The competition welcomed stories from all members of the alumni community. We received video and written entries from alumni around the world who told stories from as early as the 1950s to as recent as last year.
Our winning entry was from Poppy Beech, a 2024 Fine Art graduate who shared her story as a video on TikTok and Instagram, reaching over 3,500 people with her #LboroJourney. Poppy’s entry talked about university life, accommodation, enterprise activities and societies as well as her job role post-university. She also shared insights into her health and how she was supported: “I had surgery on my voice, and everyone was really accommodating and supportive”.
Poppy did a Year in Enterprise for her placement year, launching her own clothing business ‘Poppy Lavender’. She was also approached by the University’s on campus hotel, Burleigh Court, to feature some of her photography as part of their refurbishments.
It’s clear that Poppy made the most out of her time at Loughborough. She has now embarked on a career in digital marketing; she added: “without the opportunities that Loughborough University gave me I don’t think I would be in this career now”.
As well as several video entries, we received more than 40 written entries from alumni who were keen to share their personal stories. There were so many great insights that we had to award a runner-up prize!
Alexandre Martins, who graduated in 2023 with an MSc degree in Sport Business and Leadership from Loughborough University London, was selected as the runner-up. He said:
“When I arrived in London to begin my MSc in Sport Business and Leadership at Loughborough University London, I had no idea just how profoundly it would reshape my future. I came from Brazil, where I had built a career in banking and corporate sectors—far removed from the world of sport. But I had a deep passion for making a difference, and I believed sport had the power to transform lives. Loughborough proved to be the perfect place to turn that belief into reality.”
His journey is a real inspiration for people looking to make a career change and to pursue a passion to make a difference. Alexandre is now working to encourage people with disabilities to participate in sport.
He added: “To anyone considering studying at Loughborough, I can say with absolute certainty: it is not just a university; it is a launchpad for transformation. I arrived with a corporate background, unsure of my next step. I left with a mission, a global network, and a career that fills me with purpose.”
As well as an important step in changing his career, Alexandre even met his partner whilst studying at Loughborough University London – we love a Loughborough love story!
Read more #LboroJourney stories on our webpage and continue to look out for more across our social media channels over the next few months as we amplify some of the many brilliant stories we received.
You can still share your story! Get in touch by emailing alumni@lboro.ac.uk or tag us @lboroalumni on LinkedIn, X or Facebook.