Samar Shah, Partner Success Team Leader

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!

Arash Khosravi, International Partnerships Manager

Describe your role

I am the International Partnerships Manager so I make sure our international partners are happy in how they’re using Unifrog, and that they’re making the most of the platform. I help make sure they’re engaging really well so that we’re helping as many students as we can across the world. I also support the International Area Managers, and spend lots of time answering schools’ queries and onboarding new schools so they’re happy with rolling out Unifrog. This is actually my favourite part of the role - I love chatting to schools all over the world and seeing how they’re getting on.

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?

My all time best was a John Mayer concert. I’d wanted to see him for ages and it honestly blew my mind! I know all of his songs, the atmosphere was amazing, and I felt so lucky singing along with the crowd.

More recently, the best concert I’ve been to is an Oh Wonder concert. It was two weeks before lockdown and it actually ended up being the last stop on their worldwide tour, as the rest of it was cancelled because of the pandemic. It’s just nice to look back on that concert with my girlfriend and know we got the chance to see a great band who we love together before all the craziness set in.

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.

Cassie Ruddock, Data Officer

Describe your role

My job as a Data Officer is to make sure that all the information we have for our students is up to date, relevant, accurate, and as interesting as possible. On a day-to-day basis I perform regular checks on the live information that changes regularly, like work experience opportunities, and our immense Read Watch Listen catalogue. I’ve also been looking at South Korean and Croatian university courses - I get to travel the world from the comfort of my desk! I love working in a methodical, structured way, so this job suits me down to the ground.

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

Before I came to Unifrog, I worked at a sixth form college and university in the learning support team. Working directly with students was lovely and gave me a useful insight into what teenagers and young people deal with when they make decisions about their futures - it can be so difficult having so many options and not knowing where to go or what would fit. It’s helped me understand what will be most useful for students, and shown me how the tools we have are so useful. The Personality profile, for example, that breaks down elements of careers and pathways to help students make decisions, is so brilliant!

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

Pizza! I just don’t get bored of it: the rich, sweet tomato sauce, the melty cheese, some spicy jalapenos, mushrooms, bell peppers, and an indulgent stuffed crust. Mmmmmm.

What book do you always recommend to other people?

I always recommend the Discworld series by Terry Pratchett, and the Tiffany Aching story arc in particular. He writes really well-rounded characters, especially women - they’re angry and complex and speak to each other about things other than men! He has a way of making the characters feel real despite the dragons and magic.

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

Scotland. I come from East Anglia which is beautiful, but very flat! Scotland has the most dramatic, beautiful scenery; it’s like the Lake District doubled in height! The West Coast is my favourite - I got married in Fort William so I’m biased! - but it has white sand beaches and gets so warm in the summer. I would definitely recommend taking the steam train from Fort William to the coast - the scenery is beautiful, you can order a cream tea, and you go over the Glenfinnan Viaduct (also known as the Harry Potter viaduct).

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 curry, 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 and why? 

I would love to meet Mo Gawdat - not for his tech background (he was the CBO of Google X) but for his words of wisdom. After hearing him speak on a podcast - How to Fail with Elizabeth Day - I was very moved by his optimistic mindset.

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 seems like a bit of an obvious choice - 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 some small beers to finish the day. 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.

Emily Nash, Teacher Resources Creator and Editor

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, International Area 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! 

Hayley Jayne Wilkinson, Account Manager

What do you like the most about your role?

Meeting new people - it’s mostly been on Zoom so I’m looking forward to meeting people in person again! I work with lots of different teachers as well, and love being able to help them out and share my knowledge and excitement about the platform with them!

What’s the best thing about working at Unifrog?

Definitely the people. I love spending time with the team on our team days and catch ups - even when they’re online and not in person! And it’s not just the people, but the whole ethos behind what we do for our users and our employees. We really do look after each other and Unifrog as a company looks after us. We have so many measures to support our wellbeing and to make sure we are happy! We have a staff book club, we do quizzes, and we run social activities like a bake-off (which I won, by the way!).

What's your favourite pizza?

It’s a strange one! First of all, it has to be a pizza on a proper fresh dough base. Then, I like BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce, and my three toppings are chicken, red onion, and pineapple. Pineapple on pizza is the best and BBQ sauce has a hint of sweetness that brings out the flavour of my toppings perfectly- I have a sweet tooth so it’s so me! Oh, and you’ve got to have a garlic and herb dip to top it off! So good! 

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

In 2018, I went to Stockholm with my fiancé and absolutely loved it. We went in November, so it was very cold but I do enjoy the winter and getting wrapped up warm. It was such a lovely city - not too busy and plenty of history to explore and learn about. As a stationery addict, the highlight of my week was discovering lots of new stationery brands and stores. Scandinavian stationery design is my favourite so I certainly stocked up on lots of new notebooks and pens whilst I was there!

