András Schweitzer

András is a Religions, Theology and Ethics graduate who now works as Head of Enrichment at Gateways UK.

What does your job involve?

I develop the enrichment and PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education) curriculum for the Special Educational Needs students I'm working with. I also deliver many of these activities.

Why did you originally choose to study your course at Manchester?

I wanted to study in the UK and Manchester seemed like a very liveable city. UoM is also a very prestigious university.

How did your degree help prepare you for your current role?

I work in a Jewish setting so the theoretical background I've acquired during my studies proved to be very handy. My understanding of how theoretical issues and questions play out in our everyday lives is essential to create activities and educational materials bridging these two realms.

What has your career path looked like since graduation? 

After graduation I instantly moved to London and started working for another educational charity before taking up this position. In the meantime I finished a remote MA in History of Jewish Culture.

What are your personal highlights from your time studying with us? 

The professors were the most inspiring for me. The high research output of my faculty was very motivational. I come to realise over and over again that the quality of teaching on the BA was extremely high, providing an excellent foundation for postgraduate studies. 

What are the next steps for your career? What do you hope to accomplish in the future?

I am starting another MA in September at CEU in Vienna. This will be Historical Studies with a Jewish Studies Specialisation. I’ve already decided that I will pursue doctoral studies in the same field.

Do you have any advice for current or aspiring students? 

Use the opportunities you have to make the best of these three years: interact with as many professors as you can as they can be really helpful for your further studies. Don't produce work for the sake of passing a class but enjoy the experience of studying at a world-class institute and potentially becoming one of the very best in your specific field. Don't be afraid of not knowing everything in your field, but acquire the skills to be able to understand relevant problems.