Samar Shah, Head of UK Partner Success

Describe your role

I’m the first point of contact at Unifrog for the majority of schools so, if they have problem or want something updated or changed, they come to me and I help get it sorted.

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

Any superhero who can fly and get to places really quickly! I’d love to visit sunny destinations whenever I feel like it...

What does an average day as a customer success lead look like?

On a typical day I’ll come into the office, respond to emails, and make sure any other project work is progressing smoothly. I also answer the phones and help the rest of the team out whenever I can.

What advice would you give to your schoolgirl self?

Not to stress! I’d tell my schoolgirl self not to worry about the small stuff as it won’t actually matter that much in five years’ time - ignore the drama and hit the books instead.

What do you like the most about your role?

I love that my role can be really varied at times. Although the majority of day-to-day tasks are similar, the project work is very diverse. Also, I get to speak to a lot of teachers on a daily basis and find out how Unifrog is benefiting them, which makes me feel good!

Alex Kelly, Co-Founder

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

I actually love work, so I always spring out of bed! I'm also addicted to coffee, so the thought of making my first cup is another big motivation.

What part of your job do you find most challenging?

When we first started Unifrog, Coralie and I did pretty much every task there was going, and there were some that I was terrible at (I'm thinking especially of the quarterly VAT return); my job has got a lot better since we've hired wonderful people who are good at the things I'm bad at.

My role at Unifrog now is just product development - improving and creating the tools on the platform. I find it so satisfying to go from an idea for a new tool or a way to improve an existing part of the platform, to designing something that I think people will find intuitive and useful. I work closely with Coralie, my co-founder, and Stu our lead programmer, who often knock my initial designs into shape with their more practical minds. I think the most challenging thing about my job now is that it's much quicker to come up with new product ideas than it is to deliver them, so I have to manage my own eagerness to add new things to the platform.

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

I think everyone should watch The Game Changers, a documentary that argues that we eat far too much meat. I'm not saying everything in it is superb science, but all the same, watching it changed my life for the better!

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

My ideal day would start with having had eight hours of excellent sleep, then I'd do a mixture of hanging out with Coralie, making and drinking lots of coffee, doing some sport with friends, eating with friends, and maybe even a party with some dancing. It's hard to do two of these days in a row because the partying normally ruins the eight hours of sleep for the next day. If I can't have a day like this, just give me two hours of surfing in Mexico and I'll be very happy!

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.

Annabel McDonald, Teaching Resources Creator and Careers Guidance Specialist

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

My team are spread all over the country, and we all work 100% remotely. Before Unifrog, I worked as a Careers and HE Adviser in an independent school in London; I wasn't used to working remotely at all! Initially, I was worried about how it would feel, but I was surprised by how easy it was to adjust.

We use Slack to keep in touch throughout the day. It's great for collaborating on ideas and keeping in touch socially. We also have regular 1:1s and team feedback sessions on Google Meets, and we'll jump on a call for the things that are easier to chat about over the phone. I love our fortnightly team feedback sessions involving a development focus, sharing best practices and collaborating on ideas and projects. It's weird to think I've never met my team in person, considering how well we work together!

What part of your job do you find most challenging?

I was diagnosed with a disability called POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), a type of dysautonomia (dysfunction of the autonomic system). The simplest way to explain it is that blood doesn't always get to my heart and brain like it should. As a result, it can cause a whole host of 'fun' symptoms like fainting, chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, dizziness, and very low blood pressure.

I can work around POTS 90% of the time because I work from home part-time and can be flexible with my hours. However, it becomes challenging when it comes to team days because POTS symptoms can fluctuate and be unpredictable; I often can't travel independently for long distances. I'm lucky that 90% of the time, I don’t find POTS is an issue in the workplace, and my team are fantastic at being super inclusive and considerate, but I would love to attend a team day event in person in the future if POTS allows!

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

I would love to meet the composer, lyricist, and actor Lin-Manual Miranda. I'm a huge fan of his work, specifically In The Heights and Hamilton (but who doesn't love Moana and Encanto too)! I love playing the piano, singing, and musical theatre so I'd want to pick his brains for his musical and writing process, how he coped with people telling him that Hamilton would never be a hit, and his favourite song from Hamilton. I'd also want to know what projects he has coming up next!
 
What advice would you give to your younger self?

As a qualified Level 7 careers adviser, I'd go back to my younger self and give myself more informed careers advice. I was told that I was too academic to take certain subjects, and ended up going down a route for A level that didn't align with my genuine interests. I took a gap year to reassess what I wanted to do and ended up really enjoying my time at the university.

