Meet the team

Claire Aydogan

Claire Aydogan is the Head of Careers at The University of Huddersfield. A highly accomplished professional responsible for leading and overseeing the strategic direction of career services. With a proven track record in career development and a deep understanding of the evolving job market. Her expertise lies in designing and implementing comprehensive career programs, fostering partnerships with employers, and delivering innovative career resources and support. Working closely with students, alumni, academics, and staff to provide guidance, mentorship, and tailored services that align with individual goals and aspirations. Her dedication to promoting career readiness and lifelong learning contributes to the success and professional growth of the individuals the Careers and Employability service serves.

Claire Worley

"I am an experienced HE professional and educator with over 15 years employment in the HE sector as a social researcher and lecturer. My academic background is in the social sciences, specifically relating to issues of race, ethnicity and gender.

I am passionate about making a difference and promoting equality and inclusion, whether this is through supporting students at university or connecting with local community groups to help challenge poverty, inequalities and disadvantage.

Through my post as a GPA trainer, my focus is on encouraging, inspiring and enabling students to achieve their personal and career aspirations, and in supporting our graduates to become globally and socially aware citizens who can make a positive contribution to our everyday world."

Gabby Skeldon

"I'm Gabby, and I'm a Trainer on the Global Professional Award Team. In previous roles, I've worked as part of anti-homophobic, bi-phobic and transphobic bullying teams to deliver training to hundreds of schools across Yorkshire and the Humber, empowering school staff to challenge bullying. I've also designed a gender equality project to be rolled out across schools in North Yorkshire. With a background in equality and diversity. I'm passionate about ensuring all students are supported in their career journeys, both during and after university! When I'm not working on the GPA, I write and edit YA novels."

Rachael Whittles

"As a long-standing member of Staff and Alumnus of the University of Huddersfield, I am committed to ensuring all students have the opportunity to have fulfilling lives and understand the importance of the role that Higher Education plays in this.

Working as a Trainer for the GPA program has allowed me to expand upon my experience of supporting students with Wellbeing and Disability issues and offer an inclusive experience of supporting all students achieve their potential and make the most of their time at University.  The GPA program is a fantastic opportunity for students to develop their employability and enterprising skills and find strategies to build mental health resilience, all of which supports them to become Global Professionals of the future."

Kathryn Brook

"After working in a School at the University of Huddersfield for several years I have recently joined the Global Professional Award Team as an administrator. I am impressed with the range of subjects taught on the GPA course and the extra skills it provides students with during their studies at the University of Huddersfield and will be a unique and valuable qualification for graduates when applying for jobs along with their undergraduate degree. I would encourage all students to participate on the course to enhance their learning and to make the most of this opportunity offered to them during their time here."

Rani Brook

"After working in another department at the university for several years, I wanted a new challenge and also to work more directly with students. I joined the GPA team and really believe in what the award is trying to achieve for our students. As someone who never really knew where or what they wanted to end up doing in life, I hope the skills and knowledge the GPA brings to our students helps them establish and achieve their goals for the future and I am looking forward to helping make our programme a success."

Renique Harriott

"Hi I am Renique. I work as a Global Professional Award Administrative Assistant. I graduated from the University of Huddersfield in 2020 and started working with the university in 2021 on the Kickstart scheme. I have always wanted to be a teacher as such I am planning to go back to university to study a PGCE whilst I continue to work alongside the GPA team.

As I really enjoyed my time working with the University of Huddersfield when I had the opportunity to join the GPA team I jumped at the chance. I believe that the GPA is an exciting programme, and I would have loved to have done the programme myself if it was available during my time at university."

I’m Heba, without much stress on the ‘e’ :) My background is in linguistics, education and dialogue facilitation. Even though these may sound like separate different fields, I always see the connection; it is the SKILLS!

Having spent equal number of years teaching/researching and dialogue facilitating I realised the importance of soft skills regardless of our academic background. Also, my own experience of working alongside my PhD made me see how transferrable skills bridge the gap between education and employability.

This is why I’m here as a GPA trainer! I’m passionate about helping ALL students to see this connection, where the personal and professional growth intersects. To equip them with a breadth of transferrable skills that assist them to thrive not only in professional settings but also in their personal environments.