I’m very grateful for the hard work of the School of Sociological, Politics and International Relations
Can you tell us about your career path and current role?
I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Sheffield before pursuing a master’s degree at University College London. A key milestone in my career journey was securing my first role with Steamworks, where I began as an Assistant Activity Officer.
I have always been passionate about providing children with fun and engaging opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Through creative activities, hands-on challenges and practical investigations, I aim to spark curiosity and help young people discover the excitement of STEM in an interactive, supportive environment.
After eight months of hard work, I was promoted to Lead Activity Officer. In this role, I not only lead classroom sessions and deliver after-school clubs, but also support and train new Assistant Activity Officers — helping them learn how to build strong relationships with children and create meaningful learning experiences. Last year, we had a particularly successful year, delivering 298 after-school Fab Lab clubs across 23 schools in Sheffield, Rotherham and Chesterfield, as well as 13 holiday clubs across Sheffield.
In what way did your experience at University of Sheffield prepare you for your current career?
I have always wanted to be a teacher, and my experience at the University of Sheffield played a key role in preparing me for this career. During my studies, I frequently sought advice from the Career and Employability Service, which helped me tailor my CV and taught me how to write effective cover letters for specific roles. Studying a dual degree allowed me to engage with teachers from both Sociology and Politics, from whom I learned a great deal. The department also provided personal tutors, who were my first point of contact whenever I faced difficulties or wanted to share aspects of my student life. They were consistently supportive and guided me through challenges. For example, English is not my first language, and during my first year at Sheffield, I sometimes felt lost in my courses and struggled to achieve good grades. With their guidance, I gained the confidence to overcome these challenges and successfully completed my undergraduate degree with Class Two Division One Honours. Additionally, my supervisors provided examples of what makes a good teacher, and I greatly enjoyed being mentored by them. These experiences not only strengthened my academic and personal skills but also inspired me to become a dedicated and effective teacher myself.
Tell us about your time at Sheffield
During my undergraduate study at the University of Sheffield, I joined the Sociology Men’s Football Team. I’ve always felt it’s important to have something you genuinely enjoy and to share that interest with a group of people who feel the same. I was the only Chinese student on the team, but I truly enjoyed playing football with my teammates, and together we won the 6A Campus League. This experience taught me a great deal — especially about the importance of teamwork, having the courage to step forward, and making the most of every opportunity. It also helped me build confidence in engaging with people from different backgrounds.
What advice would you give to students interested in pursuing a similar career to you?
My advice is to be brave and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. Equally important is to be patient and take the time to truly listen to the children you work with. Understanding their needs, interests, and perspectives not only helps them thrive but also allows you to grow and develop as an educator.
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