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Alumni Stories

A group of alumni networking at the social event

Salford alumni reconnect at London social

Salford graduates came together in London for an evening of memories, conversation and reconnection at our latest Alumni Social, hosted by Vice-Chancellor Professor Nic Beech. Held at Under the Arch at Comptoir Bakery, the social brought together alumni from different decades, industries and walks of life. It was a chance to catch up with the […]

Julie Valentine

Julie Valentine: Helping people to find their voice

For Julie Valentine, studying at Salford was never just about performance. It was about finding her voice, something she now helps others to do. From her early days on the BA in Media & Performance to returning later for an MA in Music Performance, Salford became a space to explore something deeper. That idea of […]

Richard Ikin receiving his MBE

Richard Ikin MBE: Supporting the next generation at Salford

After being awarded an MBE for services to farming, agriculture and industry, University of Salford alumnus Richard Ikin is still doing what he’s always done best, supporting the next generation at Salford. A 1991 graduate in Human Resource Management, Richard was recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours 2025 and received his award from HRH The […]

Nandipa

Nandipa Zajiji-Mntonintshi: Improving financial access in South Africa

After graduating from the University of Salford in 2024, alumna Nandipa Zajiji-Mntonintshi returned to South Africa with a clear focus on impact. Now working in a senior credit risk role while pursuing a PhD in Development Finance, her work centres on improving access to funding for small businesses. She shares how her time at Salford […]

Richard Houghton and musician Paul Weller

Richard Houghton: Turning a part-time MA into a career in music publishing

Alumnus Richard Houghton studied part-time at the University of Salford as a mature student, balancing his course with work and family life. It wasn’t just a chance to develop his writing, it gave him the confidence and discipline to turn it into a career later on. Now Managing Director of Spenwood Books, Richard (pictured above […]

Jake Thompson

Jake Thompson: Building a career in social marketing

Jake Thompson graduated from the University of Salford in 2017 with a BA (Hons) Graphic Design. Today he is Creative Director at global social marketing agency Spin, leading creative teams and shaping campaigns for major brands. He reflects on his time at Salford, the journey that followed, and the lessons that have stayed with him. […]

Stuart Johnston

Stuart Johnston: Talks his international career

Choosing where to study is a big decision that can impact the direction of your life and career in ways you might not expect. For Stuart Johnston, deciding to study an MSc in Management Practice came after a recommendation from his employer at the time. Here, he experienced a supportive learning environment and was encouraged […]

Alumni speaking at careers event

Alumni return to give insight on freelancing in creative careers

On Wednesday 11 February, we welcomed alumni back to our New Adelphi building for a Creative Careers & Freelancing event, bringing together graduates and current students for an afternoon of panel discussions and honest reflections on working in industry and what to expect after graduation. The Careers Panel featured alumni Andy Lochtie (Lumos Digital) and […]

Roman Mendez head shot

Roman Mendez: Studying while working and using that experience to support others

Balancing full-time work with postgraduate study isn’t easy, but for Roman Mendez, it became the foundation for everything that followed. After graduating with an MSc in Global Management in 2024, he now works at Accenture, delivering large-scale projects for Meta, alongside publishing a book and running a YouTube channel, The Achiever’s Toolkit. In this blog, […]