Career Insight Day

• Senior Designer IMG

Lara Di Ferdinando is a Senior Designer at IMG's Digital team, working with top sports organisations like the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Dolphins, NHL, and the R&A. Her designs cater to audiences across Europe, the US, and the Middle East. Lara began her career as a graphic designer at Saracens Rugby Club in 2017, driven by her passion for sport and design. She holds an MA in Design Innovation from the Glasgow School of Art.

• MSc Digital Innovation Management
• Brand Specialist Amazon

• Ocado Technology

Josh is a Strategy Associate at Ocado Technology, who are pioneering artificial intelligence, robotics and automation within the retail logistics industry. Previously Josh worked in innovation consulting at Accenture, helping clients to develop new product offerings and market strategies. He has a passion for creative ideation, workshop design, and facilitation.

• MSc Cyber Security and Big Data
• EY

Awele Onwudinjo is a Technology Consultant within EY’s AI & Data competency, specializing in Data Engineering, Cloud Infrastructure, and IT Service Management, with experience across both public and private sectors. She is also a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), playing an active role in advancing these initiatives at EY. Awele leads efforts within the international community at EY, fostering empowerment and inclusion across the organization. Awele holds a B.Sc. in Computer Science and an M.Sc. in Cybersecurity and Big Data (Distinction) from Loughborough University London.

• MSc AI and Data Analytics
• Senior Associate BMS AG

Akshatha Ilangovan is currently completing her MSc in AI and Data Analytics at Loughborough University London. With multidisciplinary research interests, she is passionate about exploring the role of AI in shaping digital futures, with a specific focus on technology transparency, public policy, and user privacy. With professional experiences spanning Kuwait, India, Switzerland, and the UK and a blend of technical and business skills, she brings a unique global perspective to issues facing digital technology today. During her time at Loughborough, Akshatha acquired skills related to data, digital, and design technologies which she aspires to utilise in addressing complex societal challenges through responsible innovation.

• MSc Risk Governance and International Management
• Investment Operations Officer Mirabaud Asset Management

• MSc Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management
• TDS

Juliana Martinez passionate about bridging the worlds of law, business, and creativity. With an MSc in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management from Loughborough University London, currently working at The Dispute Service Ltd, managing the adjudication process with a focus on delivering legal services in innovative and effective ways. Also, founder of Juliana Boom, an art project that explores the intersection of art, law, and technology.

• MSc International Management & Emerging Economies
• Search Consultant Techfueld

• MSc International Management
• Consultant Mace Group

I'm in the graduate program at Mace Group as a consultant, working in the development sector. I'm originally from Tanzania, giving me a unique perspective on my work. After finishing my master's in International Management at Loughborough London, I landed an exciting internship with NFG Partners in Geneva. That experience opened my eyes to how international organizations work.

At Mace Group, I use everything I've learned to help create positive changes in various projects. When I'm not at work, you'll probably find me on a padel court or a football field – I love both sports and they're a great way to unwind!

• MSc International Project Management
• Business Development Bosch UK

Andrea is pursuing her M.Sc. International Project Management at Loughborough University London while simultaneously working as a graduate in Business Development and Project Management in the automotive industry. Working as a graduate alongside her studies allows Andrea to put theory into practice. Prior to her postgraduate degree, Andrea completed a Double Degree in International Business Management, earning a degree both from Oxford Brookes University and the University of Applied Sciences Regensburg (Germany), gaining industry experience during her placement year and while working in Project Management during her final year of her undergraduate studies.

• MSc Sport Analytics and Technologies
• Data and Tactics Writer (Football) The Athletic

Anantaajith or Ananth is a Football Data and Tactics Specialist Writer for The Athletic. He was part of the MSc Sport Analytics and Technologies program during the 2023-24 academic year, working as a Student Ambassador as well. Prior to joining The Athletic this year, Ananth worked as a Football Journalist for Sportskeeda in India and as a Freelance Analyst for Total Football Analysis, with whom he did a Collaborative Dissertation.

• MSc Sustainable Sport Business
• Sustainability Project Coordinator World Athletics

In October 2022, I joined a new MSc in Sustainable Sport Business, a course that explores the environmental and social impact of sport. In December of 2023, I proudly walked across the stage to receive my diploma but without knowing much about what to do next. What followed was several interview mishaps, numerous CV changes and receiving many "thank you for your time..." emails. I now feel I am finding my feet as Sustainability Project Coordinator at World Athletics and I look forward to sharing the process with you all.

• MSc Sports Analytics & Technologies
• Delivery Manager Two Circles

Bikramjit (Joy) is a Delivery Manager at Two Circles, where he oversees Data Management & Analytics projects for global sports clients across Football, Cricket, Rugby, Tennis, Athletics, and more. He graduated with a Master's in Sports Analytics & Technologies from Loughborough University London in 2023. Prior to this, he completed an undergraduate degree in Economics, Statistics, and Sociology in India, followed by nearly four years as a Senior Analyst at a Machine Learning and Data Analytics firm. A passionate cricket and football fan, he is an avid supporter of Liverpool FC!

• MSc Sport Business & Leadership
• Consultant Monitor Deloitte

Abdulaziz Basheer is a Consultant at Monitor Deloitte, specializing in project management, digital transformation, and strategy development within the tourism and sports sectors. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Commerce from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver Canada, and a Master’s in Sports Business and Leadership from Loughborough University, London. Abdulaziz has contributed to key projects with the Saudi Football Federation and has been involved in major events such as the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2024 Qatar Asian Cup. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in developing a comprehensive scouting strategy for the football federation.

