support young people to make the best decision about their future.

If you could meet any celebrity, who would you choose and why?

It would definitely be Helen Bonham Carter! With all of the incredible films she has been in like Harry Potter, the King’s Speech and the Netflix series the Crown, she’s bound to have some brilliant stories to tell!

What's the one film you think everyone should see?

I'd recommend watching Monuments Men. It's an absolutely incredible film with George Clooney, John Goodman and Bill Murray to name a few. It's about seven museum directors, curators, and art historians from the Allied Forces coming together in an effort to protect, recover, and return priceless artefacts damaged or looted by the German army in World War II and is based on a true story. Make sure you add it to your must-see list!
 

Catarina Rodrigues, Assistant Producer/Director

Describe your role at Unifrog

As an Assistant Producer/Director, I’m responsible for producing, filming and editing video content for the Careers, Subjects, and Know-how libraries alongside our talented content team!

What gets you out of bed in the morning to go to work?

My favourite part of the day is my morning walk to the office, where I mentally go over the list of things I have to do. I appreciate the tall buildings reflecting the sunrise light, and the faces that greet me at the office with a huge smile. A new day begins! 

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Growing up in a big family meant having lots of kids around that I could convince to participate in my amateur short films - from remakes of High School Musical to mobster stories. 

My dream has always been to direct films and I’m incredibly grateful that I get to live my dream whilst helping people achieve theirs. 

Would you rather be able to teleport or time travel? Why?

This is an easy one to answer - definitely teleport! You don’t mess with time travelling, unless you’re Hermione of course. I would love to be able to visit my family and friends around the world at the bat of an eye!

Charlotte Constable, Content Creator and Project Manager

What made you want to work for Unifrog?

When I first came across Unifrog, the platform sounded so exciting - and it has exceeded my expectations! The wealth of resources on there is endlessly impressive and would have been so useful when I was at school. I also love writing and video editing, so the role of Content Creator and Project Manager sounded perfect for me. Plus, I admired the warmth and supportiveness of the team and its ethos.

What’s your favourite thing about your role?

I really enjoy creating content for the Know-how libraries. I have a vested interest in mental health and am pursuing counselling training outside of my role, so to write resources which could support young people feels really rewarding.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I am obsessed with food, so this is tricky! I love a chicken pasanda, but I'd have to go for a good old roast dinner. Maybe I could mix the trimmings up a bit from day to day - more stuffing one day, more potatoes the next... and always the option of a dessert (brownie with ice cream, preferably).

If you could meet any celebrity, who would you choose? 

I'd love to meet Miriam Margolyes. But they say you shouldn't meet your heroes.
 

Clara Page, Partner Success Lead

What gets you out of bed in the morning to go to work?

I'd say the thing that motivates me to leave my nice cosy bed in the morning is the fact that I enjoy helping people with any issues or queries they may have, as I like to think of myself as a good problem solver. Also, in the mornings when I come to the office, it's a real treat to see an amazing sunrise on my way to work as well as picking up a nice coffee en-route. 

What does an average day as a Partner Success Lead look like?

An average day as a Partner Success Lead involves helping teachers and students out with any questions they may have or problems they are experiencing with the platform, either over the phone or via email. We also help onboard new schools through the onboarding process, introducing them to key areas of the platform to get them started on their journey with Unifrog. 

Where is the best place you've ever travelled to? Why is it the best?

I think this is a really tough question. Still, if I had to decide, I'd say Mexico has been the best country I've ever visited as the people are just the friendliest, the scenery is incredible, and the tacos are just amazing! Although my favourite city has got to be St Petersburg, as I visited it when it was snowing, the whole city looked magical, and the Hermitage is one of the best museums I have ever visited. 

What's the one film you think everyone should see?

Again, another impossible question! This is so hard as I would say my film taste is very broad. I like classics such as Viridiana and Rebecca but then also anything with Will Ferrell in, so make of that what you will. I also have a weird obsession with The 'Burbs from the 80s, which is just Tom Hanks and Carrie Fisher at their best. 

Coralie Colmez, Director and co-founder

Describe your role

I'm one of Unifrog's founders, so over the years my role has included pretty much everything from Sales to Data analysis to HR. These days, I get to spend all my time on what I like the most, which is developing the platform. 

We look at ideas from wherever they come, including teachers and students at our partner schools and everyone in the team, and decide which ones we want to go forward with. I then work with Alex (the co-founder) and our lead programmer Stu to make them happen! I focus mostly on our products that involve using data, whether that's information from outside sources like UCAS or job market predictions, or usage stats from the platform. 

