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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this episode, Kate is joined by Leah Tharpe, who works as an independent Art Appraiser with Tharpe and Fairchild LLC. As well as a fine art specialist with Copley Fine Art Auctions and is also currently undertaking a PhD.

Leah explains what the day to day role looks like, the key skills that are required and the joys and challenges of her work.

Leah's Bio

Leah C. Tharpe is a third-year PhD researcher at the University of York, supervised by Jason Edwards. Her research focuses on Australian frontier landscapes from the nineteenth century. She attended the Courtauld Institute of Art in London as a Deborah Loeb Brice Scholar, and is a graduate of Princeton University, where she was awarded the Stella and Rensselaer W. Lee Senior Thesis Prize and the Grace May Tilton Prize in Fine Arts for her senior thesis on American painter Charles Burchfield. She is also an accredited independent fine art appraiser and auction house specialist in sporting and wildlife art.Useful links and transcript

In this episode, Kate meets Flora Palmer. Flora is a current University of York student who is on placement year at the Walt Disney Company, working on production and operations for National Geographic.

Flora describes her role, the skills and qualities she has developed and how this experience has helped her shape her future career ideas. Kate and Flora also discuss taking the initiative and going for a goal!

Flora's Bio

I’m Flora, I’m an undergrad History of Art student, currently working in Production and Operations with National Geographic at the Walt Disney Company. I love art, history and film, and am looking to work in the art sector when I graduate!

Useful links and transcript

Kate is  joined by Juany Murphy, who is Director of International Relations at the Otra Cosa Network, an International Development charity and alongside her, is one of her volunteers, Kate Geraghty. They discuss the satisfaction of making an impact with their work coupled against the precarious nature of funding for international development. Juany and Kate also share their tips and advice for breaking into this sector.

Juany's Bio

NGO - Founder and Director of Otra Cosa Network (OCN) with many years’ experience of creating and implementing sustainable development projects in Latin America.
Skilled and experienced manager of people and resources, able to work alone or in a team, at an operational or strategic level.
Consultant working in international development, with specific expertise in education, health promotion, women’s and girls’ rights programming within a range of organisations, including project management and volunteer service programs.
Country experience in UK, Peru, Brazil and Mozambique.

Useful links and transcript