Ilaria Di Vincenzo
Ilaria is a Religions, Theology and Ethics graduate who now works as a Digital Inclusion and Community Engagement Manager at Conversations Over Borders.
What does your job involve?
I manage digital inclusion initiatives that equip refugees and people seeking asylum with the technology and skills needed to confidently navigate the online world. I also lead community engagement through peer support groups and educational workshops, including campaigns that raise awareness of the UK asylum system and promote more compassionate communities.
Why did you originally choose to study your course at The University of Manchester?
It was when I visited Manchester for my interview that I knew it was the place for me. Manchester truly has something for everyone, so much energy and vibrancy which I think is particularly important when studying different religions, cultures, and histories.
How did your degree help prepare you for your current role?
My degree really helped me to work with people from a wide range of countries, cultures, religions, and language backgrounds, which really is at the heart of what I do now. By choosing modules on different faiths and traditions, I built a deeper cultural awareness that has helped me approach my work with care, sensitivity, and respect. It also showed me how important it is to learn from people with lived experience, something I really value and try to centre in my work every day.
What has your career path looked like since graduation?
Since graduating, my career has taken a path I feel incredibly grateful for, I still pinch myself that I get to do work I care about so much!
After volunteering with Conversation Over Borders for over a year, I was offered a staff role to build their Digital Inclusion Project from scratch alongside my master’s, and shortly after, I also joined Screen Share UK to coordinate their flagship project distributing refurbished tech to refugees and people seeking asylum.
It was a busy time juggling both alongside my studies, but I really loved every moment. I later moved full-time into my role at Conversation Over Borders where I’ve been able to focus more on community connection, something I’m incredibly passionate about.
A particular highlight has been developing and delivering the Messages of Welcome workshops to almost 300 students across the country, helping people better understand the UK asylum system and encouraging more understanding, compassionate communities.
What are the next steps for your career? What do you hope to accomplish in the future?
I try not to plan too far ahead, but I’m always motivated by work that feels meaningful and impactful. Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue developing the Messages of Welcome workshops and to work more with young people, helping to educate and inspire a future generation that is informed, empathetic, and welcoming towards those seeking safety.
Do you have any advice for current/aspiring students?
Make the most of both your studies and everything the city has to offer. Manchester has so much to teach you beyond the classroom.
If you’re studying religion and theology, try to explore as many different faiths and cultures as you can, sometimes the areas you know least about at the start become the ones that shape you most.
Finally, if you can, get involved in volunteering, it’s a great way to connect with communities, gain real insight and discover what kind of work you might want to pursue.