How do you make sure you keep in touch with the rest of the team when you’re working remotely?

The person I talk to most is Alex, and I live with him so that hasn't been too challenging! Otherwise, day-to-day I work with a small team that are in charge of the data we use on the platform. Most of what we do is cleanly separated into different projects, so we can keep track of almost everything by email, and an occasional Zoom call. For things that involve more of the team, we started using Slack and it's great, both for smaller work questions and just to keep in touch. 

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Always ask yourself what it is that you really want, and then do that instead of doing what the world expects of you. And remember that the decisions you make are very rarely permanent, and you can change your mind and your life at any point.

What book do you always recommend to other people?

I love reading, so this could be a long list, but one of my favourites is Station Eleven by Emily St John Mandel, which is about… a pandemic - so recently, people have been a lot less enthusiastic when I recommend it to them! Her writing gives the book an addictive other-worldly feeling, and it has a very lovely message about the importance of art. 

What does your ideal weekend look like?

Sleeping in indecently late, sun all weekend, a good party, and the perfect level of hangover.

Dave Nicholson, Account manager

What made you want to work at Unifrog?

As one of a relatively small number of students at my secondary school who went onto university, I've always felt very aware that the platform needs levelling in terms of students being able to access resources to inspire their decisions for their future. When I became aware of Unifrog and what it offered, I felt slightly jealous I didn't have access to it myself at school age! I was very excited at the prospect of working with schools to offer the platform to their students and supporting them in doing that.

Describe your role at Unifrog

In general terms, I am responsible for trying to make sure that all our Partner Schools in Warwickshire and Oxfordshire (and slightly further afield!) can get the most out of Unifrog.

This means speaking to schools new to the system and helping them use the system to make their lives easier than before they started using Unifrog, and also working with longer term partners to ensure that they are maximising what Unifrog can offer them. This could be new features, an area of the platform they would like to use to support their Careers aims going forwards or simply refreshing them on something they might have already seen.

If you could be any superhero, who would you be?

I think I'd be Spiderman. Sometimes people get down on lil' Spidey because he can't do much apart from shoot webs and react quickly, but I'm a goalkeeper in football. so those reactions would definitely lead to me playing in goal for England. I think the web thing would be very useful for when I'm feeling lazy and want to grab something across the room. Being someone like Superman would be far too much pressure as well.

What's your favourite thing to do outside work?

I'm a big sports fan but I wouldn't honestly say I enjoy following York City FC these days. I love playing cricket on a warm summer day and having a few drinks afterwards. I am also a fan of quizzes - I do a lot of pub quizzes and am part of a quiz league - so I'm reasonably likely to be able to pluck some obscure knowledge out at any given moment. A weak claim to fame is that a clip of me went slightly viral when I appeared on Pointless on the BBC, and not for embarrassing reasons, fortunately.

Emily Nash, Head of Teacher Content

How did you find starting a new job while working remotely?

Having not met many people over lockdown, it’s been really lovely getting to know the Unifrog team over Zoom! Everyone is so keen to help out and answer questions, so that helps to break down the barriers that you might imagine you’ll have when you start a new job whilst working remotely.

I miss having a separate home and work space. I’m fantasising about going into the office - which I did not ever imagine saying before lockdown! It’ll be nice to go for work drinks and coffees again with the team.

What part of your job do you find most challenging? 

I’m the writer and editor of Unifrog’s Resources library. The challenge I tackle and enjoy most often is working out what students need when they learn a new topic and how they can best digest this knowledge. I try to think back to the lessons I found most engaging when I was at school. Being given the tools to learn more about myself as a student and explore future options was the most interesting and exciting thing to learn, so I try to bring this to the resources I create.

Besides this, one challenge is choosing a playlist to listen to when I work so that I don't get carried away with singing along!

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you want with you and why?

First, I would want a hot shower because there is no greater luxury than relaxing under the hot water. I want to be clean on the island, you know! Secondly, I would want a lifetime supply of soy sauce for all the fish I’ll be catching and frying. It’s the best sauce anyway. And finally, sunglasses. Regardless of island leisurewear, I want to look cool when I'm finally rescued!

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I feel like I'm cheating on London by saying this, but it would be Tokyo - specifically the Meguro river. There are coffee shops, and galleries, and the most beautiful cherry blossoms. I love living in a big city and I loved getting lost in Tokyo when I visited. It’s a very calm place, which I was surprised by because it’s so hectic. I’ve been taking Japanese lessons for the last couple of years, so maybe one day I’ll actually make the move! 

