Fabrice Yala
BSocSc Sociology (2013)
Fabrice is a Consultant for Perrett Laver. He graduated from Manchester with BSocSc in Sociology in 2013. Here, he talks about what he does now and how he got there following his time at Manchester.
My current role and how I got there
As a Consultant within the Board Practice at Perrett Laver, which is a senior-level global search firm specialising in mission-driven organisations, I work on identifying and then engaging outstanding candidates for senior non-executive appointments at board level (Chairs, Trustees etc.).
This work cuts across all sectors Perrett Laver serves: Education, Non-Profits, Government, Research, Sport and Arts and Cultures.
Prior to my current role, I was a Senior Access Officer working within the Widening Participation Office at University College London with a focus on creating programmes and implementing policies towards diversifying the student body and making Higher Education a feasible destination for students from less represented backgrounds.
I would be lying if I said headhunting was my dream career. I knew I always wanted to work within organisations that serve a greater purpose than just making a profit, which is why I have not steered far from working within education or the charity/public sector.
As much as my current role is not in those sectors, the clients we work with are and it still allows me to help in making an impact at governance level at organisations and institutions that are working for the greater good. Whilst at Manchester, I volunteered for ReachOut who are a national mentoring charity working with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. This helped bring to life my academic interest in educational/societal inequalities and pushed me towards a career in education, charities and the public sector.
My course laid the foundation for my career path, I believe studying Sociology gave me an appreciation of the societal structures and institutions at play that can influence individuals’ outcomes in education and the world of work.
My experience at Manchester
I was always going to study Sociology as I had developed a keen interest and passion for it throughout my A-level studies. Manchester was the last of my five university choices that I visited open day and it captured me straight away, the student-friendly city, great resources and buildings.
My advice for future students
If I were to offer one piece of advice to a future student, it would be to make sure you enjoy the course and not just see it as something to be ‘studied’. Engage with your course mates as much as possible, you are on the journey together!