Alumni In Action - Alumni Interview

Interview by Daniel Hutchinson

Tanzie Turel graduated from the University in 2004 with a BSc Economics and Management and, as one of the US Alumni Group leaders, has been an active supporter of alumni activities for many years. We caught up with her earlier this year to hear more about her role as an alumni volunteer.

What made you choose to study with the University of London?

The reputation of high quality, international accessibility and flexibility. In the year 2000, when I began, the University of London represented the ‘Gold Standard’ in distance education and it continues to represent this today. At the time, I was unable to travel to the UK, but with a secondary schooling that was from the UK, I wished to continue within the British system of education. This is where the University and its extraordinary international programmes came in – I was able to work toward a British degree, wherever I was in the world. Ultimately, I ended up studying in three cities over four years – Mumbai, Dubai and finally, New York.

What was your experience as a distance-learning student like?

Challenging yet tremendously rewarding. A distance education is not everyone’s cup of tea. It stems from an innate degree of curiosity. The programmes encourage a student to develop a unique spectrum of qualities ranging from resourcefulness, intellectual maturity and life balance to discipline, patience and perseverance. Once evolved, these characteristics build the student into a force to be reckoned with in the field that they pursue.

What impact has your University of London degree had on you, including further study and your career?

It made me an enthusiastic, confident and self-reliant learner. I was offered a job at an international family office investment firm in New York the month before I graduated. A year later, I was accepted into the Executive Masters in Finance programme at Baruch – as one of the youngest in the class. A degree from the University of London with academic direction from the LSE, and the ability to gain work experience while obtaining the undergraduate degree, was a major differentiator. As a global student, I brought a distinctive perspective professionally and to the Master’s cohort. It fills one with a great sense of accomplishment to be able to apply knowledge gained to guide and help those less fortunate with their financial and economic circumstances.

What made you decide to become an Alumni Group leader?

The strong desire to want to help fellow students and give back to the University that taught us the strength of ‘access to quality education for all’ and how it can empower one to change their world and make the world better for others – no matter who you are or where you are from. All you need is one, singular quality – an insatiable enthusiasm to learn. It is an honour for all alumni to support what the University represents – ‘worldwide access, for one and all, to the opportunity for quality education’.

The University magically transported knowledge from London to a curious young lady in a tiny apartment in Mumbai, India. They ensured that study materials were delivered to my door and that there were examination centres wherever I was in the world.

Why do you feel it is important for alumni to stay connected to the University?

We, as alumni, shoulder the responsibility to support and promote quality education for all.

Our ideas will inspire the generations to come. Alumni can commit to share resources and knowledge along with networking with one another to share ideas and explore opportunities with both alumni and current students.

What advice would you give to those soon to be graduating from the University of London?

Rise to the challenge and do everything that you can to always help others. Together, we can make the world a better place.

What does it mean to you to be part of the University of London’s alumni community?

It gives me a great sense of pride to be an alumna and support one of the oldest, largest, most progressive and highly diverse educational institutions of our time.

How would you summarise your experience of the University of London?

As alumnus Nelson Mandela said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” The University of London magically transported knowledge from London to a curious young lady in a tiny apartment in Mumbai, India. They ensured that study materials were delivered to my door and that there were examination centres wherever I was in the world. I did not own a computer but I did not need one to successfully complete my degree. Fifteen years later, when I finally made it to London, you invited me to walk with fellow students at the graduation ceremony. For over 150 years you have delivered education to those that could otherwise have not accessed it. You changed the world for millions like me.

For more information about alumni groups, or if you are interested in joining or starting a group in your region, please contact Daniel Hutchinson, Alumni Relations Manager, at: alumni@london.ac.uk