Meet Ellen

Combined Honours BA (Business and Chinese), Class of 2017

Introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about what you've done since graduating

My name is Ellen. I graduated in 2017 with a Combined Honours degree (Business and Chinese) where I used my experience and skillset to begin a career in the world of technology.

I started in London at a global IT SI company, moved to Singapore for a project based in Asia and now live full time in Qatar where I work for Microsoft in AI and Cybersecurity.

Find out more about my course, Combined Honours BA Honours

Why did you choose to study at Newcastle University?

For me, Newcastle felt like a home away from home. The access to learning, lecturers and other amazing students from around the world were fantastic.

Also the city itself had such a positive and friendly energy; there was always something to do and Newcastle offered one of the best student experiences when it came to student life/academic balance.

How do you think your course prepared you for your chosen career?

My year abroad in Shanghai certainly gave me a lot of new skills: problem solving, trying new things out of my comfort zone and being in a totally new language/culture where I’m not just surviving but thriving.

The technology industry is changing so rapidly, it’s important to pivot and adapt in order to stay relevant. I’m also now working in the Middle East which is another culture and language experience for me - luckily I’ve done this before so know what to expect and can hit the ground running.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Newcastle University?

The people and my year abroad in China.

Describe your time at Newcastle University in three words

太好了！

Related student stories

Morgan

Modern Languages BA (Spanish and Japanese), Class of 2021

Newcastle has some great partner universities and I was able to attend a fantastic university in Tokyo, the International Christian University (ICU).

Marsha

Modern Languages BA (Japanese and Spanish), Class of 2025

It not only improved my linguistic skills, but also provided me with the knowledge and cultural context needed to succeed within a Japanese company.

Laura

Modern Languages BA (French, German and Spanish), Class of 2022

I spent a year doing work experience in a primary school in Berlin and travelling around Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

Zixiao

Translating & Interpreting MA (Chinese and English), Class of 2020

Since graduating, I've been engaged in various professional roles that leverage my expertise.

David

Japanese Studies BA, Class of 2025

After graduation I entered the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Programme as a Coordinator for International Relations.

A tram travels down a tree-lined city street in autumn, with fallen leaves on the wet pavement. The street is flanked by buildings with arched windows.

Niall

Modern Languages BA (French, Spanish and Portuguese), Class of 2014

Upon obtaining my postgraduate degree, I accepted an internship in the Verbatim Reporting Service at UN Headquarters in New York.

Person working at a computer game screen

Victoria

Modern Languages BA (Spanish and Japanese), Class of 2012

Japan kept calling my name so I am now working in SEGA Corporation in Tokyo.

Shanghai skyline at night, featuring brightly lit skyscrapers with colorful lights, including the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, reflecting in the Huangpu River.

Rachael

Modern Languages BA (Chinese and French), Class of 2012

Since moving to Yunnan, I've shifted to freelance work as a translator, proofreader, copywriter and video editor.

Anna

Modern Languages BA (French and Spanish), Class of 2023

Straight after graduating, I moved to Colombia to teach English as part of the British Council Language Assistant.

See other profiles