Luke Barrett
Bangor University really set me up for success.
Luke Barrett
HR Manager for the UK and Ireland at Wayfair
Studied: BSc Environmental Conservation with International Experience, 2016
When I selected my course, I knew I was interested in making a positive difference and driving change, and I wanted to follow my passion. I found, as the course evolved, that it was very much a journey, not only of learning but also of self-realisation and discovery.
"It is hard to pinpoint the best part of my time at Bangor. Not only did I love my course, the flexibility, my tutor and lecturers, but I also took advantage of many other opportunities offered. I studied abroad in Vancouver; I got to go to South Korea on a language and culture programme; I worked with some amazing team members on an internship in the University’s Sustainability Lab. Bangor University really set me up for success! I also met my partner while at university, he had just completed his MSc at Bangor when we met.
"Even though I don’t work in a role or sector I initially envisaged, I am able to draw upon and leverage the skills and knowledge I obtained consistently. In my previous role at Amazon, I delivered a sustainability initiative focused on a circular economy style approach to waste management. I consistently draw on environmental theories when completing people plans, looking at sustainable approaches to continuous improvement.
"I now work as a HR Manager for the UK and Ireland at Wayfair. I support the sales and service departments through effective partnership to integrate business principles and priorities into people policies, to deliver the European market expansion, in addition to leading my team and aiding them in their development. My previous roles include Management and HR roles at Amazon, and HR Business Partner for TikTok, after being headhunted for the role.
"Writing this has brought back floods of memories of all the great times and amazing people I met while at Bangor, I will never be able to thank them enough for setting me up for my future. I could never imagine what life would be like now had I not chosen Bangor University; it is without a doubt one of the best decisions I have ever made."