Chinwe Njoku

My degree subject mattered and matters still because in my second year of teaching, it became apparent that students were not benefiting from the many workshops, company visits and career opportunities in STEM. I set this up and this is now the third year it's been running.

I am also able to answer students' questions on the real -life applications of the topics they learn in Maths especially Algebra and Trigonometry.

My degree subject has allowed me liaise a lot more easily with companies in providing opportunities for my students.

Post 16 Education: I schooled in Nigeria. We don’t do Alevels but sit one 'big' exam at the end of secondary school on three subjects of your choosing, depending on the course and University you want to study at. In addition to your O Level results, this determines if you get a place there. I chose Maths, Physics and Chemistry (English is compulsory for everyone) because I wanted to study Engineering at University.

Higher Education: BSc (Hons) Electrical / Electronics Engineering; MSc Networked Communications; PhD in Electrical Engineering.

Chinwe’s experience as a student

I initially wanted to study Maths at uni but my parents didn’t think there was a career in Maths so changed my option to Engineering, which still had a huge proportion of Maths in it. I stayed with it till PhD level because of its versatility and solution-focused aspect.

I enjoyed my degree because it gave me the chance to see how stuff worked and engaged my analytical mind. I also had the chance to briefly study other forms of engineering such as mechanical, civil and computer engineering, in addition to Engineering Law. Engineering makes me see practical solutions to problems, a transferable skill across many disciplines. Because of the practical side, I also understood systems of things.

My second degree (MSc) was at Loughborough University thanks to a scholarship from the Africa Development Trust Fund. Life at Loughborough was very interesting and closeknit. The campus setting meant it was like a town inside a town. I could afford not to leave the campus for a month because I could get almost everything I needed on campus.

Staff and students were very friendly, and I still have very close friends from my time there (more than 10 years ago) who I am still in contact with today. Loughborough was such a safe place to be and it felt like I had nothing to fear when walking back home at night given the many security vehicles on patrol. It was a place to get your physical fitness up to scratch, or you might just feel intimidated by runners running in the dead of winter! It holds many pleasant memories for me and truly Loughborough is for life!

Chinwe’s Career

I am currently a Deputy Director of Maths for a secondary school.

I worked as a Research Associate for just over 2 years after my PhD.

I came into teaching thanks to the wonderful Careers' advice service provided by Loughborough University. I spoke to Eve and she recommended the Researchers in Schools programme (for PhD graduates to teach in non-selective state schools in the UK, with salaries augmented by the government) to me. I applied and was accepted to teach Maths in a secondary school in Manchester, and this year makes my 6th year in teaching.