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Law degree leads alumnus to the Civil Service Fast Stream

Law degree leads alumnus to the Civil Service Fast Stream

Published: 13 Mar 2023

Martin Zaranyika

Brunel gave me the confidence to engage with senior leaders and the ability to research and distil complex issues at pace

Martin, Undergraduate, Alumni

Strategic Change Advisor (HMRC), Civil Service Fast Stream

Law LLB - 2013

From Zimbabwe

Previous Institution

Barnhill Community High - BTEC: Sport, Law and Sociology

Tell us about your career journey since you graduated…

I currently live in the UK. I was elected as the Brunel Students’ Union President, then went to work for the Financial Ombudsman, followed by the Financial Conduct Authority. I’m now in my final year of the Civil Service Fast Stream.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

Working with the senior leadership team to test ways that will help us effectively implement HMRC's 2035 strategic vision.

What’s been the highlight of your career so far?

Definitely my secondment where I spent 6 months living and working on the Isle of Coll! Plus being part of a small team that convinced the Treasury to give us (Defra) £410m for EU Exit activities.

How would you say Brunel helped you to get where you are today?

Brunel gave me the confidence to engage with senior leaders and the ability to research and distil complex issues at pace.

Why did you choose to study at Brunel and why would you recommend Brunel to others?

It was familiar and it's got everything you need in one place.

What is your best memory of studying here?

It's between getting elected as the SU President and the day I found out I got a 2:1 for my degree.

If you could give one piece of advice to new students, what would that be?

Be strategic. Visualise where you want to be and put an action plan in place.

What would be your top tip or advice for new graduates as they begin their career journey?

Engage with people who are where you want to be and don't give up when things don't go to plan. I was rejected 3/4 times by the Fast Stream before finally being accepted in 2017.

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