Undergraduate student profiles

We asked some of our students and graduates to share their experiences of studying mathematics and statistics at the University of Sheffield, and to tell us what they've ended up doing with their degree.

"My maths education in Sheffield has prepared me very well for conducting research"

Will Oxley MMath Mathematics

As an undergraduate maths student, will took part in a series of research projects that led to four publications in academic journals. He's now working on a PhD at the University of Cambridge.

"In my opinion, data science is the core of almost every industry"

Yichen Shi (Roy) Financial Mathematics BSc

Financial Mathematics appealed to Roy for its practical applications, and he's now pursuing a career that uses machine learning.

Helen Walls stood smiling in front of a rose bush

"I truly believe my placement year has prepared me for the world of work"

Helen Walls Mathematics with Placement Year BSc

Helen did a placement year as part of her course, which she spent working at Goldman Sachs International as an equity research analyst.

Laura Tracey sat on a rock in front of some mountains and a river

"I'd recommend to anyone to do a year abroad as it gives you so many opportunities to travel without having to take time out of your studies"

Laura Tracey Mathematics with Year Abroad MMath

Laura spent a year of her degree at the University of Wollongong, Australia, exploring the other side of the world while developing her mathematics skills.

Sonia Nayyar in her graduation gown holding her degree certificate

"My degree in maths has given me an excellent grounding in mathematical concepts which I am able to use in my everyday work"

Sonia Nayyar Mathematics BSc

After graduating from Sheffield with a BSc in Mathematics, Sonia went on to work for a financial, actuarial and business consultancy, putting the analytic and logical thinking skills she learned during her degree to daily use.

"My interest in the theory of relativity, developed during the third year of my degree, led me to apply for a six-week project in the field"

Elizabeth Sheppeck Mathematics MMath

Elizabeth spent six weeks over summer studyng the theory of relativity with Dr Sam Dolan as she took part in the Sheffield Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) programme.

"Experiencing different teaching and assessment styles improved my independent study skills"

Annabelle Sheldon MMath Mathematics with a Year Abroad

Annabel spent her year abroad at the University of North Carolina.

"The placement year really helped me to develop a range of skills, including team work, organisation, communication and presentation skills"

Ashis Patel Mathematics with Placement Year BSc

Ashis took part in the University of Sheffield's Degree with Employment Experience scheme to spend a year of his course working for Lloyds Banking Group.

Photo of Tom Miner talking to someone out of sight

"My placement was a great opportunity to test out an industry and a company for a year, with no obligation to continue working there afterwards"

Tom Miner Mathematics with Placement Year BSc

Tom spent a year of his degree working at Unilever, where he is now in a Finance Manager role.

"I really enjoyed the experience, and it has given me a good insight into what studying at a PhD level could be like"

Declan Maurice Mathematics MMath

Declan took part in the Sheffield Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) programme, spending a summer working on number theory and developing his programming skills.