Where are they now?

Name: Samuel Adjepong
Year of Graduation: 2007
Subject studied: Biomedical Science

Samuel currently works as a trainee biomedical scientist and will soon be qualified. He says, ‘this is my ideal job as I will become what I went to uni for’. Samuel didn’t find his ideal job straight away after graduation, he worked in a London hotel as a concierge. However, he found the experience of this work invaluable because it not only got the ‘funds flowing’ as he put it, but also he was able to learn transferable skills that he has taken into his new work environment.

Samuel’s top tips: In the first year be organised then work hard and play hard. Do not forget the reason you are at uni but remember the first year carries less responsibilities and therefore it is your chance to enjoy student life to the fullest. In the 2nd year I would say work hard and play a little. This is when you have to think about life in the third year as it only gets harder. So you have to put yourself in a good position to achieve to the best of your ability. In the final year I will say get on top of things, make sure you are always ahead then have a break. Only reward yourself with playtime if you have earned it by working hard and achieving your goal. That extra effort won’t kill and you will look back after uni and be like "it was definitely worth it"!!

Job hunting: definitely start looking before you finish uni and go for a job that will give you experience even if it is not the one you are looking for; you can only go up from there.

Name: Anne Oyewole
Year of Graduation: 2006
Subject studied: Biology

After graduating Anne completed a Masters by Research (1 year), which gave her the opportunity to build further on the skills and knowledge she acquired at undergraduate level, followed by a year out from studying to work with a local church. Anne says her year out ‘allowed me to develop a number of skills but also enabled me to gain valuable experience such as teaching’. She is now doing a PhD and I very much enjoy what I am doing, I suppose my degree was that start of this journey as it was here that I obtained knowledge and skills that have helped me to develop my career as a scientist.

Anne’s top tips:
Be Organised - Don't leave job hunting until the last minute
Be Proactive - Get out there and speak to people in your subject area e.g. lecturers, postgraduates and people who are in the jobs you might like to apply for.
Make Yourself Known - Send out CV's and covering letters to prospective employers - this shows initiative and eagerness
Be Aware - Make sure you are aware of all your options e.g. jobs (voluntary/ involuntary), postgraduate courses etc.

 

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