Colleague appointed to careers professional body

Congratulations to Jacqui Payne, in the Careers team, who has been elected Vice-President of the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS).

AGCAS is the expert membership organisation for higher education student career development and graduate employment professionals. It works with individuals and institutions to support the best possible career outcomes from higher education in UK and Ireland.

Jacqui is Head of Careers Information and Events in Student Services. She was seconded as Director of Careers between April 2023 and April 2024 and also has experience as a school governor.

During her time in the Careers team at Reading, Jacqui has delivered employability events and activities for students, shaping these to respond to challenges such as cost of living and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jacqui joins the AGCAS Board this month, where she will work with the President, Board and CEO to support the development and delivery of its strategy.

Jacqui said: “I am truly honoured and excited to contribute to the AGCAS mission of enhancing graduate employability and careers services.

“I hope my frontline experience in Careers at the University will help deliver meaningful support for AGCAS members and that being Vice-President will conversely provide fresh insights to benefit my colleagues and students at Reading.”