Geography and Geology (graduated in 2013)
"My time at Birmingham has greatly influenced my career as it has enabled me to develop the academic and subject specific skills to become a successful science educator in informal educational environments"
What first attracted you to study at Birmingham?
I was drawn to the University of Birmingham as it was a well renowned campus-based university set within a city. This meant that it had a nice community vibe but the bustling city was only a short train ride away if I wanted it.
I was also attracted to the University as it was a member of the Russel Group and the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences had fantastic facilities such as a Museum and high tech labs.
The department staff at open days were also very helpful and friendly – the place had a lovely feel about it!
Can you tell us a little about your career progression since graduation?
Whilst in my third year at Birmingham I won a scholarship to work in the Lapworth Museum of Geology. Here I fell in love with museums and decided that once I graduated I would apply to do a Masters at the University of Leicester.
When I graduated from Leicester I spent a number of months volunteering before I landed a job as a Visitor Services Assistant at the Natural History Museum in London. From there I moved on to work as an Education Officer at the London Museum of Water and Steam before ending up back where I started, at the newly refurbished Lapworth Museum of Geology.
How do you feel your studies have influenced or helped you in your career?
My time at Birmingham has greatly influenced my career as it has enabled me to develop the academic and subject specific skills to become a successful science educator in informal educational environments.
Equally the skills that I developed in relation to research, enquiry and subject delivery, I believe have helped me to take difficult concepts, such as deep geological time, and enabled me to distil the important information and communicate that to a wide range of people.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Being allowed access to the Natural History Museum archives and stores!
What did you enjoy most about your time at Birmingham? Any favourite memories of campus?
Meeting and making lifelong friends! Favourite memories of campus? That’s got to be partying under the shadow of Old Joe during Grad Ball!
What advice would you give to current or prospective University of Birmingham students?
Work hard, but make sure you look up from your books every now and then to make the most of your time in this great city!