Would you rather be able to teleport or time travel? Why?

Definitely teleport: there are so many reasons! Mostly, because judging by Dr Who and the movies, time travel rules are scary when you break them! I also want to explore the world - there are so many beautiful places to visit and amazing people to meet in its current form. I also think going back to the past would be lonely - our current time is so different and so technology focused, there’d be no one to really relate to in the past. Plus, teleporting has lower carbon emissions, so it’s a win-win!

Greg Brown, HE Partnerships Manager

What does a good work day look like to you?

The great thing about working at Unifrog is that every day is different. As an International Area Manager I’m often travelling, so when not on the road I really enjoy working from home in the peace and quiet. Plus, I always get to choose the office music! A good day will involve Skype meetings with Unifrog partners and a big part of the role is having a flexible schedule. I can be speaking with people in Kazakhstan in the morning and the Cayman Islands in the evening.

If I’m travelling for work and out in different countries, a successful day is always measured by the positive reactions from students and staff when you present Unifrog at their school. It’s great walking around after the session and hearing the murmurs of excitement.

What’s the most exciting thing that’s happened to you whilst travelling for work?

A couple of years ago I was in Singapore visiting some Unifrog schools and I decided to take a trip to the ‘Treetop Walk’ in MacRitchie Park. I knew there were lots of macaque monkeys around but I didn’t bet on just how aggressive they could be. As I was crossing the bridge I saw them sizing me up but decided to take a selfie on the bridge anyway. Just as I was looking at the screen, I could see a big macaque monkey charging at me from behind! It jumped on to my shoulders, reached into my bag and tried to grab my stuff. Thankfully I’d seen it coming so turned around quickly and fought him off. He was obviously after the Unifrog booklets in my bag…even the monkeys are keen!

Where are you living at the moment?

A few years ago I moved to Copenhagen from London. I love living here and because Copenhagen is a lot smaller (and quieter) than London, it means you’re never too far from the beach or forests as well as the city centre. The best thing is the freedom to cycle around the city. Danes are obsessed with cycling, and there is even a word - ‘Copenhagenize’ - which describes making a city better for getting around by bike. The food is also amazing and although I’m not that into seafood (which is a big deal here) there are plenty of delicious pastry shops and ice cream stands to keep me happy. If you need an excuse to visit, just google ‘Nyhavn Sunset’.

You grew up in Northern Ireland - what are your favourite things about it?

Northern Ireland has a unique charm to it which is hard to find anywhere else. It’s a small place with a real sense of community. If you meet another person from Northern Ireland elsewhere in the world, then you’ve an instant friend. Despite its small size, it has amazing scenery, from rugged rocky coastlines to sprawling mountains and lakes. The slower pace of life makes it a lovely place to relax when I’m home visiting family and the food always goes down well - an Ulster fry with potato and soda farls, Fifteens and Yellowman honeycomb! 

Helen Clifford, Partner Success Lead

What made you want to work for Unifrog?

I had just finished a PhD and wanted to stay in the education sector, but move more towards outreach and access. I had only just started the job search but when the role with Unifrog came up I was really keen to apply, and it worked out really well! Unifrog’s social mission is really important to me, and I love feeling that I’m a little cog in an organisation that’s making a difference to people every day.

What does an average day as a Partner Success Lead look like?

Busy! We get lots of emails and calls to answer helping our partners to get the most out of Unifrog, as well as solving any tricky technical issues for them.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I can never say no to noodles, so I'd probably choose pad thai! 

What’s your karaoke song?

I’m not a big karaoke person (don’t tell anyone), but I have learned from past experience that Uptown Girl is never a good choice because the chorus always goes on for far longer than you expect and requires some serious breath control!

Jacqui Hogan, Account Manager

What does your role as an Account Manager at Unifrog involve?

It involves visiting lots of schools and colleges and trying to understand how we might best be able to support them in delivering and monitoring their careers guidance.

What do you enjoy most about working with schools in the North of England?

As a Northener, I love working with schools in the north of England. Every day is different and I enjoy getting to know all the students and teachers in my various partner schools. My work involves a lot of driving and I get to drive through some of the UK's most stunning countryside. 

Is working for a social enterprise important to you?

Working for a social enterprise is very important to me. As a child I lived in what was considered to be an underprivileged area and know only too well the challenges that this can pose to young people. The fact that Unifrog aims to help level out the educational playing field, giving students access to information and resources to help them find the best destinations and opportunities for them is a huge incentive for me and make me feel proud to be a part of it.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

It’s a Marcus Aurelius quote: ‘Do not think that what is hard for you to master is humanly impossible; and if it is humanly possible, consider it to be within your reach.’