I'd go back and reassure myself that you don't need to know exactly what you're going to do at age 14, 15, or 16, and whatever choices you make do not mean they're the only career decisions you're going to make for the rest of your life. You can have many careers in your life, and you should reframe thinking about careers as a 'journey' where you'll pivot and reassess as you react to how life evolves for you. This couldn't be more true after I had to reassess my ways of working after being diagnosed with POTS.
 

Arash Khosravi, Sponsorships and Impact Lead

Describe your role

The role of Sponsorships and Impact Lead involves bringing together employers and HE providers with schools to provide Unifrog to as many schools as we can, regardless of their financial circumstances. My role also involves keeping track of our work around Levelling the Playing Field (supporting disadvantaged students to make the right post school choices for them) and maximising the impact we are having. 

Fun fact: this is my second role at Unifrog! You may recognise me as being an International Partnerships Manager previously before I took a career break for six months to go travelling.

What's your favourite Unifrog tool and why?

There are so many to choose from! It’s probably the Webinars tool though - I really like the fact that we are doing student facing webinars. This is such a great avenue for us to share information, give students exposure to universities, and help them find out everything they need to know - sometimes about things they’ve never even thought about! I really love the fact that over the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve rolled out webinars to help students in new ways.

What's the best concert you've ever been to?

While in New Zealand in December 2022, we arrived in the city of Napier where one of my favourite artists was performing on the day we arrived: Jack Johnson. We didn't know he was performing until we arrived so we didn't have tickets booked. We did manage to find some tickets last minute (literally the hour before!) and managed to go to his outdoor concert which was incredible! He was definitely a bucket list artist for me to see live and it seemed it was fate that everything worked out to be able to see him, which I'll never forget! 

What's your party trick?

This has got to be my Rubik’s cube trick - I can solve them in under a minute. I’d always wanted to learn how to solve them and I had spare time on my hands in my first year of uni, so I got on YouTube and kept practising until I got it right. It took me about a month to learn and my personal best is 56 seconds - it always goes down well when I show it off! 

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

I was an only child growing up so didn’t have much entertainment - I got obsessed with video games. This was back when you played games off of floppy disks and it was all really new technology. All I wanted to do was be a computer games tester - for someone who spent their whole childhood playing computer games, playing games everyday forever sounded like the dream! Ready Player One would have been my dream world! Computer games testing wasn’t really a thing when I was growing up and it didn’t feel serious enough to be a career - it’s different now, but back then gaming was definitely more of a hobby than a career.

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!

Charley Fowler, Area Manager and UK Education Lead

What do you find most exciting about being a Unifrog Area Manager? 
 
I love the excitement when a new partner school comes on board, and we have the first strategy meeting to establish their goals with the platform. It's exciting to help schools take a step back and think about what beneficial changes using Unifrog can bring to their CEIAG programme. Additionally, my partner schools are spread across the East of England and London, and I find it really exciting when I discover cute coffee shops in places that I never would have visited if it weren't for my job. 

As our Gatsby Benchmark Champion, how do you help schools meet the benchmarks? 

As Gatsby Champion, my role is to be as clued up as possible on all things CEIAG policy related. With my partner schools, I'll support them in various ways with this. Often, we'll go through their CEIAG plan with a fine-toothed comb comparing this with the DfE's guidance on meeting the benchmarks. Many of my partner schools are working towards achieving CEIAG awards, so I'll help them by applying my knowledge of how Unifrog relates to the benchmarks and the assessment frameworks for the awards they're applying for.  

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

Before Unifrog, I was an RE teacher at a secondary school in Camden, London. Teaching gave me first hand experience of the challenges schools face in a variety of areas, as well as the positive impact good careers education can have on students. Teaching develops your resilience and your ability to empathise with others. All of these things drive me to do a really good job of supporting my partner schools as an Area Manager. I enjoy addressing the variety of issues my schools face relating to careers and destinations, and I love celebrating their successes using Unifrog to combat these. 

What’s your favourite song and why? 

Tough question! I'm all for a girl power anthem. Fighter by Christina Aguilera is one of my faves.

Charlotte Hu, Marketing Lead

What does an average day in your role look like?

I'm quite new to Unifrog and am already enjoying how varied my role can be. On a typical day, I could be writing engaging emails to teachers and counselors, developing marketing materials to support outreach, looking after the community on our social media channels, or helping out at one of our brilliant events.

What's your favourite Unifrog tool and why?

