Catherine Thornhill

Current Employer/Organisation Name

ShelterBox

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

After graduating I worked at the Student’s Union where I was introduced to the lifechanging power of advice so when I finished my sabbatical year I trained as a generalist advisor with Citizen’s Advice. Over a few short years I rose from volunteer advisor to the Area Coordinator managing all of the Citizen’s Advice offices in West Cornwall and 50+ volunteers. From there I moved to the international disaster relief organisation ShelterBox, initially as a volunteer manager and community fundraiser before taking on my current role managing the ShelterBox Book Club.

My current role is Book Club Coordinator (or Head Bookworm) for ShelterBox. I run our book subscription service which fundraises for the vital work ShelterBox is doing around the world while broadening and diversifying the bookshelves of our 2000+ members across the UK.

Alongside this I’m also working on my first novel, inspired in many ways by the books we’ve read as part of the Book Club and the many amazing authors I’ve had the opportunity to interview as part of my role. 

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

As a teenager I started volunteering for various charities as part of my Duke of Edinburgh award, starting at a pop-up book shop for The Samaritans. Between then and graduating from Exeter I volunteered supporting children with special educational needs, various foodbanks, community cafes, and shops. Everywhere I volunteered I met incredible people who’d dedicated their lives to supporting other people and I was inspired by them. When it came time to choose a career path it felt like a no-brainer.

The thing I enjoy most about working in the charity sector is the people. Without fail my colleagues have been wonderful, genuine, brilliantly intelligent, and kind people. It’s been a privilege to work alongside them and to know that the work we’re doing, is making the world (in big and small ways) a better place.

Alongside this more formal career path I’ve been harbouring a secret desire to be an author and I’m finally putting pen to paper on that dream. From bookish teenager to adult bookworm I’ve always loved losing myself in worlds of words so it feels natural that now I’m working on my own novel. 

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

I was a member of the History Society, Feminist Society and Sea Swimming Club. 

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

I loved stretching myself academically and learning more about global history. My biggest highlight isn’t necessarily academic but being voted to become the FXU Welfare President by hundreds of my peers was a fantastic way to end my degree. 

What did you enjoy most about studying here?

The Cornwall Campus is the most incredible location to study and grow. I loved being in Cornwall so much I’ve never left! 

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

I wanted to go to a Russel Group university, and among the list I was drawn to the Cornwall Campus for it’s location and lifestyle, but I was also drawn in by the range of modules available on the History Degree so it ticked all of my boxes. 

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

Running for various positions in the Student’s Union, from academic officer of the History Society to Welfare President of the SU gave me so much confidence, particularly with public speaking which I use constantly. And the analytical rigour of my history degree has helped me to become a problem solver in all the roles I’ve had since graduating. 

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Volunteer with as many charities as you can while you have time. You’ll get a feel quite quickly for which areas you feel passionate about and able to make a difference in. And for writing – the key is reading. 

What are your plans for the future?

I’m writing my first novel at the moment and hope to be able to balance my career in the charity sector alongside publishing.