Jen Carter, Account Manager

What’s your favourite thing about your role?

My favourite thing by far is getting out into schools and colleges and meeting my contacts, to chat through how they can use Unifrog most effectively. No two schools use it in exactly the same way, and everybody has challenges which I love to try and overcome. The platform is so flexible in the way it can be incorporated into the curriculum, and the perpetual tweaks and content launches mean that my meetings are always punctuated with exclamations of “I didn’t know it could do that!”. 

As my contacts will testify, I love a cuppa and a catch up, and I really enjoy building relationships with my schools and colleges so that everyone feels supported and able to come to me with anything they might need, be it platform queries, suggestions for future tweaks, or requests for training.

What’s your favourite anecdote about Unifrog having an impact on a student’s life?

Technically this isn’t one of my wins, but a fantastic colleague of mine went into a school on the day the Canadian University search tool was launched, and on a whim (or was it pure serendipity?) she decided to showcase that tool. For one of the students there that day, it opened their eyes to the world of possibilities, and they subsequently applied and were accepted to study in Canada. Unifrog really does change lives!

What advice would you give to your 17-year-old self?

There are a few clichés that I could come out with here and they’d all be true! 

• Act now, apologise later.
• Don’t stress too much; whatever will happen is going to happen anyway.
• Follow your instincts - they are there for a reason!
• Pretend to be confident until it comes naturally.
• Procrastinate less (having spent far too long thinking about these questions, I’m not sure I’ve learnt this lesson yet!)

What do you get up to when you’re not working? 

I’m married with two teenagers and a dog, so they take up a lot of my time! Alongside working part-time at Unifrog, I’m also studying towards becoming a qualified Psychotherapist, a subject I love and find fascinating. I also volunteer at Cruse Bereavement as a counsellor which is incredibly rewarding. 

My favourite way to relax is taking long walks along the river near where I live with my dog. That or playing cards, board games and video games with my kids.

Jonathan Woolgar, Content Creator and Editor

Describe your role at Unifrog

I’m a content creator and editor, which means I write and update profiles and guides across our Careers, Subjects, and Know-how libraries. This usually involves quite a lot of research - which is great, because I love learning new things! (Whenever I’m researching interesting careers for a new guide, I inevitably envisage myself in the role: ‘Oh wow, I bet I’d make a great cardiologist!’) I also edit and proofread work by other content creators - I’m essentially the grammar police.

How has your background in editing helped you in this role?

I used to work at a publishing company - editing books, liaising with authors, and making sure everything was in order for publication. There was a lot of grammar to be fixed and many sentences to be rewritten, and I needed a keen eye for detail. I think it honed my appreciation for good, concise, informative non-fiction writing - something I strive for in my work at Unifrog!

What's your favourite thing to do outside of work?

I love a good walk in the countryside. Getting out into nature, with birds and butterflies and trees and fields - there’s nothing better. Throw in a picnic and I’m in absolute heaven. I’m a bit of a gamer, so if the weather’s too bad to go out, you can usually find me adventuring across a virtual landscape - although there’s normally more dragons and frost trolls than we get in Suffolk. I'm also a big fan of the theatre.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Choices you make now won’t lock you into one path forever. If something doesn’t work out, who cares? Have another go later, or try something else. See what’s out there. And get a haircut, seriously.

Kai Feltham, Account Manager

What gets you out of bed in the morning to start work?

I’m very much a people person, so the thing that gets me out of bed is the enjoyment I get from bothering other people! I’m not very good in my own company, so whether it’s with a teacher or a colleague, I look forward to that first conversation.

What’s your favourite Unifrog tool, and why?

My favourite would have to be the UK Universities tool. When I was at school, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I applied for a couple of things, and then panicked the month before I was due to start uni and pulled out at the last minute. Then, I went and did my own research to find what I really wanted to do. So I know that if I’d had access to the UK Universities tool when I was at school, it wouldn’t have been as stressful a process.

If you could eat only one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I’m a lover of proper fresh pasta. If money was no object, I’d eat out as much as I possibly could, so I’d choose pasta from an Italian restaurant. I love seafood as well, so I’d probably go for a dish with salmon, prawns or mussels maybe.

What’s your favourite way to spend a day off?

