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

In this special festive episode of Global Frontiers, we chat with Oskar Gabryel, a Tourism and Events Management graduate from Northumbria University, about the real experience of studying in the UK. From the excitement and challenges of university life during the pandemic to balancing academics and personal growth, Oskar shares honest insights on adapting to a new culture and building a career in social media.

We also explore how Christmas feels different when you’re far from home — talking about the lively UK holiday spirit with Poland’s family-focused traditions. Whether you’re preparing to study abroad or just curious about UK's study life, this episode offers warmth, advice and festive cheer.

Grab a cozy drink and join us for a heartfelt conversation about growth and finding your own version of home during the holidays.

In this episode, our host sits down with Aneena Elza Binod, a graduate of the University of Bristol (MSc in Management – International Business), TEDx speaker, AI fashion creator, and recipient of the Bristol Plus Award.

Aneena shares her inspiring journey from India to the UK — including how she ran for a student society election before even arriving in the country, turned volunteering and micro-internships into CV experiences, and discovered the power of creativity through AI fashion and public speaking.

She also talks about receiving multiple university offers (including a scholarship from the University of Liverpool), but why she chose Bristol instead, and how she found belonging, confidence, and purpose along the way.

If you’re an international student — or planning to become one — this episode is packed with practical advice on scholarships, networking, and making the most of every opportunity.