Workshop
Your CV is often the first impression people will have of you in your professional life—yet crafting one can feel overwhelming. Many struggle with identifying their achievements, framing their experiences positively, or even knowing where to start. This session will guide attendees through building a strong CV that highlights their strengths, communicates their skills effectively, and positions them for success.
Beyond the CV, this workshop explores "The Power of Networks" and how connections can shape your career. Attendees will learn why networking is essential, how to build and sustain meaningful professional relationships, and how to leverage these connections to access hidden opportunities. The session will provide practical strategies for engaging with networks to enhance career growth, personal development, and professional success. Whether you are starting out or looking to expand your reach, this workshop will equip you with the tools to present your best self and harness the power of collaboration.
Dr Dona Reddiar is the PhD and Internship Programme Manager at Health Data Research UK (HDR UK), the national health data institute. She manages the highly successful Health Data Science Black Internship Programme, currently in its fifth year. This inclusive and holistic programme aims to encourage Black students and graduates from across the UK to consider careers within the health data sector.
A scientist by training, she completed her degree with St George’s in London, then focused on infectious diseases and immunology at Leicester, before spending four years in Nottingham studying H. pylori bacteria’s connection to stomach cancer where she achieved her PhD. Following this, Dona worked alongside the scientists who set up MRC Harwell’s new Advance training centre, before delivering the new PhD programme at the Rosalind Franklin Institute.
Afua Acheampong is the Race Equality Portfolio Lead at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), where she plays a pivotal role in driving the university's race equality initiatives. Her work includes leading the Race Equality Action Group, which is responsible for QMUL's application for the Race Equality Charter. This initiative aims to tackle racial disparities within the university by developing and implementing strategies that promote the representation and career progression of staff and students from under-represented and marginalised backgrounds.
Her work includes addressing the ethnicity pay gap, increasing the number of BAME individuals in senior roles, and fostering an inclusive environment that reflects the diverse demographics of Greater London. Afua's previous roles, including her position as Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Manager at the Open University and her leadership at Nottingham Trent University, have equipped her with extensive experience in promoting racial equality and diversity within academic institutions​
