I got the knowledge and confidence needed to pursue my professional career

"Completing my chemistry degree gave me the qualifications I needed to emigrate to Australia permanently. Proving you are worthy of a skill sponsored visa can be difficult at times and would have been near impossible without my degree. 

"The best decision I made during undergrad was a year in industry. I spent my industrial placement year working at Scott Bader, a polymer manufacturer in Northamptonshire. The support you are offered as an intern really helps to shape your professional growth to ensure you excel and flourish after graduation.  The development of skills such as organisation and time management lead to being awarded the Brocklehurst prize (for greatest improvement between penultimate and final year) at graduation. The experience proved invaluable in securing different jobs since graduating, standing out from other applicants and generally preparing you for working life. 

"I was also diagnosed with the traits of dyslexia at the Sheffield Disability and Dyslexia Support Service. The support I received helped massively and made me feel like I didn’t need to struggle alone. 

"I currently work for a surface coatings manufacturer based in Perth, Australia. We are a small, close knit team so my position covers a plethora of different roles between research and development, quality control, production and technical support. I am faced with a new challenge every day and am always on my feet!

"My degree opened numerous doors for my professional development. It gave me the base knowledge and confidence to pursue my career in polymers. I am currently undertaking a work-sponsored e-learning course from the Surface Coatings Association Australia (SCAA) designed for graduates or technical staff of more than five years’ experience. 

"Living and working abroad definitely has obvious benefits, the sunshine, the sea and the wildlife – however, Australia also has a very relaxed way of life, the complete opposite of the hustle and bustle in the UK. If you get the chance to work abroad I fully recommend it!"