From survival to success: Salford graduate lands key ITV role
Cristina-Nicoleta Wright, who graduates this week from the University of Salford with a distinction in MSc Financial Technology, has secured a sought-after role at ITV as a Master Data Specialist – an achievement made all the more remarkable given the severe and life-altering illness she has overcome.
In 2021, Cristina contracted Covid-19 and developed Covid pneumonitis, resulting in critically low oxygen levels. She spent several months in an induced coma on a ventilator and required a tracheostomy when she regained consciousness. During rehabilitation, she developed a systemic fungal infection that led to rapid neurological decline and paralysis. She was later diagnosed with Critical Illness Neuropathy, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a condition that affects muscle strength, balance, coordination and sensation. Although she has made significant progress, the condition continues to affect her mobility and stamina, requiring careful management of physical activity.
Rebuilding her life meant restarting almost everything at once: her health, her independence, her confidence, and her career. She had long aspired to return to education, and despite the scale of the challenge, Cristina chose to do so a decade after competing her undergraduate degree. This meant balancing full-time work in Financial Shared Services with postgraduate study, physiotherapy, and essential rest.
“Life does not wait for us to feel ready. We grow into our strength by moving, even when the path ahead feels uncertain.” Cristina said. “The only direction left is forward. Every step – however challenging – brings me closer to that outcome.”
Her determination paid off. Alongside earning her distinction, Cristina has stepped into a pivotal data role at ITV, supporting the accuracy, governance and efficiency of financial operations across the organisation – work that draws directly on the analytical and data-driven decision-making skills strengthened during her MSc.
Dr Zeeshan Syed, Lecturer in Finance and Economics, who taught Cristina during her postgraduate degree, said: “Cristina is one of the most exceptional people I have ever taught. Her resilience and work ethic are extraordinary. I am incredibly proud of her.”
Cristina credits her success not only to her determination but to the support of her employer, family, friends, and the University. One of her proudest moments during her MSc came early on, when her team received their first assessment grade – confirming the strength of the team she had selected and the collaborative spirit that shaped the rest of the year.
Based in Greater Manchester, Cristina plans to continue building her professional expertise by pursuing ACCA (The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) accreditation to further deepen her professional credentials.
Responses