From jobs in hospitality and retail to working for a member of parliament
Jean-Pierre Orsini studied BA Politics
"I’m really passionate about social mobility. I think it’s very important that everyone gets the same chance in life, no matter where they come from. I don’t think it matters about background or economic situation – you should be able to get a good education no matter where you come from.
Before I came to Birkbeck to study Politics, I was working in hospitality and retail. I’d done an apprenticeship in hair, but hadn’t really enjoyed it and I wanted to move away from Leeds and try something completely new. Birkbeck offering part-time study that you could do alongside work opened a new door for me. Now I'm working for a Member of Parliament.
I’m also passionate about equality among workplaces and universities – diversity is really important and there’s really excellent LGBTQ+ representation at Birkbeck. It’s well known for it… that and women’s equality and representation. It’s been a great community to be part of."