Alex Bloom

Biopharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs Consultant at Company: ERA Consulting Ltd, London

My name is Alex Bloom and I studied for a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology between 2005 and 2008. I had originally completed a four year course in Medical Biochemistry at the University of Sheffield and having been impressed by the quality of teaching and facilities within the Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology I decided to stay on for my doctorate.

Studying for a PhD in Sheffield gave me many great opportunities and experiences. I was given the freedom to investigate and develop my scientific understanding and perspective in a supportive, encouraging environment. The structure of the PhD programme allowed me to develop other skills, notably in writing and delivering presentations through public speaking and the opportunity to teach undergraduate students. I was also given the opportunity to take my research in the directions I wanted to, providing me with the creative freedom to nurture the skills needed in the workplace. Because the PhD course is structured in such a way that you are required to achieve certain milestones in order to progress, I never felt overwhelmed by the experience and it left me able to always stay on top of both the research and writing aspects of the course. When it came to the point of finalising my Thesis, the PhD programme had given me the tools to critically assess and defend my research.

Sheffield is a fantastic city and tailor-made for students; both undergraduate and postgraduate. From any aspect be it sporting, social or educational, Sheffield has it all. The University itself has a wonderful, active Students Union offering all manner of courses and clubs to get involved in, as well as a number of great cafes, bars and club nights. The city itself has fantastic shopping centres, nightlife and a real sense of cultural identity. There are many green spaces and parks and the Peak District National Park is just a stones throw away should you need to get out of town. Both people at the University and the local residents of Sheffield were nothing but open, welcoming and friendly throughout my time there.

As both a city and a University, I can't recommend Sheffield highly enough. I'm so glad I chose to study there and I hope you do to!

Finally I would like to add that the PhD programme at Sheffield provided me with the scientific grounding and personal development skills to pursue a career in Industry.