The psychometric testing tools are so clever. I had a go at putting in my own interests, personality traits, and skills to see if I've chosen the right career path. Luckily I have, but having this resource when I was a student could have saved me many years of figuring it out!

What things do you spend money on unreasonably, but very satisfyingly?

Does my dog count? I don't want to add up how much I've spent on gourmet treats, grooming, and dog-friendly holidays over the last five years. This may or may not include a fancy walnut dog bed that he still refuses to sleep in.

Describe your dream burger, pizza, or taco!

I made a Korean-inspired cheeseburger recently that I was quite proud of. Two beef patties (marinated in soy sauce, ginger, and gochugaru) with melted cheese, gherkins, and rocket in a brioche bun, served with kimchi coleslaw, fries, and a maple-gochujang dip.

Connie Wong, Partner Success Lead

What made you want to work for Unifrog?

I’ve always wanted to work for an organisation that makes a social impact.

In the past, I have volunteered for the Manchester Science festival, where I helped explain the science behind some of the exhibits; and mentored disadvantaged primary school students. These experiences made me realise that I am particularly interested in the education and development of young people, and so I wanted to develop a career in that sector. This led me to discover Unifrog.

Having read up on how the Unifrog platform works, I found it to be a really great idea and I actually became a bit jealous of the students that have access to the platform. I wished that I, too, had had more support from teachers when I was making those big decisions in life. So, I think it’s really rewarding to be able to be part of all this and help get teachers engaged in these processes.

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

For me, it’s staying optimistic and spending a minute lying in bed trying to imagine how I will be having a wonderful day ahead. In that wonderful day, I will be having a great day at work where I will be able to help make a big difference in young people’s lives, and solve queries from teachers so that they are able to help their students as much as they can.

What about you surprises people when you tell them?

As I’m very petite and dislike getting into arguments, people are surprised when I tell them I am a black belt in Taekwondo.

Build the best ice cream sundae!

I love the smell of coffee, and so my ice cream sundae would definitely include two scoops of coffee ice cream, and probably two scoops of vanilla ice cream to mix it up a bit. It would then be topped with some Irish whipped cream and some caramel sauce. To finish off, I would add some almond flakes and chocolate curls to make it look even more delicious!

Daniel Keller, CEO

Describe your role 

I'm ultimately responsible for Unifrog's success, both in terms of our continued growth and when it comes to achieving our mission. This means I'm involved in lots of things from strategic decision making to company culture to managing our finances. There are always new challenges and ways we want to progress, which keeps things interesting.

What motivates you to work at Unifrog? 

Growing our organisation and having a positive impact, plus working with a fantastic team.

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

I studied ancient history at university, which I really enjoyed, so someone from that period. Alexander the Great is a bit of an obvious choice but I'll go for him - he got quite a lot done before he died in his early thirties. He was tutored by Aristotle, conquered the massive Achaemenid Persian Empire, and got a ton of mileage in for a time when you'd only walk or travel on horseback - so I expect he'd have some good stories to tell.

What does your ideal weekend look like? 

That's a tough one. Probably a weekend spent at a world class climbing venue with good friends and good weather. Lots of trying hard, getting a bit scared and plenty of caffeine. Ski touring in perfect powder condition would also be right up there. Essentially, if it involves coffee, the outdoors and a healthy dose of suffering then I'm happy.

Elizabeth Verner-Pollard, Area Manager

What do you like most about your role at Unifrog?

My favourite part would have to be the interactions with schools. I’m naturally curious, and relish meeting with new schools to understand their needs and challenges. I also find it hugely rewarding to support partners to get the best out of the Unifrog platform for each and every one of their students. 

What motivates you to get out of bed for work?

What motivates me is the feeling that I am doing something worthwhile. I am part of an organisation that is helping to make a difference to the futures of young people by raising aspirations, removing barriers and widening participation. Oh, and a couple of wet noses and wagging tails beside the bed get me up bright and early.

What book do you always recommend people?

I always recommend ‘Wonder’ by R. J. Palacio.  It’s a great book about the importance of kindness, and was the first novel my son chose to independently read - which can be quite an achievement for boys - and then re-read many times over. He loved the film too, but thought the book was better (a win!).  

What advice would you give your younger self?

You are your biggest critic and are more capable than you believe. Besides, pretty much everyone else is winging it too! Take every opportunity to try new stuff to find your ‘thing’, and then do what YOU love - not what you think will please others. Also, almost nothing in life is permanent. If it doesn’t work out it is probably for a good reason (even if you can’t see it at the time) and a chance do something different. Above all: be brave.

