Sue MacGillivray
Sue MacGillivray has had an interesting and varied career since graduating, including setting up her own private life coaching consultancy.
| Name |
Sue MacGillivray |
| Degree Course |
BSc Biochemistry |
| Year of Graduation |
1987 |
Your time at the University
I had recently moved to Scotland from the North-East of England and was keen to explore other cities. I remembering coming to Edinburgh University’s Open Day and just knowing that was the place of study and city for me.
My favourite memories include making great friends, many of whom I have today, Cowan House halls of residence and the refectory, Potter’s Bar, Chambers Street and the walk to King’s Buildings from Appleton Tower. It includes fun and learning in the labs, intensive studying in the library, lecturers, great enjoyment, and hard work too!
Probably the highlight of my time in Edinburgh however was my train ride across the Forth Rail Bridge in the driver’s cabin. The sight of so many rivets in the awesome structure and the spectacular 180◦ view of the Firth of Forth will probably remain with me forever.
I have evolved through my experience and thank Edinburgh University for giving me that firm footing and belief.
Tell us about your Experiences since leaving the University
I have had an exciting, interesting and very varied career since graduating in the 80’s. Although I have never directly used my degree subject…
Initially I moved to London and joined Sainsbury’s on their Retail Graduate Management Programme which included amongst many other things, restocking the fruit and vegetable department- my favourite. I moved a couple of years later to Kent and the Nat West Bank (now part of RBS) where I was involved in all aspects of domestic and international banking, relocating back to Edinburgh in the early 90’s.
From there I joined Abbey National (now Santander) in Glasgow as a Team Manager working again in a range of departments including customer service, sales, branch liaison and telephone banking. After a redundancy and undertaking some further personal study and qualifications in counselling, psychology and personal performance coaching I was recruited by the digital communications chain O2 where I looked after teams and was involved in overseeing the launch of the very first iPhone! I resigned to work at a local college and later a university providing student support whilst setting up my own private life coaching consultancy. Life Coaching Solutions which I have run since 2008.
My current work involves coaching my private clients on a one to one basis to create a life they love through positive change, running workshops for third sector and corporate organisations, business coaching, supporting students and extensive media contribution through TV, radio, magazine and newspaper. I have evolved through my experience and thank Edinburgh University for giving me that firm footing and belief.
Alumni wisdom
Believe in yourself, you can do it!