Brittany Taylor (2011)

Brittany studied for an MSc in Nature, Society and Environmental Policy and now works as a Policy Specialist for Facebook in California.

Hertford worked out wonderfully for me, I loved my experience and some of the people I met within the college are still my best friends today. It was very beautiful and academically challenging; the people were incredible. One of my favourite memories was eating ice cream in the MCR common room with my friend Will (whom I met at Hertford and still eat ice cream with now).

My 16-year-old self would probably be pretty stoked if they could see me now but also surprised I’m not yet married with children (I wasn’t very progressive at 16). Oxford definitely helped me get where I am and helps with my work now, which involves managing product policies at Facebook. I don’t quote Foucault much in my day-to-day, but the analytical thinking and practice I learned whilst studying definitely guides me in my work.

My perfect day in Oxford would be punting and tea plus a vegan beetroot brownie from Alpha Bar. I’d also walk on the grass because I enjoy small sips of rebellion!

If I could share any advice with applicants or current students, I would say, honestly, don’t stress too much about the academics. If you’re going to Oxford this is probably not going to be advice you’re likely to take, but my biggest regret was that I worried too much about my readings and classes and not enough about enjoying Oxford and having fun.