Katie Andrew

Why did you choose that particular degree course? e.g. did you have a specific career path in mind?

I always knew I wanted to work in a role where I could support young people and make a meaningful difference, ideally within the charity sector. Choosing to study Sociology at Warwick felt like the natural step toward that goal.

I was drawn to the way Sociology explores how society shapes people’s experiences, especially around identity, health, and inequality. I wanted to better understand the barriers young people face and how systems can either support or exclude them. The course gave me the tools to think critically, empathise deeply, and approach social issues with both heart and strategy - skills that have been essential in my career working with young people affected by cancer.

While I didn’t have a specific job title in mind at the time, I knew the kind of impact I wanted to have and Sociology gave me the foundation to get there.

Your current role: please tell us about your current employer, the role that you do and what attracted you to that role and organisation.

I'm currently the Beneficiary Engagement Manager at Teens Unite Fighting Cancer, a national charity that supports teenagers and young adults who are living with and beyond cancer. In my role, I lead on the strategy, planning, and delivery of our support services - ensuring every activity, programme and partnership we create is designed with and for the young people we support.

Cancer doesn’t just affect someone medically - it can disrupt education, friendships, identity, career plans, and self-esteem. My job is to ensure that the young people we support feel seen, heard, and uplifted through opportunities to connect, grow, and simply be themselves again. I also manage a wonderful team of staff and volunteers, work closely with our Youth Advisory Board, and represent Teens Unite across various partnerships and networks to ensure the needs of young people with cancer are understood and prioritised.

My path into this role started with a real desire to make a difference in young people’s lives. While studying Sociology at Warwick, I volunteered with organisations like Barnardo’s and the YHA, and worked in a range of roles that gave me experience in youth engagement, frontline support, and charity operations. I joined Teens Unite in a more junior position, and over time, with the support of an incredible team and growing passion for our mission, I progressed into the managerial role I hold today.

It’s a job that challenges and inspires me every single day, and I feel incredibly grateful to be part of an organisation that makes a meaningful difference.

What are the key skills you learnt at Warwick that have helped you with your career to date?

Warwick taught me so much more than just academic knowledge - it gave me vital skills that I still draw on every day in my work.

Firstly, critical thinking and analytical skills were central to my studies in Sociology. I learned to question assumptions, understand complex social systems, and consider multiple perspectives - all of which help me approach challenges creatively and empathetically when working with young people facing cancer.

Communication was another key skill. Through academia, societies and connections, I developed clear, confident writing and speaking skills, which are essential in my role when advocating for beneficiaries, building partnerships, and leading a team.

Finally, my time at Warwick fostered resilience and adaptability. University life is full of challenges and opportunities that require flexibility and self-motivation, qualities that have been invaluable as I navigate the dynamic and sometimes emotional world of charity work.

These skills, combined with a deeper understanding of social inequalities and human behaviour, have shaped how I lead and engage with the young people and colleagues I’m privileged to work alongside.

What has been your greatest career challenge to date and how did your experience and skills help overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is balancing the emotional demands of working closely with young people affected by cancer, alongside managing the practical aspects of delivering impactful programmes.

Early in my career, it was hard not to feel overwhelmed by the stories and experiences of the young people I work with. Over time, I’ve learned to channel that emotion as motivation, drawing on skills like empathy, resilience, and strong communication. I also make sure to seek support when needed and stay focused on creating positive change.

These experiences have helped me grow both personally and professionally, enabling me to lead with compassion while ensuring our work remains effective and sustainable.

What ambitions do you have for the future?

Right now, I’m finishing a part-time Master’s in Child and Youth Studies alongside my work, and I’m really excited to complete that - it’s helping me deepen my understanding and grow personally and professionally.

Looking ahead, my biggest ambition is to be a powerful advocate for young people living with the long-term impacts of cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. I want to make sure their voices are not just heard, but truly amplified, because their experiences matter and need to shape how support and services evolve.

I’m passionate about raising awareness of the challenges they face beyond medical treatment and pushing for changes that better reflect their real needs. On a personal level, I want to keep developing my skills and knowledge so I can keep making the biggest difference possible, both for the young people I work with and for the broader community.

What top tips would you give to students looking for a career in your market sector?

Get involved early. Volunteer or intern with charities or organisations that work with young people or health-related causes. Hands-on experience is invaluable.

Be open to different roles. Entry-level positions might not be glamorous, but they’re great opportunities to learn, build skills, and understand how organisations operate.

Listen and learn. The people you’ll be supporting have unique experiences - take the time to really hear their stories and let that guide your work.

Build strong communication skills. Whether it’s writing, presenting, or networking, being able to clearly and confidently share your ideas and advocate for others is key.

Stay resilient and adaptable. Working in charity can be challenging but also hugely rewarding. Being flexible and ready to learn will help you grow.

What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were applying for jobs?

It can be tough finding work that’s the right fit straight away. Early in my career, I took on some temporary roles that weren’t exactly what I wanted, but they were within the charity sector and gave me valuable experience. Those roles helped me build practical skills, understand how organisations operate, and make important connections - all of which set me on the path to where I am now.

I’ve learned that patience and persistence are key. Careers in this sector often don’t follow a straight line, so it’s important to be open to different opportunities and to view each one as a learning experience. Networking is another crucial element. Building relationships with people who understand the sector can open doors you might not find through job adverts alone.