My time at College was amazing. It was where I learnt more about who I was, discovered which subject I enjoyed most and began to decide what I wanted to study next. One of my most enduring memories is a Biology field trip to Juniper Hall. Spending a couple of days carrying out fieldwork was a great experience and strengthened my ambition to study Biology at degree level. More broadly, College also prepared me for the independent study that forms such a large part of university life.
After College, I went to the University of Exeter to study an integrated master’s degree in Biological Sciences, which as a Russell Group university, offered the research expertise I was looking for in my chosen discipline. I tailored my studies mainly towards Animal Science and continued to build on my interest in fieldwork through a week-long field course studying coral reefs in The Bahamas.
I completed two substantial research projects as part of my degree. My third-year project was based at the University’s Aquatic Resources Centre, where I studied how mussels behaved in response to increasing temperatures and the presence of predators. And more recently, I remotely studied the behaviour of vultures in Mongolia. I used data from accelerometers, devices that measure movement in three dimensions at high frequency to map in detail how the vultures moved – work that also contributed to wider conservation benefits.
Although I began my degree with a strong interest in Biology and Animal Science, these projects helped me identify another area that particularly appealed to me. I realised that the data-heavy parts of both projects were what I enjoyed most. Completing my degree is something I am particularly proud of. I am now looking for a Graduate Data Analyst role in which I can use the analytical and research skills I developed through Biology.
One thing I wish I had done while at College is seek out more work experience. It can be valuable in almost any career area because it may help you understand what you enjoy, build useful evidence for applications, and prepare you for opportunities later.
For students considering a Biology degree, it is important to understand just how broad the subject is. No university can cover every area in the same depth, so look carefully at the topics and specialisms offered by each course rather than relying on the course title alone.
When I was at College, I knew that I wanted to explore marine biology, and the opportunities available at Exeter helped me make my decision. It’s also worth examining the type of research being undertaken by a university and the opportunities available to undergraduate students. Look at the facilities, areas of expertise, field courses and research projects offered by the department you’re thinking of applying to. These may have a major influence on the experiences available during your course and could even help you discover an unexpected career direction.
Reigate College: 2020-2022
Higher Education: MSci Biological Sciences, University of Exeter
Currently: Seeking a Graduate Data Analyst role
