Graduations 2025: Claudia knocks it out the park with career transformation

Published on 9, July, 2025

A University of Sunderland graduate who is using her creative talents to help a charity inspire social change, inclusion and opportunity through cricket is proving it is never too late to change your life.

After working as a medical secretary for seven years, Claudia Pilbak decided to take a leap of faith and pursue her true passion in life – communication and storytelling.

In 2022, she began a Social Media Management degree at the University, juggling study with freelance work and being a new mum.   

But the decision is now paying off, as not only is Claudia celebrating her graduation, but she has already bagged a job as Marketing and PR Officer at Durham Cricket Foundation, the official charity and community arm of Durham Cricket Club.

Claudia, 36, who is originally from Romania but now lives in Durham, said: “I was a new mum, feeling burned out and craving more purpose. I knew something had to change – not just for me, but for my son. I wanted to be a role model he could look up to.

 “Taking the leap wasn’t easy, but I knew it was time to back myself. I wanted to build something meaningful not just for me, but for my little boy, to show by example that we are not defined by our age, and growth can happen anytime if you roll up your sleeves and work hard in the direction of your goals.”

Claudia took up a freelance position at the Foundation during the final months of her studies, then began working for the charity part-time for two months before applying for the full-time role. The rest, as they say, is history.  

“I still have to pinch myself,” Claudia said.

“The role is incredibly varied and a perfect fit for me, playing into many of my strengths. I’m developing and delivering PR strategies, drafting press releases, coordinating media relationships, and managing a proactive content calendar, whilst overseeing a pool of freelance content creators and ensuring that their output aligns with the Foundation’s brand and communication objectives.

“The skills I’ve already demonstrated during my freelance role and substantial knowledge gained during my degree, plus the portfolio of real-world work within excellent employment references and recommendations, played a massive part in helping me stand out.”

Iliyana Farfarova, Strategy and Marketing Manager, at Durham Cricket Foundation, said: "Claudia has already made a tremendous impact since joining the Foundation. She brings such energy, creativity and professionalism to everything she does, and her natural flair for storytelling will help us connect with our communities in more meaningful ways.

"At a time when we’re growing rapidly and focusing more than ever on purposeful communication, Claudia has all the qualities we need to take things to the next level. She’s thoughtful, strategic, and passionate about using her skills to drive social impact – which is exactly what the Foundation is all about.

"It’s clear that the course at Sunderland prepared her brilliantly for the industry and this role; she hit the ground running from day one. We feel incredibly lucky to have her as part of the team."

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Claudia is one of thousands of students taking to the stage at the Stadium of Light this week (Monday 7 July – Friday 11 July) for the University of Sunderland Summer Graduation Ceremonies.

On beginning her new chapter, Claudia said: “It feels incredible – validating, humbling and exciting.

"Three years ago, I took a risk to change my life. Now, I’m stepping into a role I love with confidence in my skills and a clear sense of direction. I’ve grown so much, and I now see a world full of possibilities. I’m proud of the work I’ve put in and I’m excited for what’s ahead. It also shows that you can start again, even in your thirties, even as a young parent – you can succeed.

"If you’re thinking about changing careers but feel like it’s too late, I promise you, it’s not. You don’t need to have it all figured out from day one. Start where you are, use what you have, and be willing to grow. Don’t talk yourself out of it. It will be uncomfortable at times, but it will also be the most empowering thing you’ll ever do."

During her studies, Claudia made use of the University’s Digital Incubator, a digitally enabled space for innovation and entrepreneurial development.

She was supported by the Employability and Enterprise Hub at the University’s Centre for Graduate Prospects, which helps students explore their options, clarify their ideas, develop a career focus, and make effective applications. She was also supported by Sunderland Creatives Agency while working on live briefs.

Claudia received funding from the Santander Brighter Futures Grants Programme, which gives away 10 lots of £1,000 exclusively for University of Sunderland students to help them focus on their studies, as well as funding from the University's Futures Fund.

Claudia said: "The University of Sunderland has been central to my journey. The course equipped me with the technical and strategic skills I needed, but more importantly, the people – my lecturers, mentors, and fellow students – gave me the support, encouragement and space to grow.

"They believed in me when I was still finding my voice again, and that meant everything. I never felt like "just a mature student" or "just a parent" – I felt seen, capable, and part of a supportive network."

Jenny Wotherspoon, Programme Leader for Social Media Management and Video Journalism Lecturer at the University of Sunderland, said: "Claudia was incredibly determined, focused and dedicated from day one. She squeezed every single opportunity out of her time at the University, and it's paid off.

"It's been wonderful to see Claudia build her confidence in her own abilities throughout the past three years on the programme, and her perseverance, hard work and professionalism has set her on a new career path with lots of potential."

Claudia is also building up her personal brand and freelance consultancy, DigitalNetConnector, which supports small and medium businesses in using digital platforms easily and effectively. Find out more on Instagram: @DigitalNetConnector.

For more information on studying Social Media Management at the University of Sunderland, click here.

For more on the scholarships and bursaries you can apply for or automatically receive as a current University of Sunderland student, click here.