Graduate Scientist at the National Nuclear Laboratory
"The best thing about my course was the quality of teaching I received."
PhD Chemistry (2013), School of Chemistry
Please provide a short paragraph detailing how your career has developed since graduating from the University of Birmingham?
Since graduating from the University of Birmingham I have started on a graduate scheme with the National Nuclear Laboratory. I am currently working in the waste management and decommissioning team in Sellafield. The team is dealing with the legacy waste that remains from the UK's nuclear reactors and helps keep the plant operational.
What is the best thing about what you are doing now?
The best thing about my job is the variety of interesting projects that I have been involved in. No day has been the same.
Why did you originally apply to do your chosen course at Birmingham?
Birmingham's beautiful campus and excellent reputation were things that first attracted me to the University.
What were the best points of your course and the University?
The best thing about my course was the quality of teaching I received. I also personally really enjoyed getting involved in the sporting activities at the University, especially the 6-a-side football tournaments.
What advice would you give to current students studying on the course?
I would encourage students to get involved in extra-curricular activities and to gain some work experience whilst they are studying. With such a competitive job market, it is these additional things that will set them apart from the other graduates when job hunting.
How did you grow as a person by studying at the University? Did it change your life in any way?
Studying helped me to understand myself and determine what I wanted from my career. I was also lucky enough to meet my partner within the first few months at the University and we got married in July 2014.