Alumni

Alyssa leads a team of over 70 undergraduate and postgraduate engineers. In June 2025, she travelled to the Mojave Desert in California with her team to launch a two-stage rocket.  

“Project Sunride has set me up for my dream career in the launch industry, however I was only accepted into the team because of the project management experience I gained by being a part of Zawadi during my later years at St. Aidan’s. Without that opportunity to develop skills outside of a classroom setting, I wouldn’t be where I am now!” 

Both Nina and Dot graduated with first-class honours from their respective universities in the summer of 2025. Having studied together in the same French and Spanish classes throughout school, they reflect fondly on their time at St. Aidan's and as part of the Associated Sixth Form. Their passion for languages was consolidated during Year 8 and continued to develop each subsequent year. They are now both looking to continue using their language skills in their careers. This year, Nina is studying for a master's degree in Conference Interpreting and Professional Translation to support her aim of working for an international institution in the future, while Dot is undertaking a PGCE in Secondary Education to become a teacher of Modern Languages and inspire the next generation of language students. 

Dot Sanders - Spanish and Linguistics, University of Edinburgh 

Nina Richmond - Modern Languages and Cultures, Durham University 

George Claydon graduated with an Engineering Masters from Liverpool University and is now an Engineering Officer.  

“I was really fortunate to visit RAF Linton-on-Ouse with the Science faculty, which originally sparked my interest for a career in the RAF. This visit, alongside several extra-curricular STEM events provided by the Association, such as the Royal Aeronautical Society's Falcon Initiative, inspired me to pursue engineering at university. I was supported by so many amazing staff at every step to ensure that I pushed myself academically in order to achieve my goals. The guidance I received from the Careers Department ensured that I also focused on developing beyond the classroom, by engaging with schemes such as The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, to give myself a well-rounded CV and prepare me for later life. Many of the skills I learnt during my time at the Association helped me throughout university, and I still apply them in the challenges that I face in my career today.” 

“I had always aspired to work in the motor industry, so I was thrilled when my school arranged a one week placement for me at MINI. That experience opened the door to further opportunities and shortly afterwards, I was contacted by BMW and offered a weekend position, which later led to a full sales apprenticeship. I’m incredibly grateful to the school’s careers department for all their support in helping me take my first steps into the industry.” 

I attended St. Aidan’s from 2002 to 2009, where I studied Religious Studies & Ethics, Biology, Psychology, and PE at A Level before heading to university. During my time at school and university, I wasn’t entirely sure which career path I wanted to pursue. I focused on doing my best in my exams, trusting that if I worked hard, things would fall into place.

After graduating from university, I took the first opportunity to enter the world of work. I joined a fashion house specialising in wedding dresses, based in NYC, but working from their UK office in Harrogate. My role involved sending dresses to magazine photo shoots and bridal boutique events, as well as dressing models at catwalk shows during the major event at the Harrogate Conference Centre.

I later moved on and took a leap of faith by accepting a temporary position with a software company in their Human Resources department. This was a field I hadn’t encountered before and knew little about. It turned out to be the best decision I ever made.

As an HR Administrator, I discovered a career that truly aligned with my strengths and interests. While working at a company that grew rapidly during the tech boom, I completed HR qualifications and had the opportunity to work in both Spain and San Francisco. Over five years, I developed my skills, built my confidence, and earned several promotions. I then transitioned to a large legal firm, taking on an international HR role supporting offices around the globe, which allowed me to further refine my expertise. Afterward, I stepped up to a larger tech company, where I achieved some of my proudest career milestones. During this time, I also became a mum, and I am passionate about supporting working mothers to ensure career goals can be balanced with family commitments.

Earlier this year, I began my current role as Group People & HR Director at a digital marketing agency. I’m thoroughly enjoying this position and making sure to pause and reflect on the journey that brought me here.

My advice to anyone considering their future is not to worry about finding the perfect career before you start. Sometimes, your career finds you. The best investment you can make is in yourself: keep growing, developing your skills, and always believe in yourself.