Flexibility within the department gave me the opportunity to explore the different aspects of materials science and engineering.

What are your main responsibilities?

To support projects, specifically for chocolate products in the European market, from a packaging perspective. Supporting projects involve carrying out research, attending project calls, creating/updating specifications, facilitating trials and approving production (commissioning) on the factory lines.

Can you describe a typical day?

A typical day at work will mostly involve the following:

- Project calls to discuss its progression and tasks that need executing.

- Emailing and conversing with fellow colleagues from other teams such as Marketing, 

- Supporting process development such as creating packaging designs and specifications, as well as maintaining accurate packaging specifications. 

- Creating and delivering technical reports on findings, project outcomes and key learnings."

What is the most rewarding aspect of your current role or your greatest career achievement so far?

The most rewarding aspect of my current role is seeing products in projects I’ve worked on, help develop and execute, as well as seeing them sell on the retail shelves.

Are there any challenging aspects? If so, what are they?

The most challenging aspect is when projects progress and obstacles occur, meaning the execution of the project is more complex than initially anticipated. Hence the need to be adaptable and resilient.

What skills/qualifications from your degree or other training do you make use of in your job?

Key skills/qualifications utilised on my job includes:

- Modules that included material properties, selection and processing.

- Skills gained such as team work, communication, problem solving and time management from both taught modules and group projects (GEC, EYH and the Artefacts Project).

- The year in industry has helped me gain experience in a professional working environment, and I feel has prepared me for my career in industry."

How have these skills or your course made a difference in your career?

The knowledge gained from the course has helped give a base to my technical knowledge required for my job role. The soft skills and year in industry has helped me settle into the company and job role by allowing me to anticipate the expectations and carry out tasks comfortably.

Why did you choose to study at Sheffield?

I chose to study at Sheffield because on the open day I was made to feel welcome and could sense the closeness and support within the MSE department. The courses offered and flexibility within the department also gave me the opportunity to explore the different aspects of materials science and engineering before committing to a career path. The university also offers state of the art facilities, equipment and labs which also helps aid my ability to learn and not just from lectures.

Did your time at Sheffield meet your expectations?

My time at Sheffield has met my expectations. I believe I have learnt and taken a lot from both my studies and personal/social life.

What were the best things about studying in the Department?

The best things about studying in the department is the staff in teaching, sharing of industrial experience and support given to all students, no matter the circumstances.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

It is difficult to say where I see myself in the future as I have only started my career as a graduate, but I hope to develop my career in research and development in the fast moving consumer goods industry. Potentially in a managerial role.

If you could give one piece of advice to current students or recent graduates, what would it be?

A piece of advice I would give to current students is to try and gain work experience, whether it be during the summer holidays or a year placement. It is very beneficial to have the exposure and experience in industry to grasp if you would enjoy it and what is to be expected.