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PhD alumna secures dream role with the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee

PhD alumna secures dream role with the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee

Published: 14 Mar 2023

Razan Baker

My supervisor was an incredible mentor with his background in the field of sports; I consider myself lucky to have been supervised by him.

Razan, Research, Alumni

Director of International Communication, Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee

Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences PhD - 2017

From Saudi Arabia

Previous Institution

City University London - International Journalism MA

What was your PhD research focus?

Sport sciences research

Tell us about your educational and/or career journey since you graduated from Brunel?

I was elected board member at the Saudi Bowling Federation to supervise women participation in addition to writing a weekly sport column at the Arab News newspaper. In 2020 I joined the Saudi Olympic Committee as Director of International Communication.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

Since I joined during the pandemic, work is done remotely through meetings and tasks assigned online on a daily basis to promote athletes, sports and the role of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee.

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

I have to say it’s always been my dream to reach this far. I was honoured and happy that Brunel - including my supervisor, colleagues and the atmosphere in general - prepared me very well to be in that position.

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

The Brunel Sport Sciences department is one of the top in the UK and it provides an amazing and friendly atmosphere for its students. In addition, I wanted to be somewhere close to where the Olympics would take place and Brunel was one of my top choices because of that. Dr Vassil Girginov, my supervisor, was also an incredible mentor with his background in the field of sports; I consider myself lucky to have been supervised by him.

What is your best memory of studying here?

Being able to run the international Saudi Scientific Conference with my colleagues at Brunel and getting overwhelming positive feedback on it.

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

Take it easy, enjoy studying, and enjoy your student life and definitely try to make the best of all that.

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

Start applying to as many options as you have, don’t limit yourself and don’t stop learning. The hard work will pay off.

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