Search

Descriptions should be written as one or more proper sentences, starting with a capital letter and ending with a full stop, exclamation mark, or question mark.

News

Londoner Sabrina shares her City St George's story, from volunteering to support other students at university to securing an impressive graduate job

Published

Stepping onto the stage at the Barbican graduation ceremony dressed in her cap and gown, Sabrina Abdow marked the end of her time at City St George’s as an undergraduate student.

But Sabrina has spent her time at the University working on much more than her BSc International Political Economy degree. She has spent three years breaking barriers and helping those from underrepresented backgrounds to achieve success.

Born and raised in Wandsworth, Londoner Sabrina has made the most of her time at university, pairing her academic studies with an impressive portfolio of extracurricular achievements, internships, and community work. As she begins a new chapter and joins the consumer banking graduate scheme at Lloyds Banking Group, Sabrina reflected on her journey at City St George's.

Sabrina Abdow

Breaking barriers and championing communities

“I’ve learned so much and grown a lot, so I’m proud to be reaching this milestone,” she said. “It feels surreal but exciting.”

Throughout her time at City St George’s, Sabrina held leadership roles in student societies, working as Communications Officer for the BAME Women Society and the 93% Club, a network for state-educated students and professionals in Britain.

Sabrina also volunteered as a Course Buddy mentor and supported students in their first term, she said being a part of the university’s widening participation team provided important support and opportunities to get involved in this work.

I’ve always believed breaking barriers means making things accessible and inclusive for everyone. I wanted to be part of that change.

Sabrina with staff and students at the Undergraduate of the Year Awards

Sabrina’s dedication to helping others extended beyond the campus. As a member of Wandsworth Youth Council, she helped to organise a financial literacy event where she shared her own experience navigating university finance to those in her community.

“I wanted to remain engaged in my local area and make sure young people’s voices were heard. It was great to offer practical support and make higher education feel more accessible with the financial literacy event” she said.

Last year, Sabrina was named as a finalist for the UK 2024 Black Heritage Undergraduate of the Year Award, which highlights students driving positive change in their communities.

Exploring new careers

Alongside her studies and voluntary work, Sabrina worked as a Student Communications Assistant and Widening Participation Ambassador at City St George’s and gained marketing experience at student-led consulting firm The Young Consultant and technology company Cisco.

Sabrina gained more knowledge of different sectors through insight programmes at American Express and Schroders, as well as a legal internship at international law firm RPC. “I’m excited to keep learning and explore how banking can be more inclusive and customer-focused,” she said.

On her journey so far and graduating from university this month, she reflected: “It feels surreal but exciting. I’ve learned so much and grown a lot, so I’m proud to be reaching this milestone and celebrating with family and close friends.” On what motivates her, Sabrina said:

I’m inspired by people who never stop learning and turn that into something positive, whether that’s creating change, supporting others or making an impact in their communities.

Sabrina features in the We Are City St George's campaign, which raises the profile of the incredible achievements of students, staff and wider university community.

Other stories you might like