Evelyn Stanley, Account Manager

What made you want to work at Unifrog?

I heard about Unifrog from a good friend who is also a teacher. Hearing how useful her students found the platform made me research it, and I was glad to see there were vacancies! I like that Unifrog lays out information in a transparent way so that young people have the tools needed to make their own decisions about their futures. I also like that the platform is constantly changing, as this makes Unifrog an exciting place to work.

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

Account Managers support schools and their students to make the most out of their partnership with us. On an average day this means I speak with educators such as careers leads, senior leaders, and teachers to learn about how they use Unifrog in their school, and set goals with them for the future. The platform is huge, so day to day I deliver staff training, answer questions, and generally ensure our partner schools are set up for success. Since every school is different and the platform gains new features all the time, there is a lot of learning on the job which keeps things exciting.

Who would play you in the movie of your life and why?

I'd choose Reese Witherspoon, because I love her style as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde.

What would your perfect weekend look like?

I like having one day to be active and one day to relax on the weekend. So maybe catching the train to the seaside with friends on Friday night, spending Saturday at the beach, then coming home on Saturday night to spend Sunday indoors. On a relaxing day I like to sleep in, then order a pizza and watch reality TV.

Gemma Neale, Head of UK Sales

What made you want to work for Unifrog?

I’ve known about Unifrog for a number of years and I’m really passionate about the mission to level the playing field for all young people. I’ve previously mentored some students who have used the platform to help them to make decisions for their future and it widened so many opportunities for them. It is also really exciting to be part of something that is constantly changing and adapting based on the needs of the schools we work with.

What's your favourite Unifrog tool and why?

This is very hard to choose! I love all the resources available on the Know-How library. Whether you want to learn about the costs involved for studying abroad, how to support your local community, or understanding how protests work… there’s all the information you could possibly need! I also would have loved to have access to the Special Opportunities tool when I was at school; it’s so useful to see all of the summer schools, scholarships, and internships in one place.

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

It would be great to meet Jodie Comer. It’s amazing how she can master speaking in so many different accents. I’ve recently watched the National Theatre Live performance of ‘Prima Facie’; I was absolutely gripped all the way through.  

What's your favourite pizza? 

My all-time favourite would have to be the ‘Manca’ pizza (mozzarella, poached pears, honey, and gorgonzola) from my local pizza restaurant in Norfolk. But otherwise, anything with pineapple!

Hamza Yusuf, Junior Salesforce Business Analyst

Describe your role

Given how often Unifrog uses Salesforce day to day, it was really important to appoint someone who could support the data team and handle Salesforce queries from various departments within the organisation. As part of my role, I actively contribute to the Slack channel and serve as the primary point of contact for any Salesforce-related issues. Additionally, I'm responsible for generating comprehensive reports and intuitive dashboards, using data to derive valuable insights that will benefit the organisation. 

What gets you out of bed in the morning to come to work (if you're coming into the office)?

Unifrog is far from ordinary – it's a company that demonstrates a profound commitment to the younger generation, particularly those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. The organisation's mission centres around levelling the playing field and making sure that all students, regardless of whether they attend independent or state schools, have equal access to opportunities.

I am deeply passionate about the work I do, as it enables me to contribute to the company's goal of empowering young people to make informed decisions about their futures. As I engage in various projects, I'm constantly reminded that my efforts are making a meaningful contribution to a company that is dedicated to making the world a better place. This sense of purpose serves as my daily motivation to get out of bed and make a positive impact in the lives of others.

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

If I could be any superhero, I'd say The Flash. The idea of being in different locations in a matter of seconds sounds amazing and I'd save money by never needing to take a flight or train!

What gives you energy?

Honestly, having a good diet and making sure I exercise often gives me energy.

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!

Jacob Lovick, Area Manager

What does a day in the life of a Unifrog Area Manager look like?

The day breaks. I open one eye, then the other, grinning and chuckling in anticipation of another day of evening out the playing field for school students. I crack my fingers over a warm cup of Earl Grey and delve into the treasure trove of a fresh inbox, hands warmly embracing the keyboard and brain whirring into action. I field enquiries about adding tools to schools’ accounts, demonstrating the platform to those few, those unhappy few, who aren’t yet Unifrog subscribers in North London, East London, Essex, Suffolk, and some parts of South-West London (not including Kingston-upon-Thames). I’ll have strategy calls that change lives, days, moments, with intricately curated advice and feedback. Perhaps I’ll swing by the office, for unlimited free tea and unlimited croissants on Mondays and Thursdays. Then, I tread satisfied, once again, to bed. Satisfied in the knowledge of an Area that has been well and truly Managed.

