Welcome to this episode of Her Power Series, featuring Dr. Jodie Boyd, Subject Area Lead (Education) and School Director for International at the University of Huddersfield. Jodie was the first member of her immediate family to attend university, earning a BA in Sociology, an MSc in Career Guidance. Her PhD focussed on the role of career guidance and open days on university choices. In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Her journey from “first-gen” student to higher-ed leader
• Practical strategies for resilience, mentorship, and work-life balance
• A behind-the-scenes look at Huddersfield’s career services and distance-learning MA degree
• The university’s holistic wellbeing and belonging initiatives for students

Timeline:

• 01:05 – 09:42 | Jodie’s Career Journey
• 09:43 – 19:48 | Career Advice Resilience in a fast-changing market; women’s & international student barriers; equity ≠ equality; find mentors, say “yes” (with boundaries)
• 19:48 – 26:31 | Work–Life Balance PhD + family + Work: embrace flexibility; plan rigorously; set boundaries; Huddersfield’s PhD workload policy & Athena Swan initiatives
• 26:31 – 30:14 | Wellbeing & Belonging at Huddersfield Hybrid Student Services counselling; Personal Academic Tutor check-ins; Board in Hood events & therapy dogs
• 30:15 – 37:50 | Huddersfield Careers Services Dedicated careers consultants; Graduate Career Explorer tool; international drop-ins for visas & sponsorship; AI & skills-focused curriculum; Global Professional Award & ICCDE launch
• 37:50 – 47:22 | Huddersfield Distance MA Programme 100% online MA in Career Development & Employability; live lectures; dual school/HE pathways; global community & virtual placements
• 47:22 – 49:27 | What is “Her Power”? Visibility, support & giving back; advice: step out of your comfort zone, overcome imposter syndrome