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Meet Sohvi

Combined Honours with Chinese (Chinese), Class of 2013

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

I first joined Newcastle University's Student Services team, before moving into a role in the Exams team.

I then moved to Northumbria University, where I have been working in international student recruitment since 2018. Thanks to my degree in Chinese, my recruitment role was focused on China and East Asia.


Why did you choose to study at Newcastle University?

I wanted to study in the UK because it is close to my home country of Finland, but it is also an internationally recognised degree.

Newcastle's Combined Honours degree offered me the unique opportunity to combine Chinese language studies with other useful skills. Plus, the city of Newcastle seemed like the perfect location for me - neither too big nor too small. 


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

I gained invaluable skills in communication, working with people from all cultures and backgrounds. It also taught me to be adaptable and open-minded.


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

I loved how Combined Honours allowed me to combine various subjects of interest (Chinese, Film Studies and Sociology). This gave me a more varied and transferable set of skills.

Also, the university's location in the city centre is fantastic for work-life balance!

Describe your time at Newcastle University in three words 

Life-changing, inspirational, steering.

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