Join us for an inspiring and inclusive panel session to celebrate diversity, share lived experiences, and enhance allyship. Recent graduates and industry leaders will share their insights on navigating barriers and challenges in recruitment and the workplace, their stories of success and inspiration, and tips on communicating confidently and bringing your true self to work.

Our Panellists

Frances Thompson – Hi! I work as a Social Media Coordinator at MDPI in Manchester and am a recent graduate of MSc Marketing. I love all things social, design and creativity. I have a long-term spinal condition which has left me physically disabled, so I have encountered many personal barriers when searching for suitable roles and employers. However, I want to share my experiences and tips to help other students navigate similar barriers and gain successful entry into employment!

Hannah Bhatti – I graduated from MMU in 2021 with a First Class Law Degree and then successfully completed the LPC in 2022. Throughout my time at MMU, I got involved with an array of Pro Bono and voluntary opportunities, including taking up a position as Mooting Officer for the MLS Law Society.

Since completing my studies at MMU, I discovered passion for Criminal Law, which I have deepened through my employment experiences within the Criminal Justice System. I firstly gained employment as an Usher at the Manchester Crown Court in 2021. I then joined the CPS as a Paralegal in 2022, working on a large number of cases, ranging from low level Either Way offences to high profile Indictable matters. After two very insightful and enjoyable years at the CPS, I decided take on a new Challenge and moved to Tuckers Solicitors as a Trainee Criminal Defence Solicitor.

Peace Olanrewaju – My name is Peace Olanrewaju, I describe myself as creative in the community as I curate inclusive events and projects for young people in Manchester. My passion lies in creating spaces and bridging the gap between communities by promoting cultural literacy and diversity in my collaborative work. We believe in “If an idea doesn’t exist, create it” and here we are, creating a unique experience for young people to unleash their creative side and engage in uplifting conversation that amplifies their experience as global ethnic majorities in the UK.

Zeb Saeed – I graduated from MMU in 2005 studying Business IT & Management. My professional career got off to a bumpy start and it wasn’t what I’d hoped it’d be post-graduation. I finally started to settle around 2008 and gradually forged an IT Consultant/Contractor career. I have worked in many sectors with diverse range of people, learned many new ways of working & communication and often learned most of my skills correcting my initial mistakes.

I am a devoted husband and a father of four, most recently blessed with a baby five months ago. My life & motivation is centred around my family and my real “work” starts when I finish my working day. My faith plays a pivotal role, and it is a way of life for me. It’s taught me many things but most importantly empathy and patience, two of the most important qualities an individual should aim to have.

Event Format: Panel discussion followed by audience Q&A and informal networking.

Accessibility: We are committed to making this event as inclusive as possible. Accessibility measures in place already include wheelchair access, use of a microphone, and the option to ask questions verbally or digitally during the event. Find out more about the building and room (Business School, G.27) on the Building Access Map. If you need any additional adjustments or further confirmation of the setup, please contact buslawcareers@mmu.ac.uk at least 24 hours before the event. We will also do our best to accommodate any requests made on the day of the event, so speak to a member of staff if there is anything we can do to support your participation.

Associated Badges: