I received support whenever I needed it from the department and university. Mental health is a big issue that many feel uncomfortable talking about, but during my own struggles in my studies the university provided counselling service really helped me. Further, academic support and student support services were always there when I needed them or had questions.
Since graduating from Loughborough summer 2018, I accepted a job offer to join the National Nuclear Laboratory’s (NNL) graduate scheme, which I am about to complete with an offer to join the chemical and process modelling team as a full-time position. I have also become an active Prospect Union representative, supporting equality and worker’s rights in the workplace.
It’s often said that you use only around 5-10% of the technical knowledge you gain during your degree when you graduate and find a job. However, I definitely have used close to 100% of the skills and experience I gained over my five years at Loughborough – such as the often quoted like teamwork and communication.
I definitely developed key skills such as teamwork through the multiple group and paired projects I did over the course of my degree. Naturally, that also improves communication, leadership, problem-solving and ability to work under constraints such as time and pressure. For example, 6 months seems a long time to complete the final year project – but try and do too much and you can ask too much of yourself! Further, there are definitely skills that are developed by putting the effort in to keep the team working well together.