We caught up with recent Magdalen Graduate İpek to talk about new jobs, new beginnings, and missing Magdalen.
What does Magdalen mean to you now that you’ve left?
Even though it’s been less than a year since I graduated and left college, the reality of it hasn’t quite sunk in yet. My internal clock still operates on academic terms, and I find myself missing the comforting presence of the Magdalen Tower, guiding me back home. It will forever remain my inaugural home in the UK—a place where I not only met my closest friends but also underwent tremendous personal growth.
What are you doing now?
I am working at Jaguar Land Rover as a Data Scientist and travelling around the UK.
How do you think Magdalen helped you get there?
Magdalen played a pivotal role in my journey. Firstly, the generous support through the Student Support Fund lifted the financial burden, enabling me to focus entirely on my studies and well-being throughout my four years there.
Moreover, my tutors not only ensured my understanding of the coursework but also facilitated an undergraduate research project with the engineering department. The knowledge and skills I got from the MEng course and projects significantly boosted my employability.
Equally important were my friends and the welfare community at Magdalen. During stressful exam periods and job applications, they provided invaluable encouragement, making challenging times more manageable.
Magdalen played a pivotal role in my journey.
İpek
What’s your favourite memory from your time at magdalen?
Choosing one favorite memory is tough, but recently I stumbled upon photos from my first Christmas formal at Magdalen. It holds a special place in my heart as my household in the iconic Waynflete building prepared together, capturing wholesome moments and enjoying a magical evening over dinner. As an international student, such events fostered a sense of belonging—a second home and family away from home, creating tender and cherished memories.
What’s Oxford’s best kept secret?
North Parade: by far the cutest street in Oxford.
Gardener’s Arms: bit of a trek but best pub in Oxford in my opinion (+ it’s 100% veggie and vegan)
Social Sciences Library: so spacious, always a good seat and away from the distractions of the city centre yet still has a Missing Bean close by.
What’s Magdalen’s best kept secret?
The picnic area in Holywell Ford.
Watching the sunset from that seat (if you know you know) in Addison’s Walk
How do you relax?
A good playlist while doing yoga and/or park walks. Back at Magdalen I used to walk the path from Addison’s Walk to University Parks.
What’s on your playlist?
Back on 74 by Jungle and as I have just watched Saltburn (filmed in Magdalen) Rent by Pet Shop Boys and Murder on the Dance Floor by Sophie Ellis-Bextor (+ a lot of Flume, Skinshape, and Portishead)
What does a perfect day look like to you?
Any day spent with my best friend, drinking coffee, people watching, catching-up, exploring a neighbourhood and staring at art. Has to end with a good veggie roast dinner.
Let’s finish with your best joke…
I asked ChatGPT here you go:
“The past, present, and future walked into a bar. It was tense.”