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

My family always tell me to go on The Great British Bake Off! In fact, my fiancé thinks my cakes are better than the ones he’s eaten from bakeries, and he’s really critical so for that to come from him is high praise! 

I love baking, but I actually think I’d be too nervous for Bake Off. I feel like I wouldn’t have a clue for the blind bake and the timings would stress me out. I’m normally really calm but baking just does something to me! I was baking one evening at home for my team in my last job and it went wrong - I got so stressed, I threw the pan across the kitchen and my fiancé banned me from baking for work! I would make headlines with my stress! As much as I love baking, I love eating the cake - if you’re not allowed to lick the bowl on Bake Off, I don’t want to be on it!

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.’

Jake Gill, Area Manager

What made you want to work for Unifrog?

It's really important to me to work for an organisation that really values its social impact, and that couldn't be more true of Unifrog. Before I came to Unifrog, I was working in education engagement in schools across the North, which shone a spotlight on the differences in opportunities presented to young people because of their postcode or background. I wanted to find a role where I could be genuinely passionate about the product, and the more I saw of the platform and the work that goes into it, the more impressed I was! When I heard about Unifrog's goal of levelling the playing field for all students, I knew I had to be part of that mission.

What's your favourite Unifrog tool and why?

It's a close call as there's so many to choose from, but my favourite has to be the Special Opportunities tool. When I was making my own post-18 choices, the amount of digging required to find the right information around special opportunities was immense and a little overwhelming. Scouring pages of university websites to find information and schemes, only to read in the small print that I wasn't eligible, was quite frustrating. When I first saw the Special Opportunities tool, I was amazed at how it brings all the information into one place and what that means in terms of removing barriers and widening participation. 

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

I'd be The Flash. I've always been fascinated by time travel, so having the ability to look back into history or peek into the future would be very cool. Being the fastest man in the DC universe would also come in handy when visiting some of my further partner schools in Scotland and the Lakes.

What's your favourite sandwich?

It depends - if I'm grabbing a meal deal for lunch, a BLT is always a safe bet. But when I first moved to the North East, I was introduced to the Saveloy Dip. Translation: a bread roll with saveloy sausages, pease pudding, mustard, stuffing and dipped in gravy. Don't knock it 'til you've tried it! 

John Hillis, Area 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.

Kelly Lake, Account Manager

What part of your job do you find most challenging?

The thing I find most challenging is actually also one of the things I enjoy the most - it's the fact that no two schools do things the same way. I currently work with around 190 different schools and colleges and each one of them has their own method, their own standards, their own individual goals and challenges... so there's no way I can take a 'one size fits all' approach. It makes my job really varied and I enjoy working with my partner schools to find the best way of supporting them.

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

Both! If I had to pick one I'd say time travel. I have always loved history, I find it fascinating to think that if just one thing had happened another way then our entire lives could be totally different. But it's easy to forget that being an historian is partly about being a storyteller - re-telling and interpreting the events of the past based on sources there's often no real way to prove or disprove. 'History is written by the winners' as the famous quote says, so I'd really like the chance to go back and see things as they actually happened and learn the stories and perspectives of the people you never get to hear about in class.

What have you ticked off your bucket list so far?

Walking over hot coals. My friends arranged a firewalk at their wedding reception a couple of years ago. It was optional and I spent the whole day completely certain that I wasn't going to join in. Then the time came and it occurred to me that I wasn't likely to get the opportunity again any time soon so off came the shoes! It was awesome actually - even though your logical mind knows it must be safe because other people have done it and not been hurt you still have to convince yourself that stepping onto the coals isn't going to end badly for you. I felt amazing once I'd done it!

What about you always surprises people when you tell them?

The fact that I have a collection of swords and knives tends to raise eyebrows! I used to be pretty handy at using them too, a group of friends and I worked in street theatre together and used to choreograph sword-fights for the shows or for demonstrations at events. I never meant to collect them, it all started with me keeping a prop. Then I bought a replica at a local English Heritage event one summer and the numbers have been slowly going up ever since - mostly from people giving them to me rather than me taking shopping trips. I even have a replica Roman suit of armour in my loft! So yes, that tends to surprise (or possibly worry) people.

...that or the fact that I'm a big Sylvester Stallone fan...

Lizzie Brennan, Data Manager

Describe your role as Data Manager at Unifrog

As Data Manager, I help to maintain and update all of the information we have on our opportunity search tools, as well as researching and designing new tools to add to the platform. This means my job can have an instant impact on hundreds of thousands of students all around the world, which is very exciting! It's super important we have the most up to date, impartial information to show to students to allow them to make informed decisions about their future.

What’s the most challenging part of your job?