I’m quite a busy person and rarely have a lie-in. So my ideal day off would be getting up around 8 or 9am, having a strong coffee, and probably going for a walk around Gunnersbury Park and doing some dog-spotting. I’d go along to the football in the afternoon - I support Wycombe Wanderers, for my sins - then in the evening, I’d see live music at a venue like Brixton Academy or The Roundhouse. And finally, I’d round it off with a couple of drinks, probably regretting some of my decisions the next morning.

Kathryn Donnelly, Account Manager

What made you want to work at Unifrog?

I was a teacher before this and I loved Unifrog - I thought it was an absolutely brilliant platform. But the main motivation for me is to ‘level the playing field’ for students, giving students who aren’t in privileged positions the opportunities to learn what is available to them. I worked in the north east in a deprived area, so I was able to support those students as a teacher, but now I can help students nationwide by working for Unifrog!

What does an average day as an Account Manager look like?

An average day involves helping lots of teachers via emails and video calls. It’s great because I get to speak to so many people across my region. I’m just about to book my first face-to-face school visit too, which is exciting. 

What book do you always recommend?

I was an English and Film Studies teacher, so I recommend L'Étranger by Albert Camus - it’s amazing - or Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises. Both a bit miserable, I’m afraid.

Build the best ice cream sundae

This is so difficult! My dream sundae would be chocolate-heavy, as I’m a bit of a chocoholic. I think peanut butter ice cream on the bottom, maybe some chocolate sauce… Ben & Jerry’s cookie dough ice cream… then some more chocolate sauce… lots of whipped cream (a must), nuts, and some more chocolate sauce. And maybe some more chocolate ice cream in there.

Kim Anderson, Area Manager

How long have you worked at Unifrog and what have been the biggest changes in that time?

I'm pretty old school at Unifrog, joining the company way back in 2015. I can remember the early days when we only had three tools. Unifrog is constantly developing and improving so there isn't just one big change. I guess the main change is that there’s now too many of us to all fit around one desk at Team Day!

What’s your favourite tool on the Unifrog platform? 

It's like asking which is my favourite child! The UK university tool will always be a stand out winner; it never fails to impress people when they see it for the first time. It also makes me wonder how I made a decision on university back in the day, basing my decision purely on the  pictures in prospectuses. Other than that the Subjects library - in particular the 'Geek Out' section - as it’s jam-packed full of cool stuff. I would definitely have loved it as a student.

What part of your role do you find most challenging? 

Getting hold of teachers! You guys are always so busy that trying to find time to speak to a teacher is like trying to pin down water. 

What’s your favourite film and why? 

Film would be my specialist subject on Mastermind. I'm such a geek - surely no-one can have a favourite? I probably have a favourite in every genre. Growing up with a big brother definitely formed my taste, starting with The Goonies, Rocky and Lethal Weapon (I didn't say it was good taste!). But now being a mum, you don't really get a say, although Moana and The Lego Batman Movie are actually surprisingly good.

Logan Wilcox, Data Analyst

How did you find starting a new job while working remotely?

I had already been working remotely for a while prior to joining Unifrog so it sort of felt like the default. Although, I definitely missed being able to meet people properly, especially since everyone here is super friendly and easy to get on with. 

What's the most surprising thing you've learnt working at Unifrog?

That the thought of work doesn't have to be negative and I can even look forward to it. (I still look forward to finishing and getting out to do something though!)

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you want with you and why?

Magic speakers, a library and Adam Peaty. I'd bring Adam so I can fashion a deckchair out of wood, strap it to his back and ride on out of there once I've read the books and the speakers break.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Other than the obvious investment advice and some well-placed bets - I'd say focus on yourself and not on your surroundings. Invest time and money into yourself as much as possible. Try as many different things as you can and lean into that which you enjoy, without worrying what others may think.

Matthew Jones, Area Manager

Describe your role as an Area Manager at Unifrog

Every day is different and there is no ‘normal’ or ‘repetitive’ week. As I cover north west England, north and mid Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man, I travel quite a bit. One day I can be over in Enniskillen in Northern Ireland, the next in Greater Manchester (take a look at a map of the UK - it’s some distance)!

There’s no normal 9-5. Some days I’m on the road at 5.30am or catching a flight over to Belfast at 6am and not walking back through the front door until gone 9pm later that night! Whilst demanding and often very tiring, it’s also exciting, rewarding and most importantly, doesn’t bore me to death! I enjoy the role as it keeps me on my toes and at the end of every day I feel like I’ve achieved something.

You've lived in Anglesey all your life, tell us your favourite fact or thing about what it's like to live there?

