My current career success wouldn't have been possible without my training at the University of Sheffield.

What are your main responsibilities in your current role?

I design and conduct experiments to further the research project I am a part of. I collect, analyse and publish the resulting data in reputable scientific journals as well as present the findings at relevant conferences, to any collaborators and other research groups. I also manage the lab to make sure it runs smoothly for myself and other researchers in my group. I also train PhD students, as well as supervise and teach MSc students.

Please outline your career history: how did you get to where you are today?

This is my first job after my PhD and even though it is in a different field of research I am thoroughly enjoying it.

Why did you want to come to the University of Sheffield to study your chosen degree?

I was interested in a very particular project and my PhD supervisor's profile was a match. I also spoke to others in the research group and they spoke very highly of my supervisor and the life in Sheffield. I also read student reviews about the University of Sheffield in terms of student experience and felt that the university was great for other aspects of student life.

What were your favourite things about or best memories of the University of Sheffield?

I think the best thing was how easy it was to meet people from other cultures and try out new activities through the student union's Give It A Go programme. The programme also organised trips to other cities and you went as a group so never felt lonely. The Fresher's Week is also phenomenal, they make starting university extremely fun - I remember playing crazy golf with my new friends at crazy hours of the night at the SU.

Please explain how has your qualification and/or time at Sheffield helped you in your career?

I was afraid that not having as much lab or technical experience as other local PhD students here would set me back, but I was wrong. No one judged me, everyone was helpful and I learnt so many new techniques. I learnt how to manage and drive my own project with the right amount of input and guidance from my supervisors. I learnt how to stay up to date with relevant literature and write up my own data for publication. Because of this, I am the expert in the technique I use in my current research group, which I train new students in as well. I am also currently working on my first author publication from my Postdoc.

The University of Sheffield also offers various opportunities to build your portfolio, such as volunteering, teaching, and collaboration opportunities as well as workshops to gain new skills. I taught a module called the Health Challenge to medics, nursing and dentistry students, as well as mentored new PhD students. These opportunities helped me train new/junior members at my current job, I train new PhD students and have my own MSc students to supervise from start to end.

The University also provides assistance with job search - I was able to perfect my resume and cover letter writing skills, and even practiced my interview skills with experts available. This helped me to showcase my skills to my employer and land my current job even though it is in a different field of research compared to my PhD. I was able to show how I can overcome the change in research field whilst applying the skills from my PhD.

I think overall my current employers are happy that they have extended my contract as well as given me two raises. It wouldn't have been possible without training at University of Sheffield.

What has been your greatest achievement to date?

Definitely completing my PhD. It is not for the faint-hearted - a lot of blood, sweat and tears went into it. All my family, friends and myself are extremely proud.