Celebrating the impact of UEL’s graduate talent
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Published
09 December 2025
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University of East London graduates working across the University were celebrated at a tea and coffee morning hosted by the Graduate Success Service (GSS) on 3 December.
The event was hosted by senior leaders, including Professor Paul Marshall, Pro-Vice Chancellor Careers & Enterprise, Professor Buge Apampa, Pro-Vice Chancellor Education & Experience, and Adam Doyle, Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor Careers and Employer Engagement.
Now in its third year, the Graduate Scheme has become a significant pathway for early career opportunities at UEL. The gathering offered a moment to reflect on the scheme’s growth, the achievements of its participants, and the wider impact graduates are making across the institution.
The morning also highlighted the University’s Careers First philosophy and Vision 2028, placing employability, opportunity, and student success at the centre of UEL’s long-term ambitions. Colleagues from academic and professional services attended to share in the celebration and strengthen cross-university connections.
Professor Paul Marshall underlined the strategic importance of the scheme in his address, noting that graduates bring lived experience directly into the University’s decision-making and evolution.
He said,
Our Graduate Scheme is vital because it brings the real, lived experiences of our recent graduates directly into the heart of how the University evolves."
“It ensures that students’ voices shape meaningful, long-term change, and that the journey from study to career is informed by those who have walked it most recently. By working with our graduates, we are not only supporting their futures, but we are also strengthening the future of the University itself.
”Offering advice to graduates preparing for the next stage of their careers, Professor Buge Apampa encouraged a balance of authenticity and preparation. “Be kind to yourself and to others because kindness builds strong teams and inclusive workplaces,” she said. “But alongside kindness, prepare relentlessly… Every experience is a learning opportunity, and when you believe in your own value, there is truly no limit to what you can achieve.”
Joe Bowden, Student Services Evaluation Co-ordinator, described the scheme as transformational.
“The Graduate Success Scheme has given me a huge opportunity to expand my knowledge and further myself. It is giving me the experience and confidence to be able to get through those doors. The benefits of working for UEL while also being a part of an apprenticeship and being paid to do both is a genuinely incredible opportunity.”
Jonas Caldwell, Graduate ACI Project Manager, who joined in August, said, “So far it has been a good experience because I am getting work experience in my field and learning new skills, such as working towards deadlines. I am also creating content for ACI, which is what I want to do in the future. It is a privilege, so I'm grateful to be in the scheme.”
Speaking on behalf of the organising team, Graduate Success Officer Nour Amin said the morning was a chance to recognise the scheme’s growing footprint.
“This was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our graduates and the difference they are making across the University. It also allowed colleagues to reflect on how the Graduate Scheme supports Vision 2028 and our shared commitment to student and graduate success.”
By offering paid roles across a wide range of departments, the Graduate Scheme continues to support social mobility, remove barriers to opportunity, and strengthen the University’s ambition to be the UK’s leading careers-focused university.
For more information, contact graduatesuccess@uel.ac.uk.