What part of your job do you find most challenging?

Concise answers. Though it is perhaps possible to be too enthusiastic about the services and benefits that Unifrog can offer a partner school, I often struggle to keep my answers tight and focused to the specifics of the question that’s been asked. I find myself stood at the top of a mountain of metaphors with a dizzy head and wondering how I’d got there. But I hope that, like a Sherpa, my love for the tools that we offer, the range of things available and my willingness to help, will overcome this mountain, and get teachers to where they want to be.

What’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you when you’ve been visiting a school?

The teacher that greeted me at the school reception with the phrase ‘Robert! Great to have you back!’ I had never been to this school before, and my name is not Robert. He took me around the school, introducing me as ‘Robert!’ to absolutely everyone, far more than was necessary. He even once or twice stared at my name badge, which clearly read ‘Jacob’, before proceeding to call me ‘Robert!’ twice or even three times in the following sentence. I then stood up in front of his colleagues, having been introduced as ‘Robert!’ by the same man, and began with the phrase ‘hello everyone, I’m Jacob’. Ashen-faced, the teacher stood and left the room. I didn’t see him again.

What about you always surprises people when you tell them?

I also do a lot of writing and comedy outside of my work for Unifrog. People tend to find this extremely surprising.

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.

John Hillis, Employer Partnerships Manager

Describe your role 

I'm an Area Manager covering Leeds down to Northamptonshire - that's about 250 schools and colleges. When I started in 2015 there was just a small group of us doing everything from admin, accounts, sales and marketing, and training teachers. Now there are around 50 of us! My day usually involves demonstrating the platform to potential partners, training teachers/staff, arranging webinars and CPDs, all from home at the moment until the occasional dog bark or doorbell interrupts the little grey cells!

What's your favourite Unifrog tool and why? 

Apprenticeships and MOOCs. I know that's two favourites, but I've always been passionate about both since joining Unifrog. Both my sons did apprenticeships, and the value of MOOCs is something I've always promoted.

What book do you always recommend to other people? 

The Psychopath Test by Jon Ronson, Tell No One by Harlen Coben, and the Bible, by you-know-who. Something for everyone there!

What's your ideal weekend like? 

Walking in the Lake District. I've gone at least once every year since I was 17, apart from the last year due to the pandemic, and 2001 due to the foot and mouth outbreak. I've been lucky to see the Brocken Spectre recently, and the Hale-Bopp comet in 1997. I think I've done most of the Wainwright walks several times.

What's the most unusual thing you've ever eaten? 

In South Africa, we had snake, crocodile, and impala at a BBQ. The snake was like chicken as was the crocodile, and impala was like fillet steak.

Julia Jaworska, International Partnerships Lead (Europe)

What motivates you to work at Unifrog?

I've always wanted to work for a company that has a positive social impact, especially on kids and young people. I've benefited enormously from studying internationally and having the right people around me to support my choices. If I could have also had the tools that Unifrog provides, some of the most stressful parts of this process would have been so much easier and simply more fun!

Knowing that the work we do supports young people in making the best choices for their future is what's great about working here. On top of that I really love the culture at Unifrog and working with people from all over the world which is what I get to do as part of the International Team! 

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

The amount of tools and resources on the platform blew me away! Unifrog is so much more than just a destinations platform – it can help students learn about different cultures, acquire new skills, and broaden their horizons in so many ways. The 'if only this was around when I was at school' feeling is strong!

What would your perfect weekend look like?

On a weekend my favourite thing to do is to go for a hike in the Scottish highlands and have a picnic with a view. I've not bagged many munros yet, but you have to start somewhere! Having a drink in the pub after is also a must. Then I'll have a lie-in on Sunday and cook something nice. And if I have a long weekend – I try to travel somewhere I haven't been yet!

What would your superpower be?

Being in a couple of places at the same time – like enhanced teleportation. I do have family and friends in a couple of different countries so it does seem unfair not to be able to be everywhere, always!

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.

Lily Wearden, Account Manager

What made you want to work for Unifrog?

In previous jobs, I worked with Unifrog in the HE sector, and I’d always had a really positive impression from the other side. One of my best friends is also an account manager at Unifrog and always raving about how much he loves working there!

