"I want to make sure nobody is left behind"
Birkbeck alumnus Philippe Mandangi (LLM 2020), who works in policy, research and analysis at the House of Commons, speaks to us about his time at university, his career aspirations and how he loves to support current students.
He mentors and shares his experiences with both final-year and international Birkbeck students through the Mentoring Pathways and Global Buddies programmes.
Why did you choose to study at Birkbeck, University of London?
At the time, I was working as a full-time department manager for Sainsbury’s and I had worked in retail for 11 years. I was always interested in doing a law course, but as a department manager I needed to be flexible with my schedule. I couldn’t do an MA degree where I studied during the day, so what Birkbeck offered worked for me. I did find it very challenging but I stuck to a strict regime because I was focused on finishing my degree and changing career. I came from Congo as a refugee and their system is a lot different to the UK. I had to learn a lot about how the law and system works here.
Tell us about your career since graduating from Birkbeck.
I joined the House of Commons and I was originally looking to become a researcher, but instead I have been with policy and analysis. Currently I am doing another degree on parliamentary procedures, which is certified by City, University of London, and delivered by Parliament. It will help me to become a specialist clerk advising MPs on procedures. So I am again in a transition and in the future, the ambition is to go back to Congo and contribute to the improvement of the political system there. At the moment, I am still learning and building my network.
What made you join the Mentoring Pathways and Global Buddies programmes and support current Birkbeck students?
When I started at Birkbeck, the university didn’t have a formal mentoring programme but I still managed to get a mentoring relationship with Professor Daniel Monk (Professor of Law at Birkbeck), who gave me a lot of support. I want to make sure nobody is left behind. We need to share opportunities and share experiences. You never know when you will need someone you know at some point in the future.
Tell us about your achievements and experiences as a mentor to Birkbeck students.
The first student I mentored is now working as a solicitor and we are still in touch. When I first met him, he had just come from Pakistan and was working for Uber whilst also attending classes at Birkbeck. I asked him about how he was progressing and he explained how he didn’t feel like he had time to do his course. We went through a process to try and he started progressing. He had been a lawyer in Pakistan and he started getting some experience here. Before he even finished at Birkbeck, he was assisting a firm of solicitors.
It gave me quite a lot of satisfaction to see him succeed. He kept motivating me to learn more so I could be as much help as possible.
I also took a group of six international students to Parliament and gave them a tour. I was able to show them some areas that the general public can’t get access to and when Parliament is not sitting.
What advice would you give to students just starting at Birkbeck?
After understanding your course and what you have to do for your studies, explore the programmes Birkbeck has put in place for your development and wellbeing. Find out what support there is to make university easier for you.
Birkbeck’s Mentoring Pathways programme connects final-year students with alumni and corporate volunteers for guidance, advice and support to navigate the steps into their future careers and professional development goals. Global Buddies connects Birkbeck alumni with new international students during their first term of study to help them settle in. Click here to find out more about Birkbeck’s mentoring programmes and how you can get involved.