Bar two brief stints elsewhere yes, I’ve lived in Anglesey my whole life! When I was 16, I left Anglesey and joined the British Army as an Electronic Avionics Technician in Harrogate. But it wasn’t what I anticipated and I left after 12 months to go back into education and work towards university.

Anglesey really is such a beautiful place to live and many of the teachers I meet love coming over to Anglesey in the summer! What I most love about it is it’s a great place to bring up my daughter (who’s now two)! It has everything - from my family and friends, beautiful beaches, countryside, the mountains of Snowdonia just round the corner and the cities of Liverpool and Chester within a short commute.

What made you want to work at Unifrog?

So, it’s quite an interesting story. I was at home (set the scene) doing some work when I got a call from a friend (and now colleague Tom) asking if I was interested in speaking with his boss regarding a possible job. Out of interest I accepted and Alex, Unifrog’s co-founder, set up a Skype call to show me what exactly Unifrog was.

At the end of the call, Alex asked me for an answer. In my mind I already knew I was going to say yes but I didn’t want to look overly keen and asked for a few days to consider his offer. The next day, I called Alex to accept and made my way to the old office in Bethnal Green on the Saturday afternoon to start training for the following week - dedication!

Seeing how fantastic Unifrog is for supporting kids to make the right choice, to really broadening their horizons and how they can make their aspirations a reality is what sold the job to me. When I joined the army, I wasn’t aware of half the options available to me. I made a naïve decision at 15 without really considering all my options. So you could say what made me want to work for Unifrog is the fantastic product, Alex and Coralie’s vision and my own experiences from having made uninformed decisions!

What do you do to unwind?

I love spending time with my beautiful daughter Raya and dog Baxter (yes, named after the dog in Anchorman!), whether it’s family days out or just a walk with a pit stop to the park. A simple walk is the best thing ever, with Raya jumping up and down in muddy puddles (all parents will be able to relate). Other than spending time with family, I’ll have the occasional day out with friends watching football - from the lunch time kick-off to the evening kick-off and every match in between!

Mike Prokopiou, Video Lead & Project Manager

What made you want to work at Unifrog?

Unifrog seemed like an exciting place to work (and it is)! Everyone I spoke with before I joined was lovely, seemed excited about working here and was full of ideas. I liked the idea of being a part of a growing company and trying something a bit different to working in sport TV production, which is what I was working on before.

What's your favourite tool on the platform, and why?

For my favourite tool, I'd have to say something video related... the Careers library, because it's introduced me to jobs I had no idea even existed.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

This is a very tough question. My instant answer would be Wanaka in New Zealand as it's so beautiful there. But I'd also love to live in Asia for a year or so, because I love the foods and cultures... so maybe in Tokyo or Seoul. 

What would your perfect weekend look like?

My perfect weekend would be going to Old Trafford to see Manchester United play (viva Ronaldo), followed by dinner with friends. Then I'd have a chilled Sunday drinking coffee.

Natalie Smith, Account Manager

Describe your role

My role as an Account Manager is to support schools in making the most of the Unifrog platform! This includes meeting with teachers and careers staff, running training sessions and putting together Year Plans.

What do you like most about your role?

Definitely meeting with my schools (albeit virtually!). Everyone is always so lovely and a personal highlight is when they come out with 'wow, I didn’t know it could do that!' Unifrog always brings out lots of brand new tools and resources, which is great to be able to share with my schools as I know it will make their lives much easier! The team at Unifrog is also unbeatable. 

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? 

Definitely New Zealand! I went travelling there last year (just before Covid-19 hit) and I just fell in love with the place. The views are incredible and the people are so friendly. It helps that I wouldn’t have to learn a new language too, as that isn’t my strong point! 

What was your favorite subject in school and why? 

I think your favourite subject in school tends to just be determined by your favourite teacher! I did really enjoy Geography though, and ended up studying Physical Geography at University. The field trips were definitely a big perk but I can’t say that what I’ve learnt about rocks has been much use when working with schools!

Rachel David, Marketing & Events Assistant

Describe your role

In a nutshell, my role is currently split across social media marketing, and graphic design for the posters and promotions of Unifrog’s events and fairs. I’m also helping set those up, along with our themed weeks.

What do you like most about your role (so far)?

I really enjoy being creative, so that element of the graphic design is really fun. Playing an important role in making sure the events run smoothly and seeing them pan out successfully feels good too.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I don’t think I’ve been to enough places to know the answer to this just yet! But I lived in Barcelona as part of my year abroad whilst I was studying Spanish at university, so I’d love to live there again. The combination of city and beach, and its mixture of old and modern architecture, was the perfect balance.