I also liked the unbiased approach that the platform takes to help students choose the best pathway for them. I dropped out of uni the first time I went, started working, then went to a different university and changed my subject choice to something that felt right for me. I wish I’d had the kind of support Unifrog offers, so I could have made the right decision the first time around.

How has your background in Higher Education (HE) helped you in this role?

A lot of the schools I have worked with in my previous HE roles are the same schools I’m working with in my account manager role now, so they already know me – a big help! I’ve also done a lot of public speaking in my previous work, including talks on how to use Unifrog, which makes me even more comfortable to do things like demoing the platform to new schools now.

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

With every single day off, I go up to the Lake District. It’s a solid three-hour drive, but it’s worth it. I swim or paddle board all day, then go up to this spot called Surprise View near Keswick, watch the sunset, and have a little campfire on the beach. I’m currently training to do a 21-mile cold water swim, so with every free day, I swim!

What’s your party trick?

My sisters and I can all sing ‘How Much is That Doggie in the Window?’ backwards. My dad trained us all to do it when we were very young, so he could use it as his party trick – ‘look what my daughters can do!’

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!

Mhairi Drysdale, Recruitment Lead

Describe your role at Unifrog

My role as Recruitment Lead is to attract and help select candidates to join the Unifrog team, and support them throughout their recruitment process. I also onboard all new starters to ensure they have the best start possible to their Unifrog careers.

What's your favourite thing about your role?

I really enjoy getting to speak to lots of candidates, getting to know them, and hearing what excites them about Unifrog. It's great to get to work across all the teams at Unifrog, understanding the hiring needs in different teams and the briefs for new roles. I also really enjoy thinking about how we can continue to make recruitment processes better to ensure all candidates have a really positive experience.

What do you spend money on unreasonably, but very satisfyingly?

It's going to have to be my fancy gym. It really is a splurge but it's one I get so much from. The coaches are amazing and make every workout fun. The only way I can justify the cost is that it makes me very happy and I miss it when I don’t go. I never thought I'd say that about the gym!

What book do you always recommend to other people?

I am not a huge reader, but I do enjoy reading about the human body. I studied biomedical sciences, and although I have forgotten most of it, I do like to every now and then dip back into the subject. ‘The Body’ by Bill Bryson is a book I really enjoyed reading. It has chapters on all the different parts of the body, and diseases that can affect them, so I would recommend that to anyone wanting an easy to read science-y book!

Mitchell Purnell, Area Manager

Why did you decide to work for Unifrog?

When I first researched Unifrog, I was drawn to the idea of working for a social enterprise with a product that I could be genuinely passionate about. Then I saw Unifrog's apprenticeship content and search tool in action, which completely sealed the deal! When I dropped out of college, I spent weeks trying to search for, and get my head around, apprenticeships. Something I hear a lot is ‘I wish this existed when I was in school’, which is exactly what I was thinking when I decided to work for Unifrog!

Describe your role

My main priority is making sure my amazing partners in the South West utilise all that Unifrog has to offer; not only with platform usage, but also by taking full advantage of our wider network. There really is no such thing as a standard day or week. I run staff trainings, strategy meetings, best-practice CPDs, conference talks/workshops and network meetings. Essentially, I do whatever is required to make sure staff are supported in providing students with the very best careers education, across the South West.

A lot of miles, a few too many fast food restaurants (for the free Wi-Fi) and plenty of work, but I love it.

What's the best thing about working with teachers?

The best thing has to be when you mention something that sparks their interest and sends them off on a passion-fuelled rant. No matter how tired they may be at the end of a long working day, one trigger conversation shows just how passionate they are about what they do, and why they do it. Plus, they’re super competitive if chocolate is on the line!

Please tell us two truths and one lie about yourself.

• I represented Bristol in the UK Junior Tiddlywinks Championships 2002 and came a very respectable 3rd place.
• I hit my peak of stardom at the age of 12, when I directed an award-winning series of short films based on climate change.
• I had chicken pox three times as a child, much to the disbelief of my local GP.

Nav Gill, International Partnerships Lead

Describe your role at Unifrog

I'm an International Partnerships Lead for Asia, which means I get to connect with amazing schools and help them make the most of Unifrog. From getting schools on board to ongoing support, my aim is to make Unifrog an invaluable tool for every student. It's about turning challenges into opportunities and creating a positive impact.

How do you keep in touch with the rest of the team, who are based around the world?

We've got tech on our side! Slack keeps us chatty, and video calls make sure we're still recognisable beyond profile pics, making our global team feel like a close-knit bunch.

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

I'd give anything to have heard Amy Winehouse live – her music just hits different.

