What Do You Actually Do?

UoY Careers and Placements
  • 5.0 (13)
  • Careers
  • Monthly

Find out what people actually do in their jobs, the skills they use and how they got there. A podcast from the Careers and Placements team at the University of York.

  1. From Biology Degree to NHS Scientist with Olivia Rhodes

    29 Apr

    From Biology Degree to NHS Scientist with Olivia Rhodes

    This episode of What Do You Actually Do? features Olivia Rhodes. After completing her degree in Biology at the University of York, she joined the NHS Scientist Training Programme as a trainee Clinical Scientist. She shares what it’s like to work in healthcare science, explaining her rotations across areas such as Aseptics, Quality Assurance, and Radiopharmacy, and how these roles contribute to patient care. Liv discusses her journey from a Biology degree and an industry placement at Reckitt, to securing a place on the competitive STP. Olivia's Bio After graduating from York in July 2025, I began working for the NHS on the Scientist Training Programme. My specialism is pharmaceutical sciences and my current rotation is in the Quality Assurance Team! Useful links and transcript

    30 min
  2. Finance in International Development with Adrian Poffley

    15 Apr

    Finance in International Development with Adrian Poffley

    In this episode Kate speaks with Adrian Poffley, a Chief Administrative Officer at the World Bank Group, about the realities of working in finance within international development. Find out what the World Bank does, how financial decisions translate into global impact, and what a senior finance role looks like day-to-day. Adrian also shares his career journey from private sector accounting to global development, the skills needed to succeed in large international organisations, and practical advice for students hoping to enter the sector. Adrian's Bio Adrian has been at The World Bank in Washington DC since 2003 in a variety of senior finance positions, working with internal leaders to deliver results through high quality financial and business planning, analysis and performance management. Prior to joining the Bank, he worked in the UK for two international NGOs, as Director of Finance & Support Services at Sightsavers, and Chief Accountant at Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO). He has served as a trustee on the board of several major charities, is the author of "Income to Impact: The Financial Stewardship of Not-for-Profit and Public Sector Organizations", and is a Fellow of The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. He graduated from the University of York with a BA (Hons) Economics. Transcript and useful links

    46 min
  3. A Career in Cyber Security with Phil Venables

    18 Mar

    A Career in Cyber Security with Phil Venables

    In this episode, Phil Venables, Partner at Ballistic Ventures, explains how early-stage venture capital supports cybersecurity startups. His firm invests in new companies and works closely with founders to develop ideas, build teams, and grow successful businesses. Drawing on his career—from software engineering to senior cybersecurity roles at major organisations including Google—Phil highlights what it takes to succeed in cybersecurity. While the work can be demanding, it offers a strong sense of purpose, as professionals help protect critical systems, businesses, and society from growing digital threats. Phil's Bio Phil is a Partner at Ballistic Ventures working on early stage cyber investments Previously, Phil was the first Chief Information Security Officer of Google Cloud where he led the risk, security, compliance, and privacy teams and drove many AI security initiatives. Before joining Google, he was a Partner at Goldman Sachs where he held multiple roles over a long career, initially as their first Chief Information Security Officer, a role he held for 17 years. Prior to this he was in security, engineering, software development roles at a number of defense, energy and finance companies. Useful links and transcript

    23 min
  4. Social Research in the Civil Service with Matt Smith

    4 Mar

    Social Research in the Civil Service with Matt Smith

    In this episode, Kate chats with Matt Smith, Senior Research Officer at HMRC, about his role in social research within the Civil Service. From interviewing members of the public about tax changes to managing large-scale research projects, Matt explains how social researchers help shape real-world policy decisions. He talks about the day-to-day realities of civil service careers, the value of curiosity and patience in research, and how a career in the Civil Service doesn’t have to start with the Fast Stream Useful links and transcript

    29 min
  5. What Do You Actually Do? Unearthing Careers in Heritage with Isabelle Diggle

    05/12/2025

    What Do You Actually Do? Unearthing Careers in Heritage with Isabelle Diggle

    In this episode, Finds Liaison Officer Isabelle Diggle explains her role in the Portable Antiquities Scheme, where she records archaeological objects found by the public, manages Treasure Act cases, and conducts heritage outreach. She talks about career paths in archaeology, the skills that matter and gives great advice for anyone hoping to break into the heritage sector. Useful links and transcript

    22 min
  6. What Do You Actually Do? Indie Games and XR Design with Yasmina Fadel

    21/11/2025

    What Do You Actually Do? Indie Games and XR Design with Yasmina Fadel

    In this episode Kate chats to Yasmina Fadel, Co-director of XR studio Maximalist, about working in immersive tech and being an entrepreneur. She shares insights on the future of XR and AI, and her top advice for students breaking into the sector.  Yasmina's Bio I am Yasmina Fadel, a games producer with a proven track record in fostering connectivity and focus within remote teams. Over the course of my career, I've had the privilege of assuming diverse interdisciplinary roles, providing me with comprehensive insights into game development from various perspectives.  Useful links and transcript

    31 min
  7. Entrepreneurship and working in direct marketing with Tom Kelton

    15/10/2025

    Entrepreneurship and working in direct marketing with Tom Kelton

    In this episode Kate chats to Tom Kelton, CEO and Co-founder of Pentaro, a telemarketing and business development agency. Tom discusses how he co-founded Pentaro and explains the company’s rapid growth, the skills and mindset required to run a business, and the impact of his university studies. The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities in the telemarketing industry, including the rise of AI, and Tom’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Transcript and useful links

    21 min
  8. Working in Heritage and Education at The Rowntree Society

    01/10/2025

    Working in Heritage and Education at The Rowntree Society

    This week Kate chats with Nick Smith, Executive Director of The Rowntree Society. Nick talks about how The Rowntree Society shares it's history and connects it to today’s issues plus he touches on the realities of running a nonprofit including funding, volunteers, and digital storytelling. Listen for top advice for students & graduates wanting to break into this sector and why transferable skills can help you succeed. Nick's Bio Originally from Bedworth, just north of Coventry, I studied BSc Archaeology at Bournemouth University graduating in 2004. After solo travels around Europe working in retail, social care and as an archaeologist, I moved to York in 2008 to study part time for my MA in Medieval Archaeology at the University of York. I graduated with distinction but was unable to continue my studies due to lack of financial support. I continued to work in social care and retail, becoming a manager for both before being able to combine my heritage related education and management skills in my current role at The Rowntree Society. I am dyslexic and have experienced periods of mental ill health which I have had to navigate throughout my work.  Transcript and useful links

    23 min
See All (97)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Find out what people actually do in their jobs, the skills they use and how they got there. A podcast from the Careers and Placements team at the University of York.

Information

  • Creator
    UoY Careers and Placements
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    97
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © UoY Careers and Placements
  • Show Website
    What Do You Actually Do?