I'd say the most challenging part of the job is making sure that we are always on top of the latest developments and releases in education-related data. There are lots of great data sources which release data on a whole range of different areas in education, from the amount of students who go on to a graduate job once they finish a particular course at a particular institution, to the latest Ofsted reports for a school or apprenticeship provider in the UK. We need to make sure we have the most recent, relevant information to share and also look out for any new data points which we could use to supplement the information we already have. Getting feedback from students and teachers using the platform is also crucial to making sure we achieve this.

You were very involved in Unifrog’s move to a new office. How did you make sure that this would be somewhere the team were happy in?

People spend a good chunk of their day at work so we wanted to try and make the new Unifrog office a place people enjoy coming to, rather than just somewhere they have to be! We've made sure the space has lots of light, plants and colourful furniture to promote a happy, positive environment and we’ve also made sure people have the chance to add their own touches to the space. As we've now moved over from a shared to a private office, we've also invested in an office radio and it has exposed us to lots of questionable music tastes…

What are the best and worst bits of being an Arsenal supporter?

I was brought up an Arsenal fan, with my family all having their roots in Islington, but unfortunately during our glory days I was too young to appreciate how good we were. It's good to know our history, but since I started taking a serious interest it all went downhill and let's just say the struggle is real and I'm missing my favourite Frenchman…

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!

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.

Neil Smith, International New Business Lead

Describe your role

As the International New Partnerships Lead, I’m the first point of contact for new international schools that are interested in joining the Unifrog community. I spend lots of time emailing prospective schools, researching different international schools, designing ways of approaching them, and following that through with targeted campaigns via phone or email. Sometimes they get in touch with us so I look into their school, identify the best parts of the platform for them, and get a demo set up with an Area Manager. 

I’m also on the webinar team, so I help organise and host webinars for staff and students on making decisions about the future or using the platform. I wanted to be on the team because a lot of the time my work is done through emails, so having a more interactive and direct link with students is great and it gives me a different insight into Unifrog.

What made you want to work for Unifrog?

I’ll go with the classic ‘I wish I had access to a resource like this when I was at school.’ I actually ended up dropping out of my first degree programme and reapplying. Even though I finished that one and had some great experiences, I still felt that it wasn’t necessarily the best fit for me. It wasn’t until I went on to do a postgrad that I found myself studying something I absolutely loved in a perfect environment. It’s very easy to go through the motions and not be critical or analytical about what you want to do or how to get to where you want to be, so the more resources students have like Unifrog, the better off they’ll be!

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

Probably snake. I don’t think snake is particularly unusual, but the experience was. I was in Vietnam and had been recommended ‘Snake Village’ as a great place to visit. The whole place was meant to be snake themed, but when we got there, it was just one restaurant with a bunch of snakes! It wasn’t what we were expecting, but it took us so long to get there that we stayed anyway. I’m happy to eat pretty much anything and would probably eat snake again, but it was more of a novelty than a really delicious meal.

Other than that, I guess haggis is unusual. Non-Scots get pretty weirded out by it, but for me it’s normal for special occasions. Of course nowadays you can just buy it wrapped in plastic rather than the more traditional sheep's stomach. Still, it is great served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes).

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

I love travelling - who doesn’t?! I think one of my favourite places I’ve ever been to is Japan. I got a cheap train pass that lets you go anywhere on the condition that you take the slow trains instead of the highspeed ones. I saw many of the big cities and lovely countryside, but for a tenth of the price. I loved being able to travel by old-fashioned, rickety trains at my own pace. My favourite place in Japan is probably Osaka - it has a big city vibe but is more accessible, and you’re right in the centre of lots of other places to visit.

Rebecca Scannapieco, Partner Management Lead

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).

Robyn Smith, Head of 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.

Simran Pooni, New Business Lead

What do you enjoy most about working at Unifrog?

Firstly, the platform itself is amazing and has helped thousands of students and teachers with all things careers. As part of my role here at Unifrog, I get to speak to schools and colleges across the UK and explain how the platform can benefit them. It's a great feeling when they decide to come on board. The second thing I enjoy most is how supportive the team are - everyone always takes the time to celebrate each other’s successes. 

How would you describe working in the office?

Working in the office is great! It's sociable but also definitely a productive environment where sometimes we stick our headphones in and power through all our work. The office has lots of plants and a very colourful mural full of frogs that was painted by Alex and Coralie. There’s around 12 of us who work in the London office Monday - Friday and it's always a pleasure when other members of the team pop in for the day.

What have you ticked off your bucket list so far?

The first thing that I ticked off was Skydiving. I've also been on the fastest roller coaster in the world (Formula Rossa in Abu Dhabi) and bungee jumped in Whistler, Canada!

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why?

Mexico - it's been my favourite place I've travelled to so far - the people are so lovely and friendly. I live for the sunny weather, Mexican food and I’m obsessed with Reggaeton music.

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, Head of UK Partnerships

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!