What's your favourite way to spend a day off?

I’d like a bit of pampering! Getting my hair and nails done would be nice. And it sounds really boring, but I also enjoy errands! Tidying my room, doing my laundry… I find I neglect these things after work. So having a day to tick these things off the list is really satisfying.

Rida Wasim, Junior Data Analyst

What made you want to work for Unifrog?

I wanted to work at Unifrog since it was really clear it has a strong social mission. I've always been passionate about working with children and making an impact on their lives, whether it be directly or indirectly. I also had a drive for doing something within the field of data, having done my degree in Geography and Spatial Data Science. I thought it would be impossible to find a role that could combine the two together and still upkeep the company's mission – but then I came across Unifrog! I knew I would love working here and the passion to make a difference and in what they do individually can definitely be seen by everyone who works here, so I'm glad I'm here!
 
What's your favourite Unifrog tool and why?

I love the profile tools, like the Personality profile. I am definitely a quiz person and enjoy using them to see what kind of person I am. Even though I know they're not a full representation of me, they end up being accurate! Of course, the Personality profile guessed me correctly as an INFP. I am glad students have access to this, because when I was going through the university application process, it would have helped me know myself better and know what I could potentially enjoy if I had no clue otherwise.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I can't decide between two places in the world. In my teens, I really wanted to live in South Korea in the future and that dream partially came true when I did summer school over there. It felt like a different world – advanced technology, diverse culture, scenic nature, and great food. The only thing I couldn't stand was the heat. More recently I've visited countries in Scandinavia and similarly to South Korea, it had great city life but also amazing scenery – but definitely wasn't as hot! Maybe I could split my time across the world: six months in Norway and six months in South Korea!

What’s your favourite thing to do outside work?

I love cycling and going on walks. I often go around the Olympic Park as it's got such great views to cycle or walk to around sunset time, and it's a great stress reliever in general. I also love travelling - I have my university degree to thank, for taking us on such awesome field trips, and my dad for nurturing my love to travel!

Robyn Smith, Head of UK Account Management

What does a day in the life of an Account Manager look like?

It's tricky to say what an average day looks like as an Account Manager; no two are remotely the same! Some days I'll be travelling from my home in Newcastle upon Tyne far and wide to Glasgow, York or the Lake District; other days I'm at home with my Jack Russell Terrier Elsie, taking calls and answering emails. Occasionally you'll find me at Unifrog HQ in London.

How has your previous experience as a Barber helped you in this role?

Surprisingly, not many teachers are up for having their hair cut while I'm delivering a Unifrog training session. In all seriousness, my experience as a Barber and business owner has taught me how to really listen to the needs of clients, and come up with solutions to long-suffered and common challenges.

As well as being an Account Manager, you look after the Resources library. Which is your favourite resource?

I really love coming up with new and engaging ways for schools and colleges to deliver their careers education, so creating lesson plans for our Resources library is perfect for me. I built much of my previous career as a Barber on networking, and I believe the art of conversation is an important skill to possess, so it would have to be the ‘World of work: Professional networking’ resource. It's suitable for all students and gives many students an experience they haven't had before.

What does your ideal weekend look like?

I'd start at the gym then grab a coffee to catch up with friends. Then I’d join my husband, daughter and dog on a walk along one of the beautiful Northumberland beaches (Bamburgh is my favourite), before coming back to Newcastle for a Sunday roast with our whole family.

Sheri Barnett, Head of Student Content

Describe your role

My role is Head of Student Content, which means I plan and create content for our Careers, Subjects, and Know-how libraries, I edit content written by the rest of the student content team, and I look after the student content team. I also work with experts, universities, and employers to make sure that what we produce is as helpful as possible, and come up with new projects for the team to work on. In a nutshell, it's a lot of talking, a lot of reading, and a lot of writing - three of my favourite things!

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learnt working at Unifrog?

The most surprising thing I've learnt working at Unifrog is just how many incredible opportunities there are out there! When I was at school I didn't know I could study in Switzerland, complete a degree in Adventure Filmmaking, or take part in a school leaver programme and study later. There is such a wealth of opportunities out there and - having not had anything like Unifrog growing up - it surprises me every time I find something new and exciting on the platform!

What would your perfect weekend look like?

My perfect weekend would definitely be a city break somewhere in Europe. I love travelling and would quite happily spend every weekend for the rest of eternity exploring new places with my friends or my family.

What's your favourite pizza?