What gives you energy?

So, what fuels my tank? It's those everyday moments that light up the engine. Stepping into the sun, and feeling that warmth – it's like a natural energy boost. Coconut water, call me obsessed. A gulp of that, and suddenly, I'm ready for action! Taking a breather is a must. A book, some quiet time – it's like hitting ‘refresh’ for my mind and soul. And then there's the thrill of exploration. New places, new tastes – it's like a shot of adrenaline.

But you know what's the real kicker? It's the daily life stuff, the chats, the laughter, the simple moments – they're my constant energy source.

Paul Osbiston, Account Manager

What motivates you to work at Unifrog?

Probably my own experience from school. I can't say there was much, if any, focus on careers. That lack of guidance left me to make my own decision, which, at 16, was to (unsuccessfully) be a rock star. I don't regret my choices, but it definitely highlights the need for comprehensive career guidance.

What do you like the most about your role?

All the lovely teachers and career staff I speak to each day. It's also about the people I work with. I've never worked for an organisation where every single member of staff is that amazing.

What's your favourite sandwich?

There's no straightforward answer here, but there is a story. When I was a student I would turn a week's food shop into one sandwich; I called it a Meat Wallet! It sounds disgusting, but it's not, and now you're going to make one. Get yourself a tiger loaf (unsliced), cut in half then hollow out so you're left with a large pocket (wallet) of bread. Now fill your wallet with a selection of deli meats, bacon, cheeses, and dressing. You can add a side salad if you want the low-cal version. When it's about the size of your head, it's ready to eat. You're welcome.

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

Oh time travel, without question. I have a moderate passion for medieval history. I think it stems from a childhood fantasy of being a knight and living in a castle, which I would still love to do. Bodiam would be a good choice, but it would need some modern additions like a pool and underground motorbike parking. I'd probably add the dungeon back in, just in case. 

Rebecca Scannapieco, Account Manager

What made you apply to work at Unifrog?

Without wanting to sound clichéd, I knew I would have loved to have access to the platform when I was at school. It makes thinking about and researching your next destination so much easier as a student! Having gained more knowledge of the platform, I know given the chance again, I would have applied to some universities abroad. I also love that the platform has made such a big impact for students and knowing that I’m a part of that is so rewarding.

What did you learn working at Zara that has helped you in this role?  

Working in Zara in my previous job definitely taught me a few things! I was able to improve on my communication skills, multi-tasking and also learning new systems and programmes. Unifrog is constantly changing and so being able to learn a new system quickly comes in handy. And working in an office means I can finally put all my clothes that I have accumulated whilst working at Zara to good use!

What’s your favourite thing about talking to teachers every day?

Whether I’m onboarding new schools, helping teachers with admin-related queries or guiding them through how to use the platform, it’s always really satisfying to know that we are making their job that little bit easier! We tend to speak with the same teachers on a regular basis which is really nice as it makes it more personal. It’s always nice to have a chat with teachers about how they're getting on, and it's fun to speak with teachers from all over the UK - I especially love a Geordie accent!

Which actor would you get to play you in the movie of your life and why?

Anna Kendrick because like her, my singing is Pitch Perfect (although Samar might say otherwise).

Rob Cannings, International Area Manager (Europe)

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

As International Area Manager for Europe, my day is usually one of two very different scenes. I spend about 7-10 days of every month visiting a different European country, or sometimes two! During these trips, I get to visit our fantastic partner schools and help them integrate Unifrog into their curricula, train staff how to use the platform and most excitingly introduce it to students. I also get to visit schools that we don't yet work with to demonstrate the ways in which Unifrog could help them deliver better careers and higher education guidance for their students. When I'm back at Unifrog HQ here in London, I do all of the above remotely via video chat, recharge and put the finishing touches on the plan for the next trip.

How has your previous experience in Higher Education helped you in this role?

Five years of working in careers and employability services across three different London universities was a great foundation for understanding the environment I now find myself in. In particular, my role at The London School of Economics gave me the opportunity to work very closely with graduate employers from a variety of sectors. This means that I've been involved with helping to shape the future of young people - in one form or another - for a long time now. On a more day to day level, when you've run countless presentations, seminars, and workshops for 18-21 year olds, standing up in front of students a couple of years younger to do something similar doesn't faze you quite as much as it could!

What’s the best thing about travelling as part of your job?