• MSc Sport Marketing
• Sport property Sales Intern CAA

• MSc Marketing
• Strategy and Growth Intern IMG    

I graduated from the University of Bath with a Bachelor's in Sport and Social Science, followed by a Master’s in Sports Marketing from Loughborough University London. After that, I took a break from education to travel solo across Southeast Asia, which was an incredible growth experience that I hope to integrate into my future career in sport. I am currently working towards publishing my Master’s dissertation alongside Holly Collison-Randall on ‘Mothers Working in the Sports Business Industry,’ and I completed a three-month internship with IMG Media’s Strategy and Growth team. I am a keen rugby player, fan, and health and fitness fanatic, and I get a real buzz from learning from and engaging with others. Now, I am looking for a role in the sports industry that motivates me to wake up excited every morning.

• Global Client Director at Purple Goat Agency

Dom Hyams is Global Client Director at Purple Goat Agency, and consults and educates internationally on a range of topics including diversity, inclusion and accessibility.

Dom joined the Purple Goat agency team in February 2021 - the world's first and only social-first inclusive marketing agency, looking to create the most progressive, representative and authentic marketing campaigns in the world by integrating disability know-how and lived-experience in all aspects of campaign development and execution.

The agency has seen tremendous growth over the last few years, with international clients including Meta, Google, Virgin Media, the EU and Strongbow to name a few.

Dom previously worked in TV, as a producer at the sports TV production company Sunset+Vine after being inducted onto the C4 production trainee scheme, working across output including the ground breaking Paralympic coverage in 2012 and 2016. He has since worked in various digital media, marketing and communications roles, which led him to Purple Goat.

He is the founding editor of the Disability Power100 - Power List of Disability, which looks to showcase the most influential disabled change-makers in society.

• MSc Design Innovation
• Service Designer BT

Hader Ali is a proud alumnus of Loughborough University, where he completed his MSc in Design Innovation in 2022. He also holds a second MSc in Innovation, Creativity, and Leadership. Currently, Hader works as a Service Designer at BT, specialising in cloud computing and digital services. In addition to his professional role, he is furthering his academic pursuits by undertaking a Doctorate of Business Administration at the University of Durham, where he is researching organisational ambidexterity and intrapreneurship.

• MSc Design Innovation
• Content and Communications Co-ordinator Reall

Nidhi Agarwal, a proud alumna of Loughborough University London, graduated with First Class honours in MSc Design Innovation in 2023. She works at Reall Limited as a Content and Communication Coordinator, creating engaging content to highlight Reall’s mission and achievements. Nidhi's role involves enhancing Reall's online presence, increasing website traffic, and driving social media engagement. Her creative touch is visible in every aspect of Reall’s storytelling and design. Previously, Nidhi has held roles as a Student Ambassador at Loughborough and Coventry University, Consultant with EdTech ClassIn, Social Media Ambassador for SI-UK GB, UX/UI Designer, and Stylist with D'Decor Exports Pvt Ltd.

• MA Global Communication and Development
• Podcaster  

• MSc Design Innovation Management
• Product Innovation Consultant RootQuotient

• MSc Security Peacebuilding and Diplomacy
• IPPF Arab Fund Regional Project Manager

• MSc Diplomacy Business and Trade
• Project Manager (London Social Venture Fund) Queen Mary University

Noureen Vadsaria is a Project Manager for the London Social Venture Fund, where she aims to develop partnerships across universities and investors to support diverse social entrepreneurs. With expertise in agile project management and social impact evaluation, she is passionate about sustainable growth and resilience in the UK’s social venture ecosystem, facilitating initiatives that empower marginalised communities, and drive meaningful social change. She graduated with postgraduate degree in MSc in diplomacy, business, and trade from Loughborough University London in 2023.

• MSc Diplomacy Business and Trade
• Private Sector Development Consultant The World Bank

Haizea works at the World Bank assisting governments promote private sector development and sustainable growth through enhancing investment climates and attracting foreign direct investment. The latter includes advancing public policy and regulatory reform through the lens of sustainability. She began her career promoting investment and trade in the government at both local (City Council of Bilbao) and international levels (Basque Government Office in Colombia). She has also worked in the private sector helping market expansion to developing countries of multinational corporations. Haizea holds an MSc in Diplomacy, International Business, and Trade from the Loughborough Institute for Diplomacy and International Affairs.

• MSc Diplomacy, Business and Trade
• Senior Operations Manager, Namene Solar

I graduated from Loughborough London in 2020  after studying MSc Diplomacy, Business and Trade. During my time at Loughborough University London I was a team leader on the collaborative project for an anti-corruption NGO, an events ambassador at Chatham House and a student ambassador.

For my dissertation, I partnered with Namene to conduct research to support their mission of empowering every community through clean technology. I am currently a Senior Operations Manager at Namene, where my focus is on the development, execution and monitoring of off-grid energy projects across Southern Africa.

• MSc Diplomacy Business and Trade
• Project Analyst CZ

Filippo Vinci, lawyer and project analyst with a master’s in Diplomacy, Business, and Trade from Loughborough University London. Currently works in international trade, focusing on the food and beverage, packaging, and energy sectors. With experience in managing and analysing complex projects, contributes to strategic initiatives within these industries.

• COO Sports Interactive 

• Plexal

• IMG