Amelia Bowe
MSc Physics and Technology of Nuclear Reactors, 2024
Nuclear Graduate, Energus
Tell us about your current job. Describe what you do on a typical day.
I currently work in nuclear defence and my job involves several projects from stakeholders of the industry as well as internal customers at Rolls Royce (where I have my placement). Data analysis and problem solving, presentations for stakeholders and the wider section, modelling/programming, and report writing are just some of the things I have been involved in, yet there is always opportunity for learning, training and trying new things at Rolls Royce.
As a physics nerd, everything I’ve worked on I've found very interesting. Also, there is very little repetition in this job so it is always engaging and never dull. Overall, I get great satisfaction from learning from others and solving problems and that is definitely mostly what my job involves! So, the job satisfaction score is high!
How do you feel your degree helped you get a job after graduation?
In terms of nuclear technology, my Master's at Birmingham gave me a very solid foundation for seeing how the nuclear industry actually operates in reality, which is impeccable knowledge and so I felt almost guaranteed a job from my course.
What skills from your degree do you think you use most in your current job?
Technical content as well as time management.
What are your top tips for securing a job in the United Kingdom or your home country?
Research the company you are applying for, and prepare well for interviews/assessment centres.
How has your career developed since graduating from the University of Birmingham? Did you need to take additional training on top of your degree?
I have had a fair amount of training in terms of business acumen and professional behaviour. The technical training has been minimal, yet I am hoping to pursue more educational qualifications under CPD in the future. In terms of development, attending conferences and networking with industry professionals has been the most useful and gives me more rounded knowledge of the nuclear industry.
What advice would you give to current and prospective students looking to work in your sector?
Take all opportunities to attend internal and external nuclear conferences. This will help your understanding a lot.
What advice would you give to current students studying on your degree programme?
Start studying for those finals early! Also engage well with the lecturers, they are all very passionate about the subject.
What would you recommend students should do at university, over and above their academic study, to make them more employable in the graduate market?
Take extracurricular activities/qualifications. Really engage with any projects you do academically or elsewise and be able to write/talk well about it as interviewers love to ask questions along the lines of ‘a time you completed a project and developed’. I became quite rehearsed at speaking about my Bachelor's lab project and my Master's dissertation which always went down well in interviews.
Did you take advantage of support services offered by the University for example Careers Network and Wellbeing, and if so, what impact did they have on you?
I found the University careers website very useful for looking for opportunities.
What are your fondest memories of the University and what would you say to anyone currently considering studying at Birmingham?
The nuclear lab was very cool and I loved working there. Campus is gorgeous as well. Most of the lecturers are all very enthusiastic and helpful.
Please tell us about your experience studying and living away from home.
I was very happy away from home, and was able to study in a relaxed environment. I also really connected with other people on my Master's course so always had friends nearby.
Why did you originally apply to Birmingham?
Credentials were impressive, lovely campus and the Master's course was ideal/perfect for my pursuit of working in the nuclear industry.
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