Put your shyness away and ask your lecturers when you are unsure about anything

Why did you choose Sheffield?

I chose to study at Sheffield following recommendation from a friend and their time at Sheffield. After doing some research on the chemical engineering department and visiting Sheffield, I knew it was the perfect university for me.

More so, Sheffield is known for being a student city, excellent for social life and a fantastic Russell Group university. These mattered to me as a student at the time when I applied to university they are still relevant today.

Why did you decide to do your course and what did you enjoy about it?

Deciding to study chemical engineering with Spanish came from my desire to combine all my A Level subjects (maths, Spanish and chemistry) into one career due to how much I enjoyed them all. Enrolling into the integrated masters meant I would fulfil four years of study with an accredited Masters of Engineering as a result.

Furthermore, I relished the opportunity to study abroad in Madrid, Spain as part of my degree. I was able to further my Spanish communication skills and network on an international level.

The project works and experience of studying with engineers across the faculty have made the entire four years of studying chemical engineering highly enjoyable.

How did the department support you?

Throughout my studies at Sheffield, the department student support office and members of staff were readily available to help with any issues that arose.

Prior to my study abroad, the department provided support and advice by arranging meetings with study abroad students who previously took a similar course structure.

The careers service has been highly educative and supportive in ensuring students in their final year have the upper-hand and knowledge when applying for jobs and being successful at interviews.

From industrial visits career days and departmental speed networking events with alumni, all these have aided in understanding my choices for the future and attaining employment after graduation.

Sheffield is known for being a student city, excellent for social life and a fantastic Russell Group university. These mattered to me as a student at the time when I applied to university they are still relevant today

Anne is a Graduate Process Engineer in Mott MacDonald MM Bentley division. Tell us about your job as a process engineer.

I work for the Mott MacDonald MM Bentley division in South Wales as a Graduate Process Engineer in the water unit.

This entails process design projects alongside Dŵr Welsh Water for their wastewater treatment plant. My role will involve designing and improving process systems and units with colleagues, carrying out safety analysis and casual consultancy work with clients for data acquisition.

In addition, I will be training to obtain chartered engineer status at the end of my graduate program with the help of my mentor and supervisor.

Looking back what advice would you give to your first year self?

Make sure you work more than you play! Put your shyness away and ask your lecturers when you are unsure about anything. It’s never embarrassing to acquire understanding on something you struggle with.

Read more articles about the changing world around you. One never knows where the future takes you and you end up working within a sector you previously read about.

Get involved within a society at the university, applying for a committee post; more to talk about at interviews and showcase yourself.