What do you hope to go on and do when you graduate from the University of Leeds?

I am considering further research and study to gain a PhD after I have graduated from the University of Leeds. I have a keen interest of meteorology, the chemistry in the atmosphere and environmental systems and there are plenty of interesting and active research opportunities in these fields. I quite fancy a research post that involves storm chasing in America!

In the long term, I’m keeping my options open. I could continue my interest in the science sector and take up a research type job and even eventually teach at university level. There are many other graduate jobs out there that Chemistry graduates are sought after because of their academic and other transferable skills gained from the course.

What skills and attributes do you think you’ve gained from your course so far?

Analytical, presentation and good time management skills have been very important. We constantly have lots of work to do and deadlines to meet. Having such skills gained and developed during the course is of vital importance, not only in academic work but also transferring these to a job after graduation.

What skills and attributes do you think you’ve gained from co-curricular activities so far?

Public speaking, teamwork and leadership skills. Being involved as an elected committee member of Chemsoc (the Chemistry Society) and the Student Staff Committee has developed my public speaking skills. Being able to direct ideas and findings across a group is important in a working environment, especially when there are many other items going on at the same time. My teamwork and leadership skills have been further developed by being a member of the University of Leeds Swimming Team. Participating in competitions, organising events and the general running of the team has required effective communication with other team members.

How will these skills and attributes help you achieve what you want to do when you graduate?

As with any job, good communication, teamwork and leadership skills are important. Having an analytical mind with good time management will be of value with research based occupations as there will be a limited amount of time, money and resources to carry out the necessary tasks.

How do you think you have benefited from studying at Leeds?

Studying in the School of Chemistry at the University of Leeds, which has been rated as “excellent” and rated 5 star in the Research Assessment Exercise, I have been able to enjoy the benefits of top class education, research and teaching facilities. With Leeds being the 3rd largest city in the UK and the University of Leeds being the 2nd largest university in the UK, I have had the chance to meet a very wide variety of people from all over the UK and the world. Having the chance to meet and make friends with so many people outside my study area has allowed me to appreciate that there is a lot more to going to university than studying. It’s about gaining valuable life experience where you may not be able to get elsewhere, working on your weaknesses and contributing to your strengths.