Alumni Services

eMentor Profile | Amy Clow

Widening Participation Officer Amy Clow talks about her career in Higher Education and explains why you should join as many societies as you can.

Name Amy Clow
Degree Course Religious Studies
Year of Graduation 2008

Your time at the University

Amy Clow

I fell in love with Edinburgh when I visited the city on a school trip, and when I went for university I was not disappointed. The city is two cities in one - the city where you study and live the student life and then the city where there is New Year Street Party and the Fringe in the Summer. Being at a University which offers both is unique and wonderful experience.

One of the great things about being at Edinburgh is there are so many opportunities. My two most memorable experiences were being a Student Ambassador and my involvement in Nightline. Nightline is such a special society as all the members are so welcoming and friendly, and my memories of not only helping people but all the weekends away we had will stay with me forever. Being a Student Ambassador was fantastic, as you got to tell people how great the university is, from the deep discussions in a tutorial to joining societies.

University is one of the only times is your life when you can try new things and spend whole Summers working in America or travelling Thailand. Camp America was a great way to spend Summer, as I not only got to see a new county and make new friends but it gave me valuable work experience whilst having fun.

Tell us about your Experiences since leaving the University

During my time at university I was a Student Ambassador, this showed me that I wanted to help young people see the benefits of Higher Education and therefore after graduation I was fortunate to get a job in the Student Recruitment and Admissions department at Edinburgh. The skills I had learnt at university, such presenting and working to deadlines, were developed in this job and set me up a career within the Higher Education sector.

One of the great things about being at Edinburgh is there are so many opportunities.

Amy ClowWidening Participation Officer

I have worked at the University of York as a Widening Participation Officer since 2009. Working with young people and showing them the benefits of HE is a very rewarding job, there is never a dull moment working with a group of 14 year olds!

The job is very diverse -one day I can be contributing to the university strategy on recruiting students to HE, the next I can be talking to 11 year olds about their dream job. I am now also a School Governor at a local Secondary School, which not only helps me in my current job but has shown me that I want to pursue a career in the Education sector.

Alumni wisdom

Join as many societies as you can- they allow you to meet lots of different and interesting people as well as having lots of fun! They also help add lots of skills to your CV, and show that you have made the most from your time at university.

Also take lots of photographs!