• Question: What did you do to become a scientist?

    Asked by anon-321348 to Jamie on 21 Mar 2022.
    • Photo: Jamie Smith

      Jamie Smith answered on 21 Mar 2022: last edited 21 Mar 2022 2:44 pm

      Hi! Thanks for this question.

      I started out by making sure I engaged with Science lessons at school, choosing to study Triple Science GCSEs (Biology, Chemistry + Physics) and choosing relevant A-Levels (Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths).

      I then had to prepare for University interviews. I had chosen to study Electromechanical Engineering (though I changed after I had got to Uni) so I wanted to try some relevant projects that would show enthusiasm. I used a Raspberry Pi to build an Arcade Machine in my room. This helped a lot as it gave me something to talk about in interviews and showed motivation.

      In my first year at University, I was shown a scheme called Power Academy. This was several electrical/power organisations offering summer placements to students. I applied and was able to do 3 summer placements at UKAEA. They then offered me a job when I left University.

      The key things you need to do are show ability and enthusiasm. Grades are one way of showing this, but doing external projects or research also helps a lot!

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