Career Catch up: Law graduate Shaziya Tayub shares her story

Law graduate, Shaziya Tayub, has always been ambitious, she’s pushed cultural and career boundaries since she graduated from the University of Northampton. Nine years after she graduated, Shaziya reflects on her studies and early legal career.

For Shaziya, beginning her studies at the University of Northampton was a huge step, she said:” Going to University wasn’t an easy dream for me to make come true. But I did, and I’ve not looked back since. I come from a traditional family, no woman in my family had ever worked or gone onto Higher Education.

“I was feeling the pressure as I was applying to different universities. I was passionate about studying, but it was coupled with nervousness and a bit of a crisis of confidence. At the time, a friend recommended I look at the University of Northampton, they were very complimentary about the support of the tutors and friendly atmosphere on campus. A visit to campus on an open day confirmed that Northampton was the place for me. I broke that cultural barrier and university was a life-changing experience for me. I firmly believe that you must elevate yourself through education.”

Shaziya lived at home, with her family, in Leicester throughout her studies. As well as studying, Shaziya focused on developing her CV and skills, by gaining employment through Unitemps, the university’s own in-house temporary recruitment agency, and completing the Changemaker Employability Certificate.

Shaziya said: “I loved working, each job I had alongside my studies helped me to build transferrable skills, gave me learning experiences, and opportunities. It also helped me see the real-world applications of the Law. I took placements and work experience in all kinds of organisations, from Citizens Advice to the YMCA, and with Solicitors firms.”

Shaziya developed a passion for criminal law and spent the early part of her career with roles within criminal justice, including criminal law practices, a research role with the Institute for Public Safety, Crime and Justice at The University of Northampton.

In 2017, Shaziya took a role within Leicestershire Police, as an Intelligence Researcher and began to develop her career within the police service, most recently being appointed as a Regional Intelligence Analyst in the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU).

Talking about her experience in the police, she said: “Starting my career in the Police was an unexpected journey, but well worth it. My career has progressed well, and I’ve been fortunate enough to make an impact for the victims of crime and been part of the team building strong investigations and cases, which have secured good convictions for perpetrators of crime. As I reflect on my studies and early career, I feel thankful to have achieved so much. I’m excited to see where the next nine years of my career will take me and the positive impact I’ll be able to have.”

Find out more about Law at Northampton here.