Careers Centre podcast
Real Stories, Real Impact, the University of St Andrews Careers Centre podcast, hosted by Michaela Mackie (Opportunities and Events Coordinator) and Michelle Stewart (Employability & Experiences Coordinator).
New episodes will be released every two weeks throughout Semester 1, so be sure to follow along and join us as we explore the realities of careers and employability with a range of guests from across the University of St Andrews community and beyond.
Whether you're in your first year, final year, completing a PhD, or simply exploring what's next, this podcast is for you.
About the podcast
As the first-ever podcast produced by the Careers Centre, this series marks an exciting milestone in how we connect with and support our students. We know that careers and employability can sometimes feel overwhelming, full of pressure, expectations and unanswered questions. Through honest conversations with students, alumni, employers and Careers Centre colleagues, we're creating a space where those conversations can happen openly and authentically.
From internships, graduate schemes and assessment centres to networking, AI, career decisions and everything in between, we'll explore the topics students ask us about every day. Most importantly, we'll share the real stories behind career journeys, including the twists, turns and unexpected experiences that don't always make it onto LinkedIn.
Our aim is simple: to make careers advice feel more accessible, approachable and human. Through practical tips, myth-busting and genuine conversations, we hope you'll come away from each episode feeling more informed, more confident and reassured that you don't need to have everything figured out.
Episodes
Episode 1: Real Stories, Real Impact
Hosts Michaela and Michelle introduce the podcast, share their own career paths into the Opportunities Team, bust common myths around needing formal internships, and highlight key University of St Andrews events, resources, and platforms like CareerConnect.
Published: Tuesday 8 September 2026
Episode 2: The Big Picture with Dr Lorna Dargan - Careers Centre Director
Careers Centre Director Dr Lorna Dargan discusses navigating non-linear career journeys, the role of career guidance, the current graduate job market, and how students can balance AI tools with authentic human support.
Scheduled: Tuesday 22 September 2026
Episode 3: From Lab to Industry with Hannah
St Andrews alumna Hannah shares her transition from university laboratories to working as a Senior Analyst at Abbott, outlining key differences between academia and industry, the benefits of industrial placements, and transferable skills.
Scheduled: Tuesday 6 October 2026
Episode 4: Demystifying Assessment Centres with Kelly Glass
Kelly Glass, Head of the Saltire Scholar Programme, unpacks assessment centres by explaining why employers use them, how candidates are evaluated holistically beyond technical skills, and practical ways to prepare with confidence.
Scheduled: Tuesday 20 October 2026
Episode 5: A Day in the Life of a Fast Streamer
Civil Service fast streamers Ruth and Yuliana discuss working across statistics and policy, detailing high-impact projects, skill development, network opportunities, and advice for students applying to accelerated graduate schemes.
Scheduled: Tuesday 3 November 2026
Episode 6: Navigating the Non-Linear Path with Josh
Careers Advisor Josh reflects on moving away from academia after completing a PhD, addressing imposter syndrome, rethinking traditional timelines, and how students can make the most of careers appointments at any stage of study.
Scheduled: Tuesday 17 November 2026
We'd love to hear from you
This podcast has been created for our students, and we'd love your ideas for future episodes.
Is there a career topic you'd like us to explore? An industry you're interested in? A question you've always wanted to ask employers, alumni or Careers Centre staff?
Get in touch with your suggestions at careers@st-andrews.ac.uk.
Follow the series and join us every two weeks for a new episode of Real Stories, Real Impact.