Forgive me for the obvious answer, but as a massive foodie I can't look beyond that. So far in 2020 I've been lucky enough to enjoy ravioli in Rome, gyros in Greece, pastéis de nata in Portugal, and bacalao in Barcelona - do I get extra points for alliteration? - and that's just off the top of my head. As a big football fan, I've also tried to take in a game as often as possible too. I've got to games at the San Siro, Estádio José Alvalade and El Madrigal so far this season. Bonus points for anyone who can name the teams that play in those venues without resorting to Google!

What was the first album you bought?

Being the youngest of four children, I was lucky enough to get some excellent hand-me-down cassettes - yes I was born in the 80s! - from a very young age. I vividly remember dancing around my room to The Prodigy when I was way too young to process the lyrics... I can't remember the first album I bought, but the very first piece of music was a single - Cotton Eye Joe, by Rednex. Thankfully, it didn't lead to me buying whatever God-forsaken album that song featured on. For some extra narrative detail, I also remember that during the trip to Our Price in Torquay to pick up that particular banger, my sister purchased the far more respectable Gangsta's Paradise by Coolio. For shame.

Scott Blake, Assistant Video Editor and Producer

What motivates you to work at Unifrog?

I absolutely love producing video content that makes a significant impact on people's lives and choices. Working at Unifrog provides me with the perfect platform to fulfil this passion and purpose. The opportunity to create videos that have a genuine, positive influence on individuals is incredibly rewarding and inspiring.

What's your favourite thing about your role?

One of my favourite things about my role is the opportunity to meet and interact with so many diverse and fascinating people. Each shoot brings me face-to-face with individuals from different backgrounds and walks of life. Listening to their stories, and capturing their triumphs on film, is incredible. 

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

It would definitely be Thai green curry!

What's the best gig you've ever been to?

I saw Ariana Grande at Manchester Pride a couple years ago and that was a surreal experience (I'm kinda obsessed). I am however going to two Taylor Swift dates next year which I know will take the number one spot!

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!
 

Thomas Ayling, Junior Video Editor

What does an average day as Junior Video Editor for Unifrog look like?

An average day usually starts with a review of current video projects to see where our edits are, to assess how much work still needs to be done and to plan for upcoming videos ahead. I’ll then update Mike, our video lead/project manager, on my plan for the day and begin editing! Once I’ve reached a point where I think a video is good enough for review, I then send it to the video team for feedback and make any amendments necessary before the video goes live on the platform. 

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

I’ve been most surprised by the sheer scope and range of employer and university partners who now work with Unifrog to reach aspiring students. In my first month alone, I’ll have edited videos across our Careers library and employer profiles for national law firms, asset management companies, banks, electrical suppliers, and airlines to name a few!

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

I’d have a big plate of spicy lamb chop curry with garlic naan. I’m a huge fan of Indian cuisine – and the hotter the better!

Which reality TV contest/programme do you think you'd win? 

I reckon I’d have good run on Takeshi's Castle – I watched it so much growing up the show must have instilled some untapped warrior skills in me, ready to be unleashed when the show runners come calling.

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 Long, Area Manager

What made you want to work for Unifrog?

Throughout my career, I've been deeply engaged in the captivating worlds of widening participation and career development. My passion lies in smashing barriers and ensuring that every young individual, regardless of their origins or talents, can revel in equal opportunities. Witnessing them chase their aspirations and navigate seamless transitions fuels my enthusiasm.

Becoming a member of the Unifrog family was a natural choice for me, aligning perfectly with my quest to reshape the narrative. It's all about empowering students at an earlier juncture, kindling their potential, and propelling them towards their own unique destinations. Reflecting on my own school days, I often yearned for a resource as enchanting as Unifrog. Its magical impact in aiding young people to craft a more enlightened path for their future is undeniable.

So, here's to shaking up the game, shaping destinies, and ushering students into a realm of boundless possibilities – a journey I'm thrilled to be a part of!

What's the most surprising thing you've learnt working at Unifrog (so far)?

I've been genuinely astounded by the excess of tools and resources the platform offers. Unifrog transcends the conventional boundaries of a mere destinations platform; it's a multifaceted gem that fosters cultural understanding, cultivates fresh skills, and widens the outlooks of possibilities for students. The nostalgic feeling of "if only this had existed during my school days" is undisputable – a sentiment that resonates profoundly!    

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

If I were trapped in a never-ending mealtime loop, you'd find me gleefully slurping down a variety of king prawn curries. Seafood and Indian cuisine have my heart in a culinary dance-off, and this dish takes the crown every time!

How would your friends describe you?

Always up for a laugh, generous, and full of unflinching truth. I've got your back, even if the truth stings a little!