My qualifications gave me an advantage over other candidates applying for my job

What are your main responsibilities?

I work as a Junior School Teaching Assistant at the Manchester Grammar School, one of the largest independent day schools in the country. I primarily work with boys, aged 9-10. The school is academically selective and provides a stimulating and challenging environment for the pupils.

I mostly help out with Maths, English and Art lessons, and administer intervention groups for pupils in the core subjects.

How has your qualification helped your career?

The main pre-requisite for securing my job at the Manchester Grammar School was a good degree from a good university. The vast majority of support staff working here at educated to degree level, if not higher. My qualifications gave me an advantage over other candidates applying.

Do you have any words of wisdom for current philosophy students?

Make the most of being at University! I miss the amount of free time I had to pursue different interests. Sheffield offers such a breadth of modules that you can try so many different topics, in order to find your speciality later on. Don’t be afraid to try courses that may not sound the most appealing to you on the face of it. Some of the modules I enjoyed the most were ones I’d initially had reservations of signing up for. Ultimately, make the most of being part of the best philosophy departments in the country.