It's controversial! I love a vegetable pizza with extra chillies and pineapple! I also can't eat dairy and hate vegan cheese, so I go cheeseless... at least no one wants to share with me and I get it all to myself!
 

Stephen Rodwell, Operations and Finance Manager

Describe your role as Operations and Finance Manager at Unifrog

I'm responsible for the smooth running of the office from day-to-day, whether that means coordinating our programme of UK and international conferences or helping to improve our team workspace. I also manage the company's finances along with Libbie, our Operations and Finance Assistant. Essentially, this means I keep a close eye on our income and expenditure and try to save money wherever possible! If I ever find a spare moment (rare!), I really enjoy getting involved in other parts of what Unifrog do, whether that's writing and editing for the Unifrog platform or getting stuck into data research.

When you first started, what struck you about Unifrog?

It's a great team of people who support one another and celebrate each other's successes; everyone is eager to help and push the platform forward. It's also inspiring that we have a group of experts in Higher Education and post-16 opportunities who are helping lead the discussion about the future of young people.

As a former teacher, why do you think that what Unifrog is doing is important?

Although I worked in a primary school, I know that my Year 1 pupils would still have loved exploring the different careers on the platform! Every year my class made a ‘Book of Dreams’ where each child drew a picture of what they wanted to be when they were older. In a way, Unifrog is just a grown-up extension of that! Even from a young age, giving children ideas about what careers are out there is hugely important in shaping their aspirations.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you want with you and why?

A corner sofa, the Beatles discography, and a lifetime supply of cheese. What more could you want?

Vikki Garner, Partnerships Director (UK and Employers)

What do you find most exciting about working at Unifrog?

So many things! I would probably have to say new developments and the impact they have on schools and students. It's super exciting when you’ve had an idea yourself, or heard about one from the team or a partner school, and then see it develop into a new tool. We always ask a few of our partners to test out new tools, and seeing their reactions as they realise how much of a difference it's going to make to either their CEIAG tracking and management, or opportunities for their students, is equally as exciting as the initial idea.

What part of your job do you find most challenging?

I support the Account Management and Partner Success Teams, and with 2,000 partners to look after, every day is super busy. Our partners provide us with amazing feedback, from how fantastic they're finding the platform to the barriers they have in delivering CEIAG in their schools. I love hearing about these barriers and helping the teams to support our partners to overcome them. I suppose you could say it's our partner schools' challenges that become mine, and I love the challenge of finding the perfect solution. 

Has previous experience as a teacher served you well in this role?

Absolutely! I've had first hand experience of the difficulties when it comes to planning and delivering careers, whether that be a shortage of allocated time, making sure students have the right information for their chosen pathway, trying to create lessons which capture their imagination and raise their aspirations, the list goes on! But it's these experiences - those of the team and of our partner schools - that drive everything we do at Unifrog.  

If you could meet any historical figure, who would it be and why?

This is a tricky one. I'd have to say Rosa Parks. I'd love to go back in time to watch her make a stand against racism through simply sitting on a bus. That one act sent shockwaves through America and earned her the title of ‘the first lady of civil rights’. A phenomenal woman!

Zoe Mackenzie, HR and Operations Lead

What made you want to work at Unifrog?

One of the reasons I was keen to work at Unifrog was its social mission. It’s quite important to me that my workplace has a wider social purpose. When I had my interview, the staff on the panel were just so friendly too - and having now met the team at the Team Day, I can confirm this goes for everyone else!

What’s your favourite thing about your role?

The best part of my role is the fact that it’s so people-facing. I really enjoy getting to know people, so it’s great to have a role where I get the chance to chat to the whole team, learn what they do, and work out how best I can support them.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I think I’d choose to live in Tasmania. In 2020, before the pandemic hit, I was travelling around Australia with a friend and we stayed with a family who lived there. It’s the most beautiful place you can imagine. There’s loads of independent art going on, vineyards, beaches, and freshly grown food. The family I was staying with had a boat, so we even went lobster fishing, caught a lobster, and ate it on the same day!

The one caveat is that I’d have to bring all my family and friends with me, as Tasmania’s a bit of a distance from the UK!

Which reality TV programme do you think you’d win, and why?

I’m not sure if this counts as reality TV, but I definitely think I could win Pointless. I always used to watch it when I was coming home from school, so I’ve got a good knowledge of the different categories that might come up. You have to do it in pairs, so I’d go with my housemate - she’s got the pop culture sorted, and I studied geography at university. So if the right categories came up, I reckon we could win!