Loughborough’s Chemical Engineering course gives you a strong foundation and then lets you put it to work. In my final year I am doing my research project at Tohoku University in Japan, running experiments in the lab and building a computer model to see whether it can predict the results. Doing real research independently, in another country, is teaching me far more than I could ever learn in a lecture theatre.

On this course, no two weeks are the same. From lab work and design projects to group work with people from all over the world, the variety is my favourite thing about my degree. The department also makes it easy to get involved in opportunities beyond the lecture theatre.

The most valuable thing I’ve learned so far is not to take numbers at face value. Whether it is a spreadsheet on a live project or a model in a published thesis, the most useful thing an engineer can do is question the inputs and assumptions, check them against reality, and be able to explain why the answer makes sense.

If you’re thinking of studying Chemical Engineering at Loughborough, my advice is: do the year in industry. It makes the rest of the degree click and it is one of the best routes into a graduate job. Competition is tough, so start early and find a way to stand out. Don't rely only on job boards either: reaching out directly to engineers and Loughborough alumni on LinkedIn gets far more responses. And use the support around you, because lecturers and the placement team are genuinely willing to help if you ask.