Amy Carpenter

As Associate Director, Careers, Employability and Enterprise, Amy is responsible for the leadership and strategic oversight of the team, and has undertaken a large restructure since joining in August 2021 to increase the support available to students/graduates, as well as opening the University’s first Enterprise and Careers Zone.  She also plays a key role in wider University work and activity in this area, and won the Outstanding Contribution to Learning Award at the University of Suffolk staff awards in 2023 in recognition of the achievements in this area. Amy is a Registered Career Development Professional (RCDP) and member of the Career Development Institute, having achieved a Distinction in her PGDip Career Coaching. She is also a School Governor with a local primary school.

She has previously worked across all strands of University Careers Services, including teaching, employer engagement, advice and guidance, event organisation, launching targeted initiatives, data analysis and embedding employability into degree programmes. During her Higher Education career, Amy also undertook a secondment as Assistant Manager to an Alumni and Development Team.

Most recently, Amy was the Careers Adviser for Social Sciences at the University of Essex, taking a lead on employability activity within the large Faculty. In addition to setting strategic plans for the year ahead, offering 1:1 careers guidance, and organising additional opportunities, she was responsible for designing, developing and teaching a large number of compulsory modules to assist students with their Career Development Learning. 

Prior to working in HE, Amy worked for an international Insurance Broker, recruiting interns and apprentices, as well as organising a variety of work experience placements and insight events. She also worked within retail management for an international retailer. Amy is a proud UCS and University of Suffolk graduate, having gained a 1st in her BA(Hons) Business Management degree and